Javier Zambrano
Santa Fe Capital
Summary
Computational geomechanics engineer with 10+ years of experience in multiscale modeling, numerical simulation, and rock mechanics for oil and gas applications. Specialized in fracture mechanics, wellbore stability, and reservoir geomechanics using discrete, continuum, and hybrid methods. Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at CONICET–YPF, leading research on unconventional reservoirs and fracture modeling. As a Doctoral Fellow at CIMEC, developed predictive models for damage evolution in porous media, contributing to international projects and peer-reviewed publications. Industry experience includes upstream engineering roles with PETROECUADOR and PDVSA, where he optimized HPump systems, designed API-650 crude storage tanks, and supported geomechanical workflows for sanding and wellbore stability. Proficient in ABAQUS, ANSYS, Code-Aster, and Python, bridging research and field operations to improve reliability and reduce risk.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Fellow – Computational Geomechanics
CONICET – YPF | CIMEC
Santa Fe
08.2025 - Current
- Conducting advanced research in multiscale modeling of rocks for oil and gas applications, including fracture mechanics for unconventional resources, in collaboration with YPF Argentina.
Doctoral Fellow – Computational Geomechanics
CONICET | CIMEC
Santa Fe
08.2019 - 07.2025
- Developed hybrid numerical methods and predictive models for fracture propagation and damage evolution in porous media. Published in high-impact journals and contributed to national and international research projects.
Project Engineer – Upstream Oil & Gas
TECHNOMACRO - PETROECUADOR
Quito
10.2018 - 08.2019
- Led mechanical modeling and simulation of structural components for HPump surface pumping systems, engineered to outperform positive displacement and progressive cavity pumps by extending run life and reducing maintenance. Supported design optimization and reliability analysis tailored to the operational demands of Ecuador’s onshore oilfields.
Mechanical Engineer–Petrochemical & Energy Sector
QUIMBIOTEC C.A. / IVIC / ISIVEN
Caracas
10.2012 - 03.2016
- Engineered and delivered infrastructure projects including API-650 crude oil storage tanks and production system upgrades, with a focus on mechanical integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational reliability. Collaborated with PetroCarabobo and PDVSA to implement solutions aligned with upstream oilfield standards, improving asset performance and reducing maintenance risks in petrochemical environments.
Engineering Intern – Wellbore Stability
PDVSA-INTEVEP
Caracas
10.2011 - 07.2012
- Supported 1D geomechanical models for drilling and completion operations, focusing on wellbore stability and sanding assessment. Assisted in laboratory testing of rock mechanical properties and contributed to building 1D geomechanical models for the Ceuta-Tomoporo Project using field-calibrated data. Gained multidisciplinary exposure to geomechanics workflows.
Education
Ph.D. - in Engineering (Computational Geomechanics)
CONICET-Univ. Nacional Del Litoral (UNL)-CIMEC
Santa Fe-Argentina07-2025
M.Sc. - in Mechanical Engineering
Central University of Venezuela (UCV)
Caracas-Venezuela10-2021
B.Sc. - in Mechanical Engineering
UNEXPO
Caracas-Venezuela08-2012
Skills
- Numerical Modeling & Simulation
- Fracture mechanics in porous media
- Rock mechanics laboratory testing (triaxial, UCS, TWC tests)
- 1D Geomechanical modeling (pore pressure, stress, rock properties)
Languages
Spanish
First Language
English
Intermediate (B1)
B1
REFERENCES
- Juan Almeida (GaffneyCline Energy Advisory Manager - Baker Hughes)
- Vanessa Diaz (Geomechanics Specialist - Baker Hughes)
- Carolina Zambrano (Product Owner - Baker Hughes)
- Juan Ramos (Senior Geomechanics Specialist - British Petroleum)
Timeline
Postdoctoral Fellow – Computational Geomechanics
CONICET – YPF | CIMEC
08.2025 - Current
Doctoral Fellow – Computational Geomechanics
CONICET | CIMEC
08.2019 - 07.2025
Project Engineer – Upstream Oil & Gas
TECHNOMACRO - PETROECUADOR
10.2018 - 08.2019
Mechanical Engineer–Petrochemical & Energy Sector
QUIMBIOTEC C.A. / IVIC / ISIVEN
10.2012 - 03.2016
Engineering Intern – Wellbore Stability
PDVSA-INTEVEP
10.2011 - 07.2012
Ph.D. - in Engineering (Computational Geomechanics)
CONICET-Univ. Nacional Del Litoral (UNL)-CIMEC
M.Sc. - in Mechanical Engineering
Central University of Venezuela (UCV)
B.Sc. - in Mechanical Engineering
UNEXPO
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