Automation Engineer

Stephen Thomas

*** * **** *** ******, IA *****

Cell 319-***-**** • ***********@***.***

Project Engineer / Technician

Multifaceted 20+ year technical career with outstanding track record of innovation and success

Technically astute controls, electrical, and project engineering professional with solid history of effective systems engineering, PLC programming, and qualification and testing of sophisticated equipment and robotics used in industrial applications. Broad knowledge and success in an engineering-development environment. Proficient in the analysis, integration, maintenance, and testing of applications to operate state-of-the-art production machinery. Skilled trainer, mentor, and project leader; able to direct multiple tasks effectively and master innovative and complex software and tools.

Test Development, Schedule & Execution / Project Management / PLC Programming

Manufacturing Solutions / Systems Implementation / Maintenance & Installation

Technical Proficiencies

Platforms:

Windows 7/Vista/NT/XP/2000/98/95, Linux

Tools:

MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, AutoCAD, Visual Basic

Programming:

Programmable Logic Controls (PLC), Human Machine Interface (HMI), Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA), Java, Factory Talk SE and ME, RSLogix 5, 500, and 5000

Hardware:

Scales, PLCs, SLCs, flow meters, analyzers, chart recorders, pressure transducers, level transmitters; Oscilloscopes, AC/DC power supplies; R/F; frequency counters; digital/analog multimeters, dB and laser-power meters; coaxial/fiber-optic cable; lathes mills; grinders; presses; robots; mold machines; RFID

Control Systems:

Allen/Bradley, SLC, Modicon, SCADA, DUPPS, Siemens, Honeywell, GE, Square D, Yasgawa, Reverse Osmosis, Kill Floor, Frigoscandia, Foundry

Professional Experience

JOHN DEERE, Waterloo, Iowa 2013 to current

Automation Engineer

Wrote programs, designed logic, and created user interface for Allen Bradley PLC based control system using Wonderware and Factory Talk ME for HMI. Replaced existing PLC 5 controllers with ControlLogix controllers with chassis and module adapters. Established new networks and databases to store documentation to ensure regulatory compliances. Developed graphic user interface permitting operator system control. Coordinated with supervisors on testing and implementation, floor supervisors, operators, and upper management on design adb functionality. Report directly to upper management.

Key Achievements:

Replacement of environmental air handling system PLC 5 with ControlLogix L72 using chassis and model adapters. Managed project from kick-off meeting to completion including coordinating programming with other team members, AUTOCAD drawings, and contracting work for installation

Designed, programmed, and created HMI for robot system to drill holes in cope flask based on RFID information. Installation of new RFID system and integration with existing system was part of the project.

PQ CORPORATION, Kansas City, Kansas 2009 to 2012

Project Engineer

Wrote programs, designed logic, and created network architecture for control system to interact with existing system using Factory Talk SE and RSLogix 5000. Integrated new system into process control in separate building to allow transfer of product to complete process. Established new networks and databases to store documentation to ensure regulatory compliances, track product status, and establish mean time to complete batch process. Developed graphic user interface permitting operator system control through PC using Factory Talk SE. Coordinated with personnel on designs, testing, and integration processes. Reported directly to upper management.

Key Achievements:

Adeptly designed new graphics and control system for new building using filtering and chemical reaction to create product. Integrated new system with existing process.

Team work collaboration on second new building doubling the process capacity and output of PQ for products requiring a high pressure autoclave. Integrating new autoclave process with new filtering and reaction process.

CONTROL SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, Lenexa, Kansas 2007 to 2009

Project Engineer

Wrote programs, designed logic, and created network architecture for distributed control system. Integrated new system into existing corporate network. Established new networks and databases to store documentation to ensure regulatory compliances. Developed graphic user interface permitting operator system control. Coordinated with clients on designs, testing, and integration processes. Reported directly to upper management.

Key Achievements:

Adeptly devised program to allow operator control of Chevron petroleum storage facility in Panama and networked facility to Chevron’s global system.

Built program and user interface to access and link by satellite 31 remote pump stations in four states for Jayhawk Pipeline Corp.

TYSON FRESH MEATS, Emporia, Kansas 1998 to 2007

Scale Tech Supervisor (04/06 to 5/07)

Designed, developed, implemented, and supervised a broad variety of projects involving scales, metal detectors, field implements, and plant control systems. Managed team of nine technicians and interfaced daily with supervisors, operators, vendors, and maintenance staff. Reported directly to Department Manager. Responded to complex customer requests to streamline product development. Trained and mentored staff regarding programming and advanced troubleshooting of SCADA, SLC, and Modicon systems. Maintained four communication networks.

Key Achievements:

Effectively created test procedures and documentation to verify project code and dynamic graphics to meet customer requirements.

Productively expanded existing networks, to reduce plant-operation costs, increase production, and permit company growth of information between team members.

Management Support Technician (02/01 to 04/06)

Performed maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and programming in technical support of production facility. Developed and installed PLC programs for Modicon, Allen/Bradley, Siemens, and General Electric and created new projects, including funding, for plant operations to reduce cost or manpower. Made programming changes to refrigeration, DUPPS, Reverse osmosis, Kill Floor, Frigoscandia, Edible, and Inedible control equipment. Coached new personnel and reported directly to senior management.

Key Achievements:

Oversaw a team of electricians involved in the complete rewriting of a failed plant system.

Wrote a variety of new programs for SLC 5/03, CompactLogix, DUPPS Wonderware, and Modicon Quantum 213/3, as well as Inedible DeLaval, Sharples, and Westfalia systems.

Scale Technician (11/98 to 02/01)

Collaborated with project engineers, managers, and skilled tradesmen during various phases of mission-critical projects to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain all plant scales, labelers, metal detectors, pressure transducers, level transmitters, and field equipment. Diagnosed and repaired problems as required. Conducted preventive maintenance and maintained inventory of spare parts.

Key Achievement:

Acquired and mastered knowledge of control system installations, troubleshooting and debugging procedures, and network architecture.

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Additionally served as a Radio and Television Technician in Florida and a Ground Radio Technician with the United States Marine Corps.

Education and Professional Development

Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology – concentration Software Engineering (2007)

University of Phoenix, Online

Certified Electronic Technician (ISCET) (2010)

Professional Training

~Leadership Course, Tyson Foods (2006)

~Programming SLC 500 Series Using RSLogix 500 Levels 1 & 2 (2004/2003)

~RSLogix 5000 Project Development / Maintenance & Troubleshooting (2004/2003)

~Over 1000 Volt Safety (2004)

~Arc Flash Hazard Analysis (2004)

~Modicon Programming Using ProWorx Nxt Levels 1 & 2 (2001)

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