Hello, I’m

John Cotelo

Mechanical Engineering Student

University of Florida

I'm a mechanical engineering student at the University of Florida with experience in product development, undergraduate research, mechanical design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing. I enjoy turning open-ended technical problems into practical, testable solutions.

Professional headshot of John Cotelo

Gainesville, FL

Mechanical DesignProduct DevelopmentTesting & ValidationResearch & Automation

About

Engineering with a hands-on mindset

I study mechanical engineering at the University of Florida and expect to graduate in December 2027. My interests include mechanical design, product development, research, aerospace, automotive engineering, testing, and manufacturing.

I'm drawn to work that combines analysis with hands-on building and experimentation. Through undergraduate tribology research, product-development work at Lutron, Formula SAE, computer refurbishment, CAD-based customer projects, and automotive repair, I've learned to approach problems methodically and keep iterating until a solution works in the real world.

Over time, I hope to grow into an engineer who can lead technical projects and teams while staying close to the design, testing, and manufacturing work that makes products successful.

Experience

Learning by designing, testing, and building

Professional, team, mentorship, and independent work that has shaped how I approach engineering problems.

May 2026 - Present

Gainesville, Florida

UF Bio/Materials Tribology Lab

Undergraduate Research Assistant

  • Designed, fabricated, and installed a custom camera mount and lighting assembly to improve imaging consistency.
  • Integrated automated video recording into an existing Python GUI, synchronizing video capture with experiment execution.
  • Repaired and operated a compression molding system to fabricate polyethylene specimens for tribology testing.

May 2025 - August 2025

Austin, Texas

Lutron Electronics

Design and Development Engineer Intern

  • Designed, prototyped, and validated a structural enclosure for the next generation of adjustable downlights.
  • Used NI FlexLogger test data to optimize thermal performance, reducing operating temperature by 20%.
  • Engineered custom tools and an installation process to streamline field installation and reduce error.
  • Reworked a manufacturing tool to increase production capacity by four times while reducing manual handling.

August 2025 - Present

Gainesville, Florida

Gator Motorsports

Suspension Team Member

  • Design, manufacture, test, and install parts for a formula-style race car built for competition.
  • Fabricate carbon-fiber test panels used to evaluate the structural performance of the vehicle's unibody chassis.
  • Apply mechanical design principles while collaborating within a multidisciplinary student engineering team.

August 2025 - Present

University of Florida

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

SHPEducation Advisor and Mentor

  • Organize academic, career-planning, and professional-development support for more than 100 members.
  • Mentor two underclassmen through academic, professional, and personal challenges with actionable guidance.

June 2023 - Present

Computer Refurbishment Entrepreneur

Founder and Operator

  • Built a small-scale refurbishment business, restoring more than 40 computers for resale.
  • Diagnose hardware and software issues and use testing protocols to confirm continued system performance.
  • Translate complex technical specifications into accessible, tailored hardware solutions for customers.

May 2023 - July 2023

Discount Cabinets

Design and Sales Associate

  • Drafted CAD models for remodeling projects using precise measurements and tolerances to support proper installation.
  • Contributed to more than $300,000 in kitchen and bathroom sales while assisting over 40 clients.
  • Performed post-installation evaluations to confirm design specifications and system functionality.

May 2022 - July 2022

Discount Cabinets

Office and Operations Coordinator

  • Coordinated communication among field installers, vendors, and clients to resolve operational challenges.
  • Oversaw inbound and outbound logistics, optimizing workflow to support timely project completion.

Featured projects

A selection of technical work

Projects across product development, automotive systems, software, embedded hardware, and hands-on troubleshooting.

Python / Hardware Integration

Blackfly Camera Control System

A Python application for controlling a FLIR Blackfly camera, including detection, live preview planning, configurable settings, error reporting, and video capture integration.

  • Python
  • PySpin
  • Spinnaker SDK

Mechanical Design / Product Development

Adjustable Downlight Development

Mechanical development and testing for an adjustable lighting product with demanding packaging, motion, and thermal requirements.

  • Mechanical Design
  • Prototyping
  • Thermal Testing

Automotive Engineering

Formula SAE Suspension Work

Design and testing work completed as part of the University of Florida Formula SAE suspension team.

  • CAD
  • Composites
  • Vehicle Systems

Mechanical Design / Team Project

Differential & Suspension Model

A functional differential and coil-spring suspension assembly designed through team leadership, iterative CAD, and careful vendor-part integration.

  • SolidWorks
  • Mechanical Design
  • Vendor Components

Embedded Systems

Arduino Security Alarm

A compact security alarm using a tilt sensor, ultrasonic sensor, buzzer, and LED feedback.

  • Arduino
  • C++
  • Sensors

MATLAB / Numerical Methods

Engineering Analysis Portfolio

Engineering analysis programs involving numerical methods, optimization, differential equations, fluid mechanics, and technical data processing.

  • MATLAB
  • Numerical Methods
  • Data Analysis

Technical Troubleshooting

Computer Repair and Diagnostics

Hands-on diagnosis and repair of computer hardware and software systems through an independently operated resale business.

  • Diagnostics
  • Hardware Repair
  • Troubleshooting

Automotive Engineering / Self-Directed

Automotive Maintenance & Repair

Hands-on diagnosis, repair, electrical integration, and restoration work across engine, brake, suspension, climate-control, and interior systems.

  • Mechanical Diagnostics
  • Engine Systems
  • Brakes & Suspension

Skills

Tools I use to move from question to solution

A practical mix of engineering, software, analytical, and collaborative skills.

01

Engineering

  • Mechanical Design
  • Product Development
  • Prototyping
  • Thermal Testing
  • Design for Manufacturing
  • Experimental Testing
  • GD&T
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Composite Manufacturing
  • Injection Mold Design
  • Automotive Systems
02

Software

  • Creo
  • SolidWorks
  • AutoCAD
  • MATLAB
  • Python
  • Microsoft Excel
  • NI LabVIEW
  • NI FlexLogger
  • Arduino
03

Programming & Technical

  • Python
  • Java
  • MATLAB
  • C++ for Arduino
  • Data Analysis
  • Hardware Integration
  • Test Automation
  • Manual Mill & Lathe
  • 3D Printing
  • Metal Fabrication
04

Professional

  • Technical Communication
  • Documentation
  • Team Collaboration
  • Mentorship
  • Problem Solving
  • Experiment Planning
05

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish (Intermediate)

Contact

Let’s connect

I’m always interested in discussing engineering opportunities, technical projects, and new ideas. The best way to reach me is through email or LinkedIn.

Interested in a more detailed overview of my experience?My résumé includes additional context on roles, coursework, and technical work.

View resume