For Nathaniel Araujo, a Reliability Engineer at our C&H Sugar® Crockett Refinery in California, working at our company is both a connection to his past and a foundation for his future. A Bay Area native and a keen baker, Nathaniel was familiar with the iconic C&H® Sugar brand long before he joined our organization. Today, he plays a vital role in ensuring the machinery we rely on to help produce our products runs smoothly and operates efficiently.
As a Reliability Engineer, Nathaniel is on the front lines of proactive maintenance. He manages predictive technologies like vibration analysis, ultrasonic testing and oil sampling. His work is a blend of forward-thinking strategy and rapid problem-solving, all aimed at one goal: keeping the refinery’s equipment running reliably.
Nathaniel’s path to the Crockett Refinery began at California Baptist University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. During his senior year in 2022, a recruiter reached out about an opening in the Graduate Development Program (GDP) at the Crockett Refinery—about 20 minutes from where he grew up in Concord.
The opportunity to work for a well-known and respected brand right in Nathaniel’s backyard was a perfect fit, and he jumped at the opportunity. He interviewed and secured the job in February 2022, a welcome relief before finishing his final semester. Just ten days after getting married, he began his career with the organization.
The GDP exposed him to various departments, including Packaging, Processing and Maintenance, giving him a holistic view of refinery operations. In January 2024, six months ahead of schedule, his strong performance led to his promotion to Reliability Engineer.
Nathaniel has tackled complex challenges that have made a significant impact. Last year, he led a project to replace a large grain syrup tank. He developed a creative solution to install a new tank in an open area, avoiding the need for structural changes. The project required careful coordination and planning with the Process, Quality and Packaging departments.
Nathaniel's hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, he and a colleague were nominated as EHS (Environment, Health and Safety) Star Global Finalists. This nomination recognized their significant contributions to operational excellence, highlighting Nathaniel’s ability to deliver impactful results early in his career.
When asked what he enjoys most about his job, Nathaniel points to two things: the people and the problem-solving. “It’s really the people in my department that make the job great,” he said. “I enjoy working with them, and it truly makes the job worth coming to.” He finds deep satisfaction in tackling the refinery’s complex challenges.
His colleagues feel the same way. Maintenance Team Manager Leon Ward, who works closely with Nathaniel, praises his growth and dependability. “Nathaniel is a great resource for our department – he is knowledgeable and diligent, someone I can always depend on and trust to do the right thing, at the right time,” said Leon. “He consistently goes above and beyond for the greater good of the Maintenance department and the company as a whole.”
From a graduate engineer to a key player in the refinery’s reliability, Nathaniel has quickly become an invaluable member of the team. His technical skills, collaborative spirit and proactive mindset embody the qualities of our organization.