Facundo Cruz Ponce
Corpus Christi
Summary
Operations-focused Chemical Operator with hands-on experience in high-temperature calcination, refinery operations, and large-scale mining and process manufactering environments. Strong understanding of process controls, safety systems, and field and control room operations. Known for clear communication, consistent documentation, and the ability to break down complex processes into practical, easy-to-understand steps. Safety-driven and detail-oriented, with a strong interest in supporting plant-wide training, onboarding, and operational standardization.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chemical Operator – Calcination
Tesla
Robstown
04.2025 - Current
- Operate and monitor high-temperature calcination systems supporting lithium refining operations.
- Control key process variables and explain operating conditions clearly during shift handovers and team discussions.
- Perform field rounds and control room monitoring, recognizing abnormal conditions and taking appropriate action.
- Execute startups, shutdowns, and alarm response while strictly following safety procedures.
- Apply strong process safety principles and reinforce safe work practices on shift.
- Collect samples, review operating data, and communicate trends, deviations, and lessons learned.
- Work closely with maintenance and engineering during ramp-up and troubleshooting activities.
- Maintain clear, detailed shift logs that support consistency and knowledge transfer across crews.
- SSO certified
Exit Operator / Quality Control Inspector
Steel Dynamics
Sinton
11.2020 - 01.2025
- Operated and inspected product in a galvanized finishing mill while maintaining strict quality standards.
- Led a crew of four and supported less-experienced team members through clear communication and guidance.
- Tested and sampled product, removed scrap, and monitored line performance.
- Reinforced safety expectations and quality requirements during daily operations and shift transitions.
- Supported facility startup and operational readiness during construction and commissioning phases.
Warehouse Manager – Mining Equipment
Prein Chile Ltda
Santiago
01.2013 - 03.2014
- Managed logistics and inventory for mining equipment, lubricants, and consumables.
- Supported multiple mine sites by ensuring accurate material flow and documentation.
Leach Operator / Welder
Codelco
Santiago
03.2011 - 01.2013
- Worked as a leach operator in a large-scale copper mining operation.
- Monitored system temperatures and process conditions using multiple software platforms.
- Communicated deviations and operating concerns to support safe, continuous production.
- Built foundational experience in chemical processing, heavy equipment, and industrial safety culture.
Education
Bachelor of Applied Science - Organizational Management & Leadership
Del Mar College
Corpus Christi, TXAssociate of Science - Aviation Maintenance – Airframe Applied Technology, Aviation Powerplant Applied Technology
Del Mar College
Corpus Christi, TXSkills
- Calcination & High-Temperature Processing
- Field & Control Room Operations (DCS / HMI)
- Startup, Shutdown & Upset Response
- Process Safety (LOTO, Hot Work, Confined Space, PPE)
- Sampling, Quality Awareness & Documentation
- Shift Handover Communication
- Troubleshooting & Process Awareness
- Heavy Industrial & Mining Environments
Certification
- SSO Certified
- TWIC Card
Certifications Safety Credentials
- SSO Certification
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
- Overhead Crane Certified
- TWIC Card
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Technical Safety Skills
- Calcination & High-Temperature Processing
- Field & Control Room Operations (DCS / HMI)
- Startup, Shutdown & Upset Response
- Process Safety (LOTO, Hot Work, Confined Space, PPE)
- Sampling, Quality Awareness & Documentation
- Shift Handover Communication
- Troubleshooting & Process Awareness
- Heavy Industrial & Mining Environments
Training Operations Strengths
- Explaining processes clearly and consistently
- Reinforcing safe work practices and Life Critical rules
- Project Management Certification - Ensign College
- Supporting onboarding and knowledge transfer informally on shift
- SOP understanding and procedure adherence
- Identifying gaps between written procedures and real-world operation
- Coaching through alarms, upsets, and abnormal situations
Timeline
Chemical Operator – Calcination
Tesla
04.2025 - Current
Exit Operator / Quality Control Inspector
Steel Dynamics
11.2020 - 01.2025
Warehouse Manager – Mining Equipment
Prein Chile Ltda
01.2013 - 03.2014
Leach Operator / Welder
Codelco
03.2011 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Applied Science - Organizational Management & Leadership
Del Mar College
Associate of Science - Aviation Maintenance – Airframe Applied Technology, Aviation Powerplant Applied Technology
Del Mar College