Gonzalo Nowotny joined Tecpetrol as a Supply Chain intern in Buenos Aires in early 2025. Today, as a Pad Operations Engineer in the Neuquén Basin, he is part of the team keeping Vaca Muerta running and works closely with suppliers from the ProPymes network. His story is one of rapid growth, jumping from the office to the field.

With an Industrial Engineering degree from the National Technological University (UTN) in Haedo opening up a wide range of career options, Gonzalo Nowotny wasn’t initially sure which direction to take. While finishing his final courses, he joined Tecpetrol’s Supply Chain team in Buenos Aires as an intern. At 23, he had no idea just how quickly that first step would reshape his career.

How did you get started at the company?

Joining the Techint Group had always been a goal of mine. While I was applying, I was invited to Expo Techint, where they introduced us to the different companies in the Group. That was when I first came across Tecpetrol. They showed us a video about the construction of the Perito Moreno gas pipeline and how the Group companies worked together to deliver such a huge project. I was immediately drawn to it—the scale, the number of people involved and the sense of purpose behind it. That was what really convinced me.

What did you discover once you were inside the company?

When I first saw that video, I assumed a project of that size must depend mostly on huge international companies. What surprised me was discovering how many Argentine companies are actually part of Tecpetrol’s value chain and how important they are to everything happening in Vaca Muerta. The other thing that really struck me was the level of responsibility some of these suppliers take on, like operating cranes that move equipment weighing many tons, where safety is absolutely critical—and they’re local companies. In fact, they’re an essential part of the operation. Later, once I moved to the field, I was able to see that firsthand.

​Making the move to working in the field in the Neuquén Basin

And what was it like making the transition from the office to working in the field?

I spent about a year in Buenos Aires, until I finished my internship. I graduated in March, this opportunity came up, and I decided to go for it. That’s how I ended up in the Neuquén Basin in May 2026. My first three assignments were at Los Toldos II Este, near the CPF (Central Processing Facility). After that, I moved to Puesto Parada, and now I’m at Fortín de Piedra. My experience with ProPymes was a big help because many of the companies I had worked with from Buenos Aires are actually based here.

Now that you’re on the other side and rely on some of those services yourself, how do you see ProPymes’ role?

It’s essential. The companies in the value chain need to keep improving—whether that means optimizing and making their processes more efficient, expanding what they can do or raising the quality of their services. ProPymes supports them through that process, helping them become stronger and more competitive. The goal isn’t to develop suppliers that work only for Tecpetrol. We want suppliers that can perform at a high level for us, for other operators and for Vaca Muerta as a whole.

Challenges, learning, and life in a diagram

How has your previous role helped you in your current position?

It helped me understand what has to happen behind the scenes to keep the operation moving. In Buenos Aires, I saw the strategic side of the business; here, I see how those decisions play out in the field. A good example is the recent work we’ve been doing to improve the “last mile” of sand transportation. It might sound like a small detail, but moving the amount of sand required by the operation is a huge logistical challenge. My time with ProPymes gave me a solid foundation for understanding how the industry works: first I got to know the individual pieces, and now I can see how they all fit together.

What has the move to Neuquén brought you personally and professionally?

Moving here really broadened my perspective. It helped me understand the scale of the operation and what people actually do day to day. At first, everything can seem pretty overwhelming when someone walks you through the whole process, but I found it all started to fall into place. I loved that. The industry really drew me in and made me want to keep learning.

It does take commitment because it’s a big change. You’re away from your family and friends, and that part isn’t easy. You miss birthdays, get-togethers and moments you’d like to be there for. But for me, it’s been worth it. When an opportunity like this comes along, you have to be willing to take it. The experience has complemented my time in the office perfectly, and I’d definitely encourage others to try working in the field, even if it’s just for a while.

What other lessons would you highlight?

I’m constantly learning from the people, who are from very different teams and backgrounds. Getting out of the Buenos Aires bubble is refreshing, especially because people in the field are always willing to explain what they do and share their experience. You learn a lot just by talking to them. I’ve also gained a much deeper appreciation for everything it takes to keep an operation like this running. It’s one thing to see a project on paper and another to see the people behind it, working on site every day. That has also helped me understand much more clearly why supporting local suppliers and jobs through ProPymes matters.

How has your personal life changed since you’ve been in Neuquén?

It’s completely different. I’m currently on a 14/7 rotation, so when I’m back home in Buenos Aires I try to make the most of the time with my friends, my partner and my family. But when I’m here, I want to make the most of this experience too. There’s so much happening at the field that I feel I could spend years here and still have more to learn. That’s one of the things I find most exciting about it.