Armando Castillo, Project Manager in Singapore, Singapore
Armando is available for hire
Hire Armando

Armando Castillo

Verified Expert  in Project Management

Bio

Armando is a program manager, senior project manager, and a Scaled Agile coach and transformation lead with success stories of leading various projects in B2C and B2B organizations. Recently, he spearheaded the effective adoption of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) at Rockwell Automation in Singapore and drove digital process transformation across the entire program. Armando is proficient in Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid methodologies.

Project Highlights

Scaled Agile Adoption and Digital Process Transformation
Implemented the full adoption of SAFe for a complex program. Created real-time and automated operational metrics, from planning increments to execution, and enabled full transparency and traceability of program activities and value deliveries.
Micro800 Programmable Logic Controller Development
Delivered on time the development of the Micro800 controller for Rockwell Automation, addressing the growing demand for small, cost-effective, and versatile programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that could be used in various applications.
Flex 5000 Distributed I/O Module Development
Managed the development of the Flex 5000 distributed I/O module for industrial automation application.

Expertise

  • Agile Coaching
  • Confluence
  • Jira
  • Jira Align
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Microsoft Project
  • Project Management
  • Release Train Engineer (RTE)

Work Experience

SAFe RTE – Agile Transformation Lead

2021 - 2024
Rockwell Automation
  • Played a crucial role in planning, executing, and managing SAFe adoption, digital process transformation, and training for 130+ team members and stakeholders, leading to a seamless transition and improved efficiency.
  • Enhanced team collaboration and achieved timely removal of impediments by leading the program's SAFe adaptation and effectively facilitating program increment planning and execution.
  • Integrated Atlassian-based tools for workflow management and issue handling throughout the program planning and execution.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration as a servant leader and an Agile coach and mentor for different campuses in Singapore, India, and China.
  • Solved operational problems by conducting Agile release train (ART)-level retrospectives, driving risk mitigation, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals and Agile principles.
  • Established and automated operational dashboards and metrics to monitor, assess, and analyze the real-time performance and health of the train, providing program transparency and actionable insights for continuous improvement.

Solutions – Technical Project Manager

2019 - 2021
Continental Automotive Systems
  • Performed overall program management for connectivity product development, collaborating with the client's automotive development group to ensure product requirements were jointly reviewed and agreed upon before planning and execution.
  • Led the planning, execution, and monitoring of deliverables from the feasibility phase to manufacturing, adhering to the company and client's best interests aligned with organizational best practices.
  • Managed value deliveries of the program utilizing blended SAFe and Waterfall development methodologies and Atlassian-based tools.
  • Oversaw program risks and financials, driving the resolution of complex problems and removing impediments to ensure seamless progress.
  • Established business KPIs and automated metrics for effective program tracking, providing regular development progress reports to local management and the customer.
  • Maintained consistency and traceability of deliverables and reports, enhancing transparency and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.

Program & Senior Project Manager

2015 - 2018
Rockwell Automation
  • Directed multimillion-dollar global industrial automation projects through all phases, from conceptualization to mass production, meeting time-to-market goals.
  • Managed resources and finances, maintaining detailed project plans and schedules and negotiating resource requirements to meet project goals in time, budget, and quality.
  • Oversaw capital expenditures (CapEx), scheduling, and project risks. Implemented project management across functional areas, supporting business and marketing strategies to optimize new and existing product performance.
  • Influenced change and process improvements within the business, developing tracking methods and systems and presenting updates to senior management.
  • Partnered with business management and 3rd-party development partners to resolve complex problems, delivering timely values and cost-effective quality solutions.
  • Developed business metrics for tracking program and project performance relative to business goals and success criteria.

Project Manager

2013 - 2015
Electrolux
  • Led a multidisciplinary team across global locations, managing product compliance, ensuring project deliverables through all phases, and adhering to the marketing business brief and product requirements.
  • Prepared and monitored development schedules, material costs, CapEx, and resources, achieving project milestones. Managed risks, scope changes, and dependencies and presented monthly updates to stakeholders.
  • Launched one refrigeration project and three washing machine projects. Improved the time-to-market and established and implemented best practices.

Project Manager

2010 - 2013
Rockwell Automation
  • Directed multimillion-dollar industrial automation projects from conceptualization to post-production, adhering to customer requirements.
  • Managed development schedules, bill of materials (BOMs), budgets, and resources, ensuring completion of targets and documentation.
  • Led cross-functional teams across global locations, managing project risks and scope changes. Presented regular monthly updates to the leadership and stakeholders.

Senior Project Manager

2007 - 2010
Sennheiser electronic
  • Managed the complete project lifecycle for new product development, leading cross-functional teams and managing budgets.
  • Communicated with stakeholders and partners globally, standardizing project cost and budget estimations. Created efficient monitoring systems for development expenses and CapEx.
  • Led the successful development and launch of high-end wireless earphones and headphones.

Assistant Principal Engineer

2000 - 2006
Panasonic
  • Led product development from design to market launch, ensuring performance, reliability, and compliance with quality standards.
  • Managed value engineering, cost reduction, and new parts sourcing.
  • Initiated and executed design simplification and parts standardization, enhancing productivity.
  • Developed wireless home audio, mini-component systems, and portable VCD players, leading cost reduction initiatives through redesign.

Project History

Scaled Agile Adoption and Digital Process Transformation

Implemented the full adoption of SAFe for a complex program. Created real-time and automated operational metrics, from planning increments to execution, and enabled full transparency and traceability of program activities and value deliveries.

I managed 130+ cross-functional teams during the 2.5 years of Scaled Agile transformation and program execution. I also established and automated operational metrics to monitor, assess, and analyze the ART's real-time performance and health, providing insights for continuous improvement.

To transform the program effectively into a digital operation, I spearheaded the adoption and utilization of Atlassian and data analytics tools. I led scrum of scrums and train synchronizations and facilitated planning, iterations, retrospectives, and innovation planning. I also reported quarterly on the program's status and accomplishments to the management and key stakeholders.

Micro800 Programmable Logic Controller Development

Delivered on time the development of the Micro800 controller for Rockwell Automation, addressing the growing demand for small, cost-effective, and versatile programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that could be used in various applications.

I managed the end-to-end development of multimillion-dollar Micro800 industrial automation projects, covering all phases, from conceptualization to post-production support. I prepared and monitored project plans aligned with the voice-of-the-customer requirements and marketing needs, adhering to project schedule, budget, and resource constraints. I also oversaw development schedules, product BOMs, project budgets, and resource allocation throughout the project lifecycle.

Additionally, I led cross-functional, multicultural teams across various global locations, coordinating efforts of hardware, firmware, test engineers, marketing, regulatory, compliance, industrialization, and strategic purchasing teams. I also managed program dependencies remotely with other Rockwell Automation campuses and partners, coordinating with engineering functions in the US, India, and China. Finally, I managed project risks and scope changes and provided monthly status reports to key stakeholders.

Flex 5000 Distributed I/O Module Development

Managed the development of the Flex 5000 distributed I/O module for industrial automation application.

I directed and coordinated internal and external cross-functional engineering teams, comprising hardware, software, firmware system testing, and regulatory compliance, as well as non-engineering functions. With this diverse team, I drove the development of the Flex 5000 distributed I/O modules, series 5094 and 5069, from conceptualization to manufacturing and program closure phases.

I defined the project team's resource requirements, which supported the completion of project goals and deliveries concerning time, budget, and scope. I also managed CapEx, scheduling, planning, project risks and mitigations across multiple functional areas, and coordination outside development resources, factoring in product acquisitions.

Additionally, I oversaw project finances across all functions and developed, maintained, and tracked detailed project plans and schedules, meeting time-to-market goals. I monitored internal and external dependencies and drove issue resolution and closure to keep the projects on track.

Development of Wireless Earphones and Headphones

Managed development and launch of the "market's 1st untethered high-end earphones" and top-seller low-latency wireless headphones for Sennheiser.

I managed multiple teams of external design partners, internal engineering and compliance teams, and external manufacturing partners to conceptualize low-latency, high-end earphone and headphone products up to mass production.

I created and optimized the development schedule to meet the fastest time-to-market of untethered wireless earphones, which was nine months from the concept phase to the product launch. I collaborated on multi-campus activities and dependencies and managed project financials and risk mitigations to ensure the on-track launch of wireless products.

Education

1985 - 1989

Bachelor's Degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering

Mapua Institute of Technology - Manila, Philippines

Certifications

MAY 2023 - MAY 2025

Lean Portfolio Management (LPM)

Scaled Agile, Inc.

NOVEMBER 2021 - NOVEMBER 2026

SAFe Release Train Engineer (RTE)

Scaled Agile, Inc.

JULY 2019 - JULY 2025

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Institute

Skills

Tools

Jira, Confluence, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Power BI, Miro, IBM Rational ClearQuest, IBM Rational ClearCase

Paradigms

Agile Project Management, Key Performance Metrics

Platforms

SharePoint

Other

Jira Align, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Office, Project Management, RiskMetrics, Schedule Optimization, Stakeholder Engagement, Resource Management, Issue Management, Release Train Engineer (RTE), Scrum of Scrums, Digital Transformation Program Management, Stakeholder Management, Mentorship & Coaching, Project Scheduling, Travel, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Issue Tracking, Risk Management, Microsoft Project Server, Project Management Office (PMO), Project Management Professional (PMP), Cross-departmental Collaboration, ChatGPT, Agile Coaching, Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), Program Management, Analytical Dashboards, Scrum Master, Customer Engagement, Vendor Management, Financial Reporting, Agile Program Management, Complex Program Management, SAP, Digital Electronics, Hardware Development, Lean Portfolio Management, Contract Management, Budget Controls, Regulatory Compliance, Vendor Selection

Collaboration That Works

How to Work with Toptal

Toptal matches you directly with global industry experts from our network in hours—not weeks or months.

1

Share your needs

Discuss your requirements and refine your scope in a call with a Toptal domain expert.
2

Choose your talent

Get a short list of expertly matched talent within 24 hours to review, interview, and choose from.
3

Start your risk-free talent trial

Work with your chosen talent on a trial basis for up to two weeks. Pay only if you decide to hire them.

Top talent is in high demand.

Start hiring