ATHANASIOS GKIATAS
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Larissa,GREECE
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Mechanical Engineer with a robust academic foundation and over 14 years of professional experience in product development, R&D, and project management. Proven expertise in medical device innovation, industrial manufacturing processes, and HVAC & renewable energy solutions, combined with a strong passion for designing impactful projects and leading teams to achieve exceptional technical outcomes. Resourceful in organizing business operations, overseeing financials, and managing resources to ensure seamless project execution. Skilled in monitoring production schedules and budgets while identifying challenges and implementing effective solutions to drive success.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Project Manager
SteMar HVAC & Photovoltaics
07.2022 - Current
- Company Overview: Solar energy & HVAC projects
- Led the design and development of photovoltaic (solar) plant as well as HVAC systems, optimizing layouts and configurations to achieve maximum energy production and efficiency.
- Managed documentation for grid compliance and administrative permits.
- Designed and developed detailed plans and specifications for metal structures, including beams, and supports, ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.
- Conducted energy consumption inspections and simulations to optimize efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.
- Supervised and guided technician teams, ensuring adherence to technical guidelines and health & safety protocols.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
Drug Device development expert
Pharmathen S.A
09.2020 - 06.2022
- Company Overview: Pharmaceutical drug device industry
- Defined material specifications (polymers & plastics) and device applications in collaboration with the Quality Affairs team.
- Developed technical directives for QC testing of materials and prototype devices per USP/EP standards.
- Managed external partners (laboratories, production site) for the development of administration devices and packaging materials.
- Assisted in obtaining FDA approvals & CE mark authorization and preparing technical documentation for class III medical devices.
Quality Assurance and Risk management engineer
Micrel Medical
08.2017 - 08.2020
- Company Overview: Infusion pumps manufacturer
- Coordinated vigilance procedures and liaised with EU Competent Authorities (ANSM, MHRA, Bfarm, SwissMedic) on Field Safety Notices and FSCA.
- Conducted comprehensive product risk analysis to identify potential hazards and assess associated risks throughout the product lifecycle.
- Developed and implemented advanced statistical tools to analyze trends in customer complaints, providing actionable insights to improve product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate findings into corrective actions and enhance overall product quality and service delivery.
Angioplasty Balloon development engineer
TE Connectivity LTD
06.2016 - 07.2017
- Company Overview: Medical Balloon & stent systems
- Designed and developed angioplasty balloon products per customer specifications using advanced materials (Nylons, Pebax, Polyurethanes).
- Collaborated with clients to define balloon performance requirements for PTA, PTCA, and vascular occlusion applications.
- Developed and optimized machine recipes for prototype production using stretch blow molding technology.
Production supervisor and machinery maintenance engineer
Rontis A.G
02.2010 - 05.2016
- Company Overview: Medical devices manufacturer
- Developed and manufactured medical balloon components for balloon catheter production.
- Designed, fabricated, and refined metallic and glass molds for balloon forming.
- Led the development and optimization of balloon forming processes, adhering to high-quality and regulatory standards.
- Led production planning efforts and coordinated daily operations for a team of 20 operators and technicians, ensuring efficient workflow, optimal resource allocation, and alignment with balloon catheters production targets.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and efficiency.
- Analyzed operational issues and contributed to the installation and qualification of new manufacturing equipment.
- Collaborated closely with the R&D team to support idea generation, testing, and project implementation.
Education
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Patras
Pátrai, Greece 04.2001 -
Skills
- Software & Design tools: Mechanical Design (AUTOCAD, SolidWorks 3D), Finite element analysis (ANSYS), JIRA
- Engineering: Root Cause Analysis, Process Optimization & Lean Manufacturing, Production Planning & Scheduling, Equipment Calibration & Maintenance, Health & Safety
- Problem-Solving & Analysis: Critical Thinking, Statistical Data Analysis, Energy Efficiency Optimization, Risk Management
- Soft Skills: Team Leadership, Effective Communication, Collaboration
Project management
Project planning
Team collaboration
Risk management
OTHER INFO
- Member of the Technical Chamber of Greece, register nr. 117593/2008
- Established Health and Safety inspector, register nr. 191619/2022
- Established Lead Auditor for ISO 14001 (TUV)
- Passenger Car & Motorcycle driving licence
Timeline
Project Manager
SteMar HVAC & Photovoltaics
07.2022 - Current
Drug Device development expert
Pharmathen S.A
09.2020 - 06.2022
Quality Assurance and Risk management engineer
Micrel Medical
08.2017 - 08.2020
Angioplasty Balloon development engineer
TE Connectivity LTD
06.2016 - 07.2017
Production supervisor and machinery maintenance engineer
Rontis A.G
02.2010 - 05.2016
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Patras
04.2001 -