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#LoveMySafran Job - “I work for an inspiring, dynamic and exciting company”

Human resources

While Math isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, Rafael Carino is a wizard with numbers! As Chief Financial Officer at Safran Helicopter Engines Brasil, his analyses provide vital input for key strategic and operational decisions. He’s also building a solid international career. Read on to learn why Rafael loves his job!

Réunion d'équipe
Safran Helicopter Engines Brasil was the first international site created by Safran Helicopter Engines in 1977. Initially dedicated to Arriel 1 operations in Latin America, Safran Helicopter Engines Brasil expanded in 2003 with the implementation of its Customer Support team and MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) facility located in Rio de Janeiro.

After earning an engineering degree from one of Brazil’s top universities, Rafael Carino had no trouble finding work: “I’ve always enjoyed understanding how vehicles and machines are built, so starting out in production was an obvious choice. I’d heard about Safran when I was a student intern at GE. And I’d also come across the future CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, who later contacted me to offer me an internship, and subsequently a job after graduating. It just goes to show how networking can pay off!”.

 

From the outset, Rafael was assigned management responsibilities. He proved to be a natural.

“I like leading a team towards a shared goal, getting the best out of people by helping them to grow their skills and overcome hurdles. It’s a source of personal and professional fulfillment.”

First international experience

Safran Helicopter Engines Brasil, the company’s first site outside France, set up almost 45 years ago, is in Xerém, 50 km (31 mi) from Rio de Janeiro. A great location that’s popular with tourists, but Rafael didn’t think twice about leaving it to take up a five-year assignment in the United Kingdom. He made the move in 2015, with some 12 years of experience already under his belt at Safran Helicopter Engines Brasil, first as Cash & Credit Manager and then as Controlling & Cash Manager.

 

Rafael was in for a very different lifestyle – and that’s exactly what he wanted!

“Ever since I was a child, I’ve been interested in how other people live, work and enjoy life around the world. When I joined Safran, I knew it would mean having the opportunity to work abroad, and I made it clear right away that I was keen to take up an international assignment.”

His UK colleagues’ reaction to his accent when he first arrived still brings a smile to his face – and he hasn’t gotten over how seriously the British take their weather! “Of course, I also learned a lot professionally, like managing a team in a different country and negotiating with key customers. Plus, it gave me the chance to find out more about Safran’s business activities in Europe.”

Rafael CARINO, Chief Financial Officer at Safran Helicopter Engines Brasil

“Working for one of the world’s biggest aerospace companies is really motivating!”

Rafael returned to Xerém in late 2020 to take up the role of Chief Financial Officer at Safran Helicopter Engines Brasil. At the age of 40, he leads a team of 19 people, in charge of the company’s financial, legal and IT departments.

 

“My main challenges today are to support the company’s digital transformation and to make the financial function more efficient by streamlining tools and processes,” he explains. Rafael puts a lot of energy into his new role and he’s proud to be part of a company he describes as “dynamic, inspiring and exciting”. He readily admits:

“working for one of the world’s biggest aerospace companies is really motivating, “especially since Safran has earned an excellent reputation in Brazil for high-quality, reliable products. Another aspect I really appreciate is how Safran values its employees, and the way it actively encourages innovation and is committed to sustainable development.”

When he’s not at work, Rafael enjoys working out at the gym. He’s also a keen reader, with a particular interest in biographies. His current favorite read is Lights Out, a best-seller about the history of GE over the last 30 years. Rafael loves his job but is still eager to take up another international role in a few years’ time so he “can step outside of his comfort zone again”, build on his skills and explore another new culture. And guess what? France is on his shortlist!

Réunion d'équipe
Safran Helicopter Engines Brasil was the first international site created by Safran Helicopter Engines in 1977. Initially dedicated to Arriel 1 operations in Latin America, Safran Helicopter Engines Brasil expanded in 2003 with the implementation of its Customer Support team and MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) facility located in Rio de Janeiro.

Career history:

2021 - present: CFI, Safran Helicopter Engines Brasil

2015 - 2020: Vice President Finance, Safran Helicopter Engines UK

2007 - 2015: Controlling & Cash Manager, Safran Helicopter Engines Brasil

2004 - 2006: Cash & Credit Manager, Safran Helicopter Engines Brasil

2004: Production Engineering Degree, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) de Niteroi, Brazil