Ricardo Calvache - Engineering Freelancer / Plant Design Project Engineer

Q: Where is Ricardo based?

Ricardo is based in Cologne, Germany .

Q: What languages does Ricardo speak?

Ricardo speaks the following languages: Spanish (Native), German (Advanced), English (Advanced), Polish (Advanced) .

Q: How many years of experience does Ricardo have?

Ricardo has at least 30 years of experience. During this time, Ricardo has worked in at least 8 different roles and for 26 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 2 months . Note that Ricardo may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Ricardo's latest experience?

Ricardo's most recent position is Engineering Freelancer / Plant Design Project Engineer at Dipl. Ing. SCHERZER GmbH .

Q: What companies has Ricardo worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Ricardo has worked for Dipl. Ing. SCHERZER GmbH , EIKO Anlagenbau Prüfungsges mbH , KLK OEO Emmerich , CAD PRO Germany GmbH , and Voith Hydro Heidenheim .

Q: Which industries is Ricardo most experienced in?

Ricardo is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing , Energy , and Construction . Ricardo also has some experience in Chemical , Retail , and Professional Services .

Q: Which business areas is Ricardo most experienced in?

Ricardo is most experienced in business areas like Product Development , Project Management , and Procurement and Purchasing . Ricardo also has some experience in Operations .

Q: Which industries has Ricardo worked in recently?

Ricardo has recently worked in industries like Energy , Chemical , and Construction .

Q: Which business areas has Ricardo worked in recently?

Ricardo has recently worked in business areas like Product Development , Project Management , and Procurement and Purchasing .

Recommended expert

Cologne, Germany

Experience

Mar 2024 - Feb 2025

1 year

Engineering Freelancer / Plant Design Project Engineer

Dipl. Ing. SCHERZER GmbH

Planning and design of plants using AutoCAD Plant 3D, Inventor, Advance Steel, Navisworks
Review of planning documents such as concepts and design reports, R&ID
Processing and creation of pipe classes
Creation and development of piping routes in 3D plant models
Creation of isometrics of piping systems and special supports
Coordination of involved trade specialists, foundation planning
Consulting in project development and execution of projects in plant engineering, chemical engineering, and refinery construction
Coordination with suppliers for basic engineering and tender preparation
Management of all relevant engineering activities to create a technical concept (scope definition)

Oct 2023 - Dec 2023

3 months

Engineering Freelancer / Plant Design Project Engineer

EIKO Anlagenbau Prüfungsges mbH

Planning and design of plants using AutoCAD Plant 3D, Inventor
Creation and development of piping routes in 3D plant models
Creation of isometrics of piping systems and special supports

Mar 2023 - Aug 2023

6 months

Engineering Freelancer / Plant Design Project Engineer

KLK OEO Emmerich

Consulting in project development and execution of projects in plant engineering, chemical engineering, and refinery construction
Planning and design of plants using AutoCAD Plant 3D, Inventor, Advance Steel, Navisworks
Review of planning documents such as concepts and design reports, PID, R&ID, construction documents, process engineering design
Creation and development of piping routes in 3D plant models
Creation of isometrics of piping systems and special supports
Coordination of involved trade specialists, foundation planning
Conducting technical negotiations with suppliers and customers
Process engineering system meetings
Support of the lead project engineer and the engineering team and participation in procurement
Review of approval documents

Oct 2022 - Feb 2023

5 months

Engineering Freelancer / Plant Design Project Engineer

CAD PRO Germany GmbH

Consulting in project development and execution of projects in plant engineering, chemical engineering, and refinery construction
Planning and design of plants using AutoCAD Plant 3D, Inventor, Advance Steel, Navisworks
Review of planning documents such as concepts and design reports, PID, R&ID, construction documents, process engineering design
Creation and development of piping routes in 3D plant models
Creation of isometrics of piping systems and special supports
Coordination of involved trade specialists, foundation planning
Conducting technical negotiations with suppliers and customers
Process engineering system meetings
Review of approval documents

Oct 2021 - Sep 2022

1 year

Engineering Freelancer / Plant Design Project Engineer

Voith Hydro Heidenheim

Creation of detailed 3D models and power plant layouts (CAD/BIM/REVIT, Solid Edge)
Support of the lead project engineer and the engineering team
Creation of power plant layouts and 3D piping design
Integration of subsystems, piping, and electrical cable routes in CAD
Detail engineering including creation and processing of parts lists
Support of BIM collaboration on the Autodesk platform, release of 3D models in the cloud
Support in project communication through CDE (Aconex)
Participation in BIM-related meetings
Review of planning documents such as concepts and design reports, PID, R&ID, construction documents, process engineering design
Support of the lead project engineer and the engineering team and participation in procurement
Review of approval documents

Nov 2020 - May 2021

7 months

Engineering Freelancer / Plant Design Project Engineer

Pergande GmbH

Planning and design of plant systems using AutoCAD Plant 3D, Inventor, Advance Steel
Creating and updating piping layouts in 3D plant models
Creating isometrics of piping systems and special supports
Coordinating involved disciplines, foundation design
Leading technical negotiations with suppliers and clients
Creating and editing P&ID flow diagrams
Reviewing planning documents such as concepts and design reports, P&IDs, R&IDs, construction documents, and process engineering designs
Supporting the lead project engineer and engineering team and assisting with procurement
Reviewing permit documents

Jul 2020 - Oct 2021

1 year 4 months

Engineering Freelancer / Plant Design Project Engineer

Krauss Mafei Extrution GmbH

Planning and design of plant systems using AutoCAD Plant 3D, Inventor, Advance Steel
Creating and updating piping layouts in 3D plant models
Creating isometrics of piping systems and special supports
Coordinating involved disciplines, foundation design
Leading technical negotiations with suppliers and clients
Creating and editing P&ID flow diagrams
Reviewing planning documents such as concepts and design reports, P&IDs, R&IDs, construction documents, and process engineering designs
Supporting the lead project engineer and engineering team and assisting with procurement
Reviewing permit documents
Conducting Rohr2 stress calculations

Aug 2019 - Jun 2020

11 months

Engineering Freelancer / Plant Design Project Engineer

VTA Verfahrenstechnik und Automatisierung GmbH

Planning and design of plant systems using AutoCAD Plant 3D, Advance Steel, MicroStation, PSDS, and ProjectWise (Bentley)
Creating and updating piping layouts in 3D plant models
Creating isometrics of piping systems and special supports
Developing tie-in concepts for four stations (VGO, sulfur-containing gas oils, HC slurry oil, cyclohexane)
Coordinating involved disciplines, foundation design
Using 3D laser scanning technology for recommissioning of the cyclohexane plant and modeling existing piping systems in the 3D CAD system
Leading technical negotiations with suppliers and clients
Creating and editing P&ID flow diagrams
Conducting Rohr2 stress calculations
Reviewing permit documents

Mar 2019 - Jun 2019

4 months

Engineering Freelancer / Plant Design Project Engineer

Bauer Resources GmbH

Creating piping systems in 3D with AutoCAD Plant 3D
Refurbishment of Perimeter I to III northwest of the Kessler mine
Using 3D laser scanning technology and converting data into the CAD system (AutoCAD Plant 3D) for special ventilation and water systems
Modeling the existing plant in the 3D CAD system
Creating and updating piping layouts in 3D plant models
Creating isometrics of piping systems and special supports
Creating P&ID flow diagrams
Reviewing planning documents such as concepts and design reports, P&IDs, R&IDs, construction documents, and process engineering designs
Supporting the lead project engineer and engineering team and assisting with procurement
Reviewing permit documents

