Work experience

• Senior Controls Engineer

  Tesla

  2021.09-Current

  (5 years)

  Industrial Automation: Design → Installation → Commissioning | Siemens • Rockwell • PLC • HMI • SCADA Self Summary Multi-disciplinary Electrical Controls Engineer specializing in industrial automation, with hands-on experience across the entire project lifecycle—from initial design and panel layout to installation, commissioning, and long-term support. Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced manufacturing and R&D environments, bridging the gap between design intent and real-world performance. Experienced in Siemens and Rockwell PLC platforms, HMI/ SCADA systems, and industrial protocols including EtherNet/IP and PROFINET. Proficient with tools such as AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks, and Python scripting for automation and test integration. Skilled in designing safety systems to SIL and Performance Level (PL) standards, and developing control panels compliant with UL 508A specifications. Equally effective in the field as in the design office — experienced in on-site troubleshooting, rapid integration, and delivering fully functional systems under tight timelines, limited resources, and real-world constraints. Known for staying calm under pressure and getting systems online when it matters most. Conversationally fluent in Mandarin and experienced in working with both internal and external engineering teams based in China to improve cross-cultural collaboration, reduce communication friction, and accelerate technical alignment. Recognized for adaptability, self-driven problem-solving, and clear technical ownership. Capable of ramping quickly in unfamiliar environments and delivering production-ready solutions under tight deadlines. Experience
• Senior Manufacturing Controls Engineer

  Kforce Inc

  2021.09-Current

  (5 years)

  (4 years 10 months) Lead electrical controls engineering efforts for paint manufacturing systems at Gigafactory Texas, delivering and sustaining complex automation systems across mission-critical operations. Led the design, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and sustainment of Tesla’s in-house PTED 10k paint automation system, developed by a small internal team Programmed Siemens TIA Portal PLCs and HMIs, designed UL 508A control panels, and led field integration Accepted handover of a 2-crane, 192-position ASRS, taking full responsibility for system uptime, troubleshooting, and support Collaborate with maintenance technicians daily to resolve production issues and deliver on-the-job training (OJT) to enhance system understanding and team capability Introduced 3D printing to the Paint Maintenance department, enabling rapid prototyping, cost-effective tooling, and reactive repairs — reducing downtime and external vendor dependency Provide continuous improvement, integration, and system upgrades in fast- paced, live production environments
• Consultant

  SMC Industries, Inc.

  2021.05-2021.09

  (5 months)

  Controls Engineer Contractor for Paint Manufacturing Engineering at Tesla Gigafactory Texas
• Principal Electrical Controls Engineer

  Altria

  2019.03-2021.05

  (2 years)

  (2 years 3 months) Led the full lifecycle of electrical controls engineering for custom production equipment used in the manufacture of high-temperature pipe insulation products. Responsible for design, fabrication, commissioning, and sustainment of automation systems across both new and legacy machinery. Designed and deployed new control systems under tight budget constraints using AutomationDirect Productivity 2000 series PLCs and HMIs Created and implemented new company-wide electrical and controls standards, improving consistency, maintainability, and compliance across all future builds Programmed PLCs, configured HMIs, and integrated VFDs, safety relays, and discrete I/O for fully automated material handling and processing systems Oversaw control panel layout, wiring, and build-out in compliance with UL 508A standards Diagnosed and resolved production-critical issues on-site, minimizing downtime and improving process reliability Coordinated directly with cross-functional teams throughout installation and commissioning phases Supported long-term maintenance and retrofit efforts on aging systems to improve safety, throughput, and operational consistency
• Senior Electrical Engineer I

  Automatic Systems, Inc.

  2017.12-2019.02

  (a year)

  (1 year 3 months) Led electrical design, commissioning, and performance optimization of high- speed automated manufