John F. Otero
Salt Lake City,United States
Summary
Metallurgical professional with comprehensive background in material analysis, process optimization, and quality assurance. Known for collaborative approach and ability to deliver results in dynamic environments. Expertise in metallurgical testing, process improvement, and analytical mindset ensure reliability and adaptability.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Utah
08.2020 - Current
- Designed and demonstrated Drop-Tube Reactor for experimental study of zinc ferrite formation in steel making off-gas cleaning systems, achieving specific testing conditions and determining its unfavorable formation range for potential implementation of in-process separation technology
- Performed thermodynamic and kinetic calculations, data analysis, and powder characterization to find kinetic model, accounting for the temperature, particle residence time, and partial pressure effects on fluid-solid reactions
- Managed safe operation of high-temperature reactor along with powder and gas supplies using comprehensive safety protocols
- Participated in regular meetings with project supervisors, providing progress updates and discussing potential challenges or areas for improvement.
BIG Idea Challenge Co-Team Leader
NASA
08.2022 - 11.2023
- Developed novel two-stage Carbonyl Iron Refining (CIR) process at lab scale for separating and collecting reduced iron suitable for additive manufacturing as solution to steel production on the moon starting from lunar regolith
- Investigated and applied technical expertise in metallurgy, materials science, and engineering to address system design challenges and verified the formation of iron powder in the CIR process
- Conducted comprehensive powder characterization using SEM-EDS, particle size, and pycnometer analysis
- Trained, administered, and collaborated effectively with a multidisciplinary team to achieve project goals, resulting in the team being awarded the top Artemis Award for its best potential contribution to the Artemis mission
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
Metallurgical/Chemical Intern
Freeport-McMoRan
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Collaborated with a team of engineers for the analysis of pipe blockages and technical support in metallurgical/chemical testing of copper leaching piles
- Implemented a new Pregnant Leach Solution (PLS) flow measurement control system at the leaching pads, conducted on-site data collection, and comprehensive data analysis for process optimization and quality assurance
- Integrated an automatic pipe-washing system into the leaching pad operations to enhance safety, process optimization, and reduce costs through continuous washing operations
- Recognized for outstanding performance during the internship and invited to share the project at the final conference of the 2017 Summer Intern Program
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
Mine Process Management Intern
Codelco
01.2013 - 02.2013
- Improved drilling and blasting operations by maximizing tricone bit and explosive usage efficiency and implemented data-driven management dashboard through Key Performance Indicators (KPI) tracking
- Developed comprehensive cost models for drilling and blasting operations, minimizing costs through data analysis of drilling machine performance, tricone bit consumption, drilling mesh based on field observations, type of explosive used, and post-blasting rock mass fragmentation
- Prepared detailed reports on drilling and blasting operations, identifying opportunities for enhancing efficiency and safety in future projects
Education
PH. D Candidate - Metallurgical Eng.
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT12.2024
Generalist Engineering & Master of Engineering - Double Degree Program
École Centrale De Lille
Lille, France09.2019
Industrial Chemical Engineering Diploma - Chemical Engineering
Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile
Santiago De Chile08.2019
Master of Engineering - Mechanical And Metallurgical Engineering
Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile
Santiago De Chile08.2019
Skills
- High Temp Chem Processing
- Hydrometallurgy
- Applied Thermodynamics and Kinetics
- Rate Processes
- Advanced Fluid-Solid Reaction Eng
- Materials Science
- Direct Conversion of Energy
- Fluid Mechanics
- Operations Management
- Probability & Statistics
- Java/Javascript
- MATLAB, AMPL, Python
- Microsoft Office
- HSC Chemistry, Catia V5
- R-project, Minitab, @Risk
- Self-Directed and Motivated
- Aspen Plus V11
- Process Evaluation, Data Analysis
- Thermodynamic and Kinetic Analysis
- DOE Testing Methods
- Characterization techniques
- XRD, SEM-EDS, PSD
- Process Improvement
- Mathematical Modeling
- Motivating Teams
- Recruitment and hiring
Awardsandscholarships
- Member of Tau Beta Pi, 2024
- Outstanding Ph.D. Candidate in Metallurgical Engineering Award, 2023-2024
- NASA BIG Idea Challenge Artemis Award, 2023
- Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, 2022-2023
- Tuition Benefit Program Scholarship, 2020
- MECESUP Scholarship, 2015
Publications
- A Review of Steelmaking Dust: Formation and Zinc Recovery, J. F. Otero, H. Y. Sohn, N.-Y. Ma, 2024
- The Mechanism and Kinetics of Zinc Ferrite Formation in Steelmaking Processes – A Review, J. F. Otero, H. Y. Sohn, N.-Y. Ma, 2024
- Production of Steel from Lunar Regolith through Carbonyl Iron Refining, J. F. Otero et al., NASA BIG Idea Challenge, 2023
- Generation of a new cellulosic electrode coating with SMAW welding process, J. F. Otero, J. Ramos, Research Journal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 2019
Hobbies and Interests
- Process Engineering
- Metallurgy
- Materials Science
- Mining
- AI Applications
- Chemical Production Processes
- Innovation
- Safety
- Data Analysis
- Kinetics
- Productivity
- Thermodynamics
- Heat & Mass Transfer
- Project Assessment
- Reading Economy
- Sustainability
- National & International News
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
French
Full Professional
English
Full Professional
Timeline
BIG Idea Challenge Co-Team Leader
NASA
08.2022 - 11.2023
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Utah
08.2020 - Current
Metallurgical/Chemical Intern
Freeport-McMoRan
05.2017 - 08.2017
Mine Process Management Intern
Codelco
01.2013 - 02.2013
PH. D Candidate - Metallurgical Eng.
University of Utah
Generalist Engineering & Master of Engineering - Double Degree Program
École Centrale De Lille
Industrial Chemical Engineering Diploma - Chemical Engineering
Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile
Master of Engineering - Mechanical And Metallurgical Engineering
Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile