Automation & Controls Engineer
I design reliable automation systems, improve production efficiency, and solve complex manufacturing problems through controls engineering, system integration, and practical process improvement.
Brands I Work With
Featured Projects
3D Modeled Wear Ring Reliability Improvement
Designed a custom wear ring to eliminate a recurring equipment failure causing production downtime. The component was 3D modeled, prototyped, and produced using additive manufacturing before being implemented in production. The solution improved reliability, reduced maintenance intervention, is currently being pursued for patent protection, and is estimated to save approximately $155,000 annually.
Bad Pallet Detection and Automatic Reject System
Currently developing a fully custom bad pallet detection and automatic reject system for an existing production line. The system is being engineered around the line's layout and operating constraints to identify defective pallets, remove them from the main pallet flow, and allow production to continue with less manual intervention.
The project includes mechanical design, metal fabrication, machining, sensor integration, PLC programming, alarm logic, installation, testing, and production tuning. It is being developed as a low-cost alternative to camera-based inspection systems used at other plants, which can cost around $75,000 per line for hardware alone.
With an estimated build cost of approximately $2,000 per line, this design has a projected savings of over $250,000 across three lines before accounting for reduced downtime and avoided production losses.
Keyence Vision Inspection System Integration
Integrated Keyence high-speed inspection cameras to verify date code presence on production lines. The system improved quality control, reduced manual inspection, and provided reliable detection at high production speeds.
Label Runaway Detection System
Designed and implemented a label runaway detection system from the ground up. This included mechanical design, sourcing materials, PLC hardware, IO selection, HMI development, fabrication, installation, programming, and working directly with operations to tune performance and improve usability.
Case Coder Protection Logic
Developed line stop and alarm logic to prevent cases from moving through production without proper date code verification, reducing scrap and improving production quality.
Technical Capabilities
Controls & Automation
Electrical & Controls Hardware
Mechanical, Fabrication & Design
Manufacturing Systems & Equipment
Software & Technical Tools
Professional Strengths
Certifications
Rockwell Automation Certified
Instrumentation, Automation and Controls Technician
Academy of Advanced Manufacturing
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
May 2023 - July 2023
Krones Academy North America
TIA 2 Training
Franklin, Wisconsin
TIA Level 2
Niagara Bottling
March 13, 2025
TIA Level 1
Niagara Bottling
February 20, 2025
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
University of Phoenix
Currently In Progress
Dean's List Recognition
University of Phoenix
College of Business & Information Technology
2024 and 2025
Academic Performance
Dean's List recognition achieved through strong academic performance while balancing technical work and continued education.
Continuing Technical Development
Expanding technical capability through formal computer science education while continuing hands-on work in controls, automation, troubleshooting, and system integration.
Awards & Recognition
Niagara LIFE InnovACT Everyday Award
Awarded in 2025 for contributions to Niagara's winning culture and operational improvement.
Outstanding Performance Award
Recognized in 2025 for strong technical contribution, performance, and impact within manufacturing operations.
What I Do
Automation Engineering
I engineer practical automation solutions that improve uptime, reduce recurring failures, and make production systems more reliable. From concept to implementation, I develop systems that solve real plant problems instead of adding more complexity.
Controls Programming
I develop PLC logic, build operator interfaces, create custom HMI and SCADA-style systems, and troubleshoot machine behavior at the code level. My work goes beyond small edits. I design controls that give operations better visibility, better control, and better results.
System Integration
I integrate sensors, vision systems, drives, HMIs, PLC hardware, and machine controls into complete working systems. I handle the full picture, including electrical and controls design, field installation, startup, and the mechanical side needed to make the system actually work in production.
Process Improvement
I identify weak points in production and turn them into engineered improvements that reduce downtime, waste, and operator frustration. Whether it takes programming, fabrication, redesign, or hands-on troubleshooting, I serve as a one-stop automation resource for plant performance and reliability.
About
I work in automation and controls with a strong focus on solving real manufacturing problems. My background includes controls programming, troubleshooting, system integration, equipment improvement, and operational reliability support.
I am especially interested in projects that have direct operational impact, whether that means improving uptime, reducing recurring downtime, integrating new technology, or designing practical solutions that make systems easier to operate and maintain.
This site is a place to document my work, certifications, education, and professional growth across automation, controls, and engineering.