gabriel vanni

I am a Chemical and Metallurgical Engineer (Ph.D.) with 8+ years of experience in failure analysis, hydrogen embrittlement studies, mechanical testing, and microstructural evaluation of steels and alloys, primarily for the oil & gas industry.

At LAMEF (UFRGS), I collaborate with global companies, conducting fracture toughness testing, JR curve evaluations, and SEM-based failure investigations, delivering technical reports that guide design improvements and prevent critical failures. My expertise spans ASTM, NACE, and API standards, as well as SolidWorks design for test fixtures.

I am passionate about solving complex engineering challenges involving material degradation, corrosion, and mechanical integrity, ensuring safety and reliability in demanding industrial environments.

Metallurgical and Chemical Engineer (Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering) with 8+ years of expertise in failure analysis, hydrogen embrittlement studies, fracture toughness testing, and microstructural evaluation of steels and alloys, primarily for the oil & gas industry. Skilled in SEM operation, JR curve analysis, mechanical design for testing (SolidWorks), and metallurgical consulting for multinational companies. Currently preparing for an EB-2 NIW green card and open to work visa sponsorship (H-1B).

Key Skills

• Failure Analysis & Fractography
• Hydrogen Embrittlement 
• Fracture Toughness 
• SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) & Microstructural Characterization
• Corrosion & Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC)
• SolidWorks: Design of Test Fixtures
• Project Management & Technical Reports
• Standards: ASTM, NACE, API
• Cross-functional Communication with Global Teams

Professional Experience

LAMEF – UFRGS, Brazil
Metallurgical Engineer / Researcher – GECOR Group (2017 – Present)
- Lead metallurgical investigations for global oil & gas companies, delivering technical reports on material degradation, fatigue, and fracture mechanisms.
- Execute fracture toughness and hydrogen embrittlement testing under severe conditions.
- Operate and analyze SEM images for failure root-cause determination and microstructural studies.
- Design mechanical testing devices using SolidWorks, overseeing machining and implementation.
- Manage project budgeting, client communication, and compliance with international standards.

Languages

• Portuguese: Native
• English: Advanced (technical and professional)
• Italian: Fluent (dual citizenship – EU passport)

Education

Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering, UFRGS – Ongoing (Research focus: hydrogen embrittlement in high-strength steels – 4330V alloy)
M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, UFSM
B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, UFSM