Product Development Materials Engineer
Resume:
Jean-Titouan Heiva Minster-Blondeau
SA1 8NL Port Tennant
Swansea
UK
*****.*******@*****.***
Fluent in: English, French, Spanish, Dutch – proficient in German
Born: May 8th 1987 in Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia.
Citizenship: French
ABLE TO RELOCATE
Multilingual Materials Engineering Doctorate candidate with strong Metallurgical background and multi-
faceted experience including but not limited to: Powder Metallurgy and Ultra High Strength Steel R&D
A keen and passionate, Materials Engineer with Masters of Philosophy and +4 years’ Research & Development
experience in industrial context. Currently undertaking an Engineering Doctorate in Ultra High Strength Steel at
the University of Swansea, Wales sponsored by TATA steel Europe (to be completed end 2015). Extensive
analytical skills and competencies in various processing, testing and analysis techniques required for R&D and
problem solving. Experienced in supervising others, delegating work, process optimisation & heat treatments.
Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills; able to break down complex concepts to adapt content
to suit audience needs. Ability to assess risks, take precautionary measures and help promote safe working practices.
Experience in instruction, team leading and business management (in the water sports sector.)
Qualifications
October 2011- ongoing, Engineering Doctorate in Steel Research at the University of Swansea
Research & Development of new Ultra High Strength Strip Steel grades for TATA steel Europe. Involvement
includes everything from the alloy specification to the hot/cold rolling schedules and crucially; the final heat
treatment design within industrial processing limitations. I have also been consulting for ongoing issues with
various other strip steel grades.
A set of comparatively lean, novel alloyed Boron steel casts I developed are investigated, with successful
production of a Dual Phase type property 1200MPa Ultra High Strength Steel with >15% elongation (first
recorded low Yield Strength to Ultimate Tensile Strength ratio product in its strength category). The product
doesn’t require complex heat treatments and has up to five times superior elongation than competitor products.
The novel precipitate route results in a microstructure with unparalleled isotropy.
The same alloys have the potential of having multiple purposes – with the potential of producing different spec
grades using different processing routes (ongoing research).
A unique & economical continuous annealing methodology incorporating in-situ dilatometry I developed
maximises the use of expensive lab casts & drastically reduces R&D lead times.
ThermoCalc thermodynamics software is employed to predict relevant phase formation in equilibrium and non-
equilibrium conditions. In depth studies into the effects of Nb/Ti/B/Mn/Al/Si alloying additions on solid state
transformation kinetics, microstructure, mechanical properties and process sensitivity are also carried out with
scope for several publications.
For continuous professional development during the EngD scheme I have completed numerou s courses covering not
only materials related topics but also including Business Ethics, Health & Safety Management and Innovation to
Commercialisation (from a business & marketing perspective). These courses help keep note of the bigger picture in
this industry.
2010- September 2011, MPhil in Nanotechnology at the University of Swansea, Wales
Microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO nanocrystals and in -depth analysis of crystal morphology and
surface properties using SEM and angle resolved X-ray Photo-electron Spectroscopy (XPS). This project involved
studying the effect of heat treatments in various environmental conditions on the activation of the surface,
particularly relevant to gas sensing applications. Optimum environmental conditions and heat treatment procedures
were identified for full functionalization of the surface for maximum sensitivity in gas sensing (down to 10ppm
Carbon Monoxide).
2005-2009, Beng Materials Engineering, University of Wales, Swansea
The dissertation was an investigation into the hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanocrystals in a Microwave. This
involved an in-depth analysis of several parameters that affect nucleation and growth of ZnO nanocrystals on Si
substrates prepared with seed layers through spin coating. The dissertation was awarded a 1st.
Modules: Chemical Properties of Materials, Physical Properties, Engineering Manag ement, Composite
Materials, Polymers Properties and Design, Design and Laboratory, Mechanical Properties,
Manufacturing Technology, Materials Resources, Modelling and Simulation of Materials
1998-2005, International Baccalaureate, Rijnlands Lyceum Oegstgeest, The Netherlands
Maths (Higher Level)
Chemistry (Higher Level) - still especially useful to date
Physics (Higher Level)
Transferable skills
Working in research for over 5 years in both academic & industrial context and in various topics has taught me to
be rigorous and systematic in my problem solving approach . This methodology is mostly universal. First I identify
the variables that affect the problem, systematically eliminating those least relevant or out of scope. Then I study the
variables which are of significance to understand their interactions and how they affect the problem. As follows I
solve the problem by altering the variables, though if impractical or unfeasible, suggest potential alternative
solutions.