Sep 2018 - Feb 2019

6 months

Engineering Freelancer / Plant Design Project Engineer

Martinswerk

Creating and updating piping layouts in 3D plant models
Modeling a new spray tower in 3D
Modeling ten new crystallization vessels in 3D
Using 3D laser scanning technology and converting data into the CAD system (AutoCAD Plant 3D Autodesk 2018) for special equipment and machinery
Creating isometrics of piping systems, special supports, and material take-offs
Creating layout and piping system drawings
Conducting stress calculations of piping systems with AutoPipe and Rohr2
Conducting as-built surveys of piping layouts
Leading technical negotiations with suppliers and clients
Regular project tracking and monitoring using in-house controlling tools
Creating P&ID flow diagrams

Aug 2018 - Sep 2018

2 months

Engineering Freelancer / Project Engineer Plant Planner

KINETICS Germany GmbH

Creation and development of piping routes in 3D plant models using AutoCAD Plant 3D (Autodesk 2018)
Creation of isometric drawings of piping systems, special supports and material take-offs
Creation of layout and piping systems
Recording of existing piping routes
Creation of P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams)
Support of the lead project engineer and the engineering team and involvement in procurement
Review of permitting documents

Jul 2018 - Jul 2018

1 month

Engineering Freelancer / Project Engineer Plant Planner

Fichtner Bauconsulting

Creation and development of piping routes in 3D plant models using Revit (Autodesk 2018)
Creation of layout and piping systems
Design of building services for ventilation, heating and plumbing
Creation and editing of P&ID diagrams

Apr 2018 - Jun 2018

3 months

Engineering Freelancer / Project Engineer Plant Planner

Engie GmbH

Installation of a CHP module for efficient heat and power generation
Creation and development of piping routes in 3D plant models using AutoCAD Plant 3D (Autodesk 2018)
Design of building services for ventilation, heating and plumbing
Creation of isometric drawings of piping systems and special supports
Creation of layout and piping plans
Recording of existing piping routes
Creation of piping and instrumentation diagrams and editing of P&ID flow diagrams as well as process flow diagrams with component tags
Conducting technical negotiations with suppliers and customers
Regular project tracking and monitoring using in-house controlling tools

Mar 2018 - Mar 2018

1 month

Engineering Freelancer / Project Engineer Plant Planner

Amproma GmbH

Design tasks in mechanical and plant engineering using Inventor (Autodesk 2018)
Performing technical calculations as well as evaluating and selecting equipment
Creation of documentation

Aug 2017 - Nov 2017

4 months

Engineering Freelancer / Project Engineer Plant Planner

Engineering Dobersek GmbH

Creation and development of piping routes in 3D plant models using AutoCAD Plant 3D (Autodesk 2017)
Layout and design of production plants
Creation of piping systems in 3D with AutoCAD Plant 3D
Independent and self-directed preparation of piping concepts and detailed planning
Creation of piping and instrumentation diagrams and editing of P&ID flow diagrams as well as process flow diagrams with component tags

Jan 2016 - Jul 2017

1 year 7 months

Engineering Freelancer / Project Engineer Plant Planner

Cementos Pacasmayo / Cementos Argos

Taking over and handling complex and extensive planning tasks with Inventor (Autodesk 2017)
Supporting and advising cement plants in mechanical engineering for plant optimization and updating technical documentation
Independently designing the implementation concept of a plant optimization
General process design and review including the most suitable pyroprocess technologies
Reviewing planning documents such as concepts and design reports, PID, R&ID, construction documents, process engineering sizing
Supporting the lead project engineer and the engineering team and assisting in tendering
Reviewing permit documents

Apr 2014 - Dec 2015

1 year 9 months

Engineering Freelancer / Process Engineer Plant Planner

Progressive Mindworks GmbH

Participating in the development of the software "Cementpyro" and its components for the cement industry
Creating and further developing piping routes in 3D plant models with AutoCAD Plant 3D (Autodesk 2017)
Designing equipment, pressure vessels, machines, and steel structures with Inventor and Advance Steel (Autodesk 2017)
Basic and detail engineering and performing stress calculations with specific software according to standards (AutoPipe, Rohr 2)
Coordinating interfaces between trades in plant engineering
Obtaining approvals from clients, technical coordination of planning with clients as well as suppliers/partners and construction companies

Jul 2008 - Mar 2014

5 years 9 months

Layout and Pyroprocess / Engineer Plant Planner

KHD Humboldt Wedag

Designing and planning thermal plants in the cement industry (heat exchangers, rotary kilns, coolers) with Inventor 2010, Advance Steel
Taking over and handling complex and extensive planning tasks including checking completeness and compatibility with product status and execution specifications
Independently designing the implementation concept of a planning order for the tender and execution phase
Coordinating supporting departments, subcontractors/partners, and external design service providers
Maintaining contact and participating in negotiations
Independently coordinating procurement requests for pumps, conveying machines, and special machinery in plant engineering
Contributing to the acquisition of new projects

Jan 2007 - Dec 2007

1 year

Engineering / Process Engineer Area Sales Manager

A TEC Produktion & Service GmbH

Taking over and handling complex and extensive planning tasks including checking completeness and compatibility with product status and execution specifications
Independently designing the implementation concept of a planning order for the tender and execution phase
Contributing to the acquisition of new projects in Latin America
Reviewing planning documents such as concepts and design reports, PID, R&ID, construction documents, process engineering sizing
Supporting the lead project engineer and the engineering team and assisting in tendering
Reviewing permit documents

Jan 2004 - Dec 2005

2 years

Engineering / Technical Manager

Energea Umwelttechnologie GmbH

Managing interfaces in multidisciplinary biodiesel projects
Coordinating procurement requests for equipment, pressure vessels, columns, heat exchangers, pumps, compressors
Coordinating supporting departments, subcontractors/partners, and external design service providers
Creating and further developing piping routes in 3D plant models with CATIA

Jan 2001 - Dec 2003

3 years

Trade / Manager

Eurobusiness S. A.

Monitoring and controlling deadlines, budgets, and costs of challenging projects
Project controlling and resource management
Organizing and attending meetings and workshops
Acting as communication interface between project stakeholders
Documenting and reporting project progress

Jan 1996 - Mar 2000

4 years 3 months

Engineering / Technical Manager

GNC Holding AG

Taking on and handling complex and extensive planning tasks, including checking for completeness and compatibility with product status and execution requirements
Independently drafting the execution concept for a planning assignment during the offer and order phases
Experience leading project teams and in project management
Leading technical negotiations with suppliers and clients
Project tracking and monitoring with internal controlling

Sep 1993 - Nov 1995

2 years 3 months

Engineering / Project Engineer

VAMED Engineering

Construction of a CHP module for efficient generation of electricity and heat
Independently drafting the execution concept for a planning assignment during the offer and order phases
Planning, tendering, and site supervision of building services engineering for heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and sanitary systems
Leading technical negotiations with suppliers and clients
Project tracking and monitoring with internal controlling

Mar 1993 - Aug 1993

6 months

Engineering / Project Engineer

Energieplan GmbH

Independently drafting the execution concept for a planning assignment during the offer and order phases
Planning, tendering, and site supervision of building services engineering for heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and sanitary systems
Leading technical negotiations with suppliers and clients
Coordinating and liaising with other trades and owners

Aug 1992 - Feb 1993

7 months

Engineering / Project Engineer

Architektur & Generalplanung GmbH

Independently drafting the execution concept for a planning assignment during the offer and order phases
Planning, tendering, and site supervision of building services engineering for heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and sanitary systems
Leading technical negotiations with suppliers and clients
Coordinating and liaising with other trades and owners

Mar 1991 - Jul 1992

1 year 5 months

Engineering / Project Engineer

Projektplanung GmbH

Independently designed the execution concept for a planning contract during the bidding and order phases
Planned, tendered and oversaw construction of technical building equipment for heating, air conditioning, ventilation and plumbing
Led technical negotiations with suppliers and clients
Coordinated and liaised with other trades and clients

Industries Experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time. Longer bars indicate deeper hands-on experience, while shorter ones reflect targeted or project-based work.

Experienced in Manufacturing (15.5 years), Energy (7 years), Chemical (6 years), Construction (6 years), Retail (3 years), and Professional Services (0.5 years).

Manufacturing

Energy

Chemical

Construction

Retail

Professional Services

Business Areas Experience

The graph below provides a cumulative view of the freelancer's experience across multiple business areas, calculated from completed and active engagements. It highlights the areas where the freelancer has most frequently contributed to planning, execution, and delivery of business outcomes.

Experienced in Product Development (22 years), Project Management (18 years), Procurement (13 years), and Operations (12 years).

Product Development

Project Management

Procurement

Operations

Summary

Many years of professional experience as a 3D designer in piping construction and layout planning in the process industry and 3D laser scanning technology
Equally extensive experience in machine design and mechanical component engineering
Good knowledge of various industry-specific software, especially 3D planning tools like AutoCAD Plant 3D, Advance Steel, Inventor, MicroStation, PSDS Projektweise, SolidWorks, AutoPIPE, Rohr2
Excellent knowledge of relevant regulations and industry standards, especially EN 13480
Confident, customer-oriented approach with good communication skills and project leadership
Use of 3D laser scanning technology and modelling of existing piping systems in a 3D CAD system

Skills

Ms Office
Ms Powerpoint
Inventor (Autodesk)
Advance Steel (Autodesk)
Autocad Plant 3d (Autodesk)
Autocad P&i (Autodesk)
Revit 2018 (Autodesk)
Pro/engineer Wildfire
Solidworks 2017
Solid Edge 2022
Ansys 15
Microstation 3d, Psd And Projektweise (Bentley)
Autopipe Stress Analysis (Bentley)
Rohr2 Stress Analysis

Languages

Spanish

Native

German

Advanced

English

Advanced

Polish

Advanced

Education

Sep 1988 - Mar 1990

Vienna University of Technology

Doctoral studies in Mechanical Engineering · Mechanical Engineering · Vienna, Austria

Sep 1978 - Nov 1984

Cracow University of Technology

Mechanical Engineering studies · Mechanical Engineering · Kraków, Poland

Profile

Created

June 2025

Last Update

November 2025

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.

Where is Ricardo based?

Ricardo is based in Cologne, Germany.

What languages does Ricardo speak?

Ricardo speaks the following languages: Spanish (Native), German (Advanced), English (Advanced), Polish (Advanced).

How many years of experience does Ricardo have?

Ricardo has at least 30 years of experience. During this time, Ricardo has worked in at least 8 different roles and for 26 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 2 months. Note that Ricardo may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Ricardo be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Ricardo would be well-suited for roles such as: Engineering Freelancer / Plant Design Project Engineer, Engineering Freelancer / Project Engineer Plant Planner, Engineering Freelancer / Process Engineer Plant Planner.

What is Ricardo's latest experience?

Ricardo's most recent position is Engineering Freelancer / Plant Design Project Engineer at Dipl. Ing. SCHERZER GmbH.

What companies has Ricardo worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Ricardo has worked for Dipl. Ing. SCHERZER GmbH, EIKO Anlagenbau Prüfungsges mbH, KLK OEO Emmerich, CAD PRO Germany GmbH, and Voith Hydro Heidenheim.

Which industries is Ricardo most experienced in?

Ricardo is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing, Energy, and Construction. Ricardo also has some experience in Chemical, Retail, and Professional Services.

Which business areas is Ricardo most experienced in?

Ricardo is most experienced in business areas like Product Development, Project Management, and Procurement and Purchasing. Ricardo also has some experience in Operations.

Which industries has Ricardo worked in recently?

Ricardo has recently worked in industries like Energy, Chemical, and Construction.

Which business areas has Ricardo worked in recently?

Ricardo has recently worked in business areas like Product Development, Project Management, and Procurement and Purchasing.

What is Ricardo's education?

Ricardo holds a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from Vienna University of Technology.

What is the availability of Ricardo?

Ricardo is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Ricardo?

Ricardo's rate depends on the specific project requirements. Please use the Meet button on the profile to schedule a meeting and discuss the details.