About

I am a first-generation mechanical engineering student at the University of Florida, graduating in December 2027.

My work spans aerospace operations at NASA, tribology research, product development at Lutron, FSAE, entrepreneurship, sales, and even some work in construction. I shine where my communication skills help my creative solutions be broadcasted in multi-disciplinary environments.

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Professional headshot of John Cotelo
University of Florida · Gainesville

Experience

Five relevant roles, from customer-facing CAD work to research and aerospace operations.

NASA

Center Operations Mission Specialist Intern

Stennis Space Center, Mississippi

Analyzing operating data, system conditions, and mechanical failure modes to find why a mission-critical water pump is delivering reduced flow.

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UF Bio/Materials Tribology Lab

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Gainesville, Florida

Improved experiment imaging, incorporated video capture into a Python interface, and wrenched on compression molding machines to produce polyethene test sample.

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Lutron Electronics

Design and Development Mechanical Engineer Intern

Austin, Texas

Developed and validated downlight hardware. Test data guided a 20% temperature reduction, while purpose-built tools improved installation and manufacturing throughput.

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Computer Refurbishment Entrepreneur

Founder and Operator

Orlando, Florida

Built an independent refurbishment business around methodical diagnosis, repeatable testing, careful repair, and clear customer communication.

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Discount Cabinets

Design and Sales Associate

Orlando, Florida

Turned field measurements into installable CAD layouts while generating over $300,000 in revenue from kitchen and bathroom sales for over 40 clients.

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Selected work

These six projects are highlighted to show different parts of my skillset, from FSAE and control systems to the link between a product and the engineering behind it.

Vehicle systems / composites

Formula SAE Suspension Work

Suspension-team design and fabrication work for the University of Florida Formula SAE car.

CAD · Carbon fiber · Suspension systems · Manufacturing

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Control systems / simulation

Mars Sky Crane Controls

A MATLAB and Simulink controls project for a simplified Mars sky crane. I linearized the supplied dynamics, tuned height and pitch controllers, ran linear and nonlinear simulations, and tested a pole-placement regulator against disturbances.

MATLAB · Simulink · PID control · State-space modeling

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Power transmission / component selection

Power Transmission Gearbox

A three-stage gearbox that converts a 1,180 rpm motor input into 348.95 lbf-ft at 150.5 rpm. I selected the rolling bearings and shaft-retention hardware, then analyzed the integrated design.

Bearing selection · Power transmission · Machine elements · Design analysis

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Engineering entrepreneurship / product concept

MAJCK B1 Leaf Blower

A concept for a quieter professional blower, pairing sequential impellers and a variable-geometry outlet with an entry plan for landscaping companies.

Product strategy · Fluid-flow concept · Financial modeling · Market analysis

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Vehicle diagnostics / repair

Automotive Maintenance & Repair

Top-down troubleshooting followed by hands-on repair across major vehicle systems.

Mechanical diagnostics · Braking systems · Suspension · Cooling and A/C

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Mechanical design / team project

Differential & Suspension Model

A functional differential and coil-spring suspension assembly developed through team leadership and iterative CAD.

SolidWorks · Mechanical design · Vendor components · Team leadership

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Involvement

Three roles built around mentorship for first-generation students and fellow engineering majors.

Camp MFOS

Lead Counselor

August 2026

Served as one of eight lead counselors during orientation for more than 300 incoming first-generation students. The lead team coordinated more than 60 counselors across the program. I led counselor training and represented engineering on a student Q&A panel. I also guided a campus tour for more than 50 students.

My WhyThis scholarship program has provided me with endless opportunity, so what more fulfilling than to give back to fellow first-generation students by being a part of their transition to college.

Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers: Secretary Cabinet

Mechanical Engineering Advisor

August 2025 - Present

I mentor students in a chapter of more than 200 members, with support spanning coursework, career planning, mock interviews, and résumé reviews.

My WhyI want younger engineering students to have useful guidance before coursework, recruiting, or career decisions start to feel overwhelming.

Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers

MentorSHPE

August 2025 - May 2025

Mentors two underclassmen through academic and career decisions. Personal challenges are handled with practical next steps drawn from prior experience.

My WhyBeing able to provide tailored one-on-one support to my mentees means steady, consistent support when it matters most.

Tools & methods

Methods used across the roles above, from CAD and test planning to shop work and software.

01

Design & test

  • Mechanical design
  • Product development
  • Prototyping
  • Thermal testing
  • GD&T
  • Finite element analysis
  • Composite manufacturing
  • Design for manufacturing
02

Software & controls

  • Creo
  • SolidWorks
  • AutoCAD
  • MATLAB
  • Python
  • Java
  • Arduino C++
  • NI LabVIEW
  • NI FlexLogger
03

Shop & systems

  • Manual mill and lathe
  • 3D printing
  • Metal fabrication
  • Automotive systems
  • Hardware integration
  • Test automation
04

Working practice

  • Technical communication
  • Documentation
  • Experiment planning
  • Team collaboration
  • Mentorship
  • English
  • Intermediate Spanish

Contact

For engineering opportunities or a question about the work shown here, email is the most direct way to reach me.