The following techniques and equipment have been mastered through the years or research in academic &
industrial context:
All relevant aspects of sample mounting & prep for metallography
Scanning Electron Microscopy – Jeol 6100
Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscope – Hitachi S4800
X-Ray Diffraction
Gleeble 3500 – annealing & heat treatments, dilatometry, hot rolling/deformation simulations
Electron Diffraction Spectroscopy – Jeol 35C
White Light Interferometry- (for surface roughness analysis)
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Industrial Mono/Multi mode Microwaves
Cold Isostatic Press
Induction ovens
Nitrogen Gas safety training
The following relevant software has been mastered:
Thermocalc – console mode & graphical mode 3.0 and later versions
Aztec (for EDS data analysis)
CASA-XPS for peak deconvolution
ThreeDify Excel add-on- allows for 3D and 4D graphing simulations of data sets
Photoshop Suite 6
Inventor pro – for annealing/tensile sample design and basic Finite Element analysis
Work Experience
2011-2015, Swansea University
Responsible for supervising and training of Undergraduate/Postgraduate students during lab classes,
training on Gleeble 3500 thermo-mechanical processing machine, ThermoCalc software and EDS. On-
going work in industry with TATA steel Europe to assist R&D team. R&D meetings in Ijmuiden site
(Netherlands) attended, taking active part in presenting results and offering potential alternative solutions
to various problems.
2009-2010, industrial work placement in INASMET/Tecnalia, San Sebastian, Spain
Setting up, operation and modification of a state -of-art mono-mode microwave oven incorporating a
hydraulic press for the Self Propagating Heat Synthesis of TiAl and NiAl alloy. Refurbishment of a
laboratory Spray Drying machine was also carried out. This work placement gave me a unique first
experience learning about industry, ordering parts and having components built and machined to required
specifications, managing a project and working with people from differ ent backgrounds in the business.
2007-2011, Gower Kite Riders
Part time managing and directing of a Kitesurfing/Stand up Paddleboarding/Wake-boarding school as a
British Kitesurfing Association Senior Instructor. This gave an insight into being responsible for other
students and instructors, ensuring all activities were carried out within Health and Safety guidelines .
2001-2007, Various other jobs
My first job was flipping burgers in McDonalds at the age of 14, it was a great reminder of exactly what I
did not want to end up doing! I have been working in several part time jobs before and during University
including catering, bar tending, dish-washing, bulb packaging and industrial printing. Before enrolling in
University I spent a month working in a shipping yard building 40ft catamarans from scratch with
fibreglass and polyester resin. The main thing I take out of these jobs is the experience involving
interpersonal skills; dealing with a boss, other work colleagues and customer service.
Personal details & interests
French by passport, European by heart, I enjoy a variety of sports notably water sports. Having grown up in a
multicultural environment I have always thrived in situation s with people from differing backgrounds.
Stand up Paddleboarding is one of my favourite disciplines and I was a finalist in the 2012 British Stand Up
Paddleboarding Association National championships. When the visibility is adequate (not very often in Wales) I
indulge myself in free-diving and spear-fishing. In the winter I am partial to some powder snow or ice related
activities.
I am also very music oriented; I play the piano with passion since the age of 9. Like an un-quenchable spunge, I
enjoy learning and understanding more about everything in general, but with a focus on science and engineering in
particular.
References
EngD Supervisor: Prof. George Fourlaris, University of Wales Swansea, *.*********@*******.**.**
Theme Leader: Andrew Littlehales, TATA Product Development, ******.***********@*********.***
Masters Supervisor: Prof. Thierry Maffeis, University of Wales Swansea, *.*.*.*******@*******.**.**
Placement supervisor: Dr. Inigo Agote, TECNALIA, San Sebastian, *****.*****@********.***
Contact this candidate