Hi, I'm Paula 👋

I'm a Civil Engineer with a passion for large infrastructure, ambitious land development, commercial and residential construction, and sustainability. Originally from Brazil, I've worked in diverse and challenging environments ranging from tropical Rio de Janeiro to coastal California and snowy Ohio. Today, I'm constructing the future in the Bay Area.

I'm a Civil Engineer with a passion for large infrastructure, ambitious land development, commercial and residential construction, and sustainability.

Design Engineer at Sandis
Based in San Jose, CA
M.S., Civil Engineering
Fluent in multiple languages
February 2016 - July 2018

M.S., Structural Engineering

Under the distinguished mentorship of Flávio de Andrade Silva, I conducted original lab research on steel fiber reinforced concrete and applied it to prestressed concrete railroad ties. This resulted in an increase in the load-carrying capacity, energy absorption, and service life of railroad infrastructure. I presented these results at the International BCCM Conference.

February 2011 - December 2015

B.S., Civil Engineering

In an effort to improve the characteristics and environmental sustainability of soils, I led a study which developed alternative soil mixtures using ash from urban solid waste. As a nationally ranked STEM student and a CAPES scholarship recipient, I had the honor of spending a year of my Bachelors study at the University of Cincinnati and CSU Long Beach.

Professional Experience

I've had the pleasure of conducting research in world-class labs, working alongside accomplished engineers on commercial and residential projects, and bridging solutions across international borders.

Download my Résumé

Design Engineer, Sandis

February 2020 - Present
  • Responsible for the design of multiple commercial, residential and industrial developments including office buildings, solar plants, hotels, and schools in a diverse range of regions with differing laws and standards
  • Created construction plans including site, grading, drainage and utility designs
  • Developed comprehensive earthwork calculations and SWPP plans
  • Aided in construction administration by managing RFIs and material submittals
  • Regularly conducted site visits and performed QA/QC assessments
A few of the clients I worked with

Associate Engineer, Artech

July 2018 - March 2019
  • Under the supervision of experienced engineers, performed core engineering functions for residential and commercial construction projects, including site walk downs & reports, blueprint drafts, and construction guidance
  • Collaborated with architects and city officials to verify plans
  • Participated in client meetings and helped guide revisions
  • Coordinated with construction site leads, aiding in blueprint interpretation, hand-off and planning for execution

Postgraduate Researcher, PUC Rio

February 2016 - July 2018
  • CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher-Level Personnel) scholarship recipient
  • Conducted experimental study of steel fiber reinforced concrete and its application to railroad ties, which resulted in an increase to the load-carrying capacity, energy absorption, and service life of railroad infrastructure
  • Partnered with manufacturers of prestressed concrete and railroad ties
  • Presented significant results at the International BCCM Conference
  • Led a team of four interns

Undergraduate Researcher, PUC Rio

July 2015 - December 2015
  • Conducted mechanical tests using fiber reinforced cementitious materials for construction purposes

Engineering Intern, CSU Long Beach

June 2014 - August 2014
  • Partnered with multiple construction companies, including CW Driver, BuildingPoint Midwest, HSE and Snyder Langston
  • Developed site logistic plans, schedules and estimates
  • Engaged in construction site visits and on-the-job learning

Research Assistant, PUC Rio

July 2012 - December 2013
  • CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development) scholarship recipient
  • Led an experimental study which developed alternative soil mixtures that used ash from urban solid waste to improve soil characteristics and increase environmental sustainability
  • Recipient of the PUC Rio Sustainability Award

Involvement

  • Teacher Assistant, PUC Rio
  • Construction Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity
  • Orphanage Volunteer, MVC

Languages

  • English (Fluent)
  • Portuguese (Native)
  • Spanish (Working)
  • German (Elementary)

Skills

  • Civil 3D
  • AutoCAD
  • Bluebeam
  • SAP2000
  • Revit
  • Microsoft Project
  • Primavera P6
  • MATLAB

Interested in working together?

I'm currently considering full-time civil engineering roles in the Bay Area. If you're part of an ambitious and forward-thinking team that is ready to welcome a hard-working and fast-learning teammate, we just may have a match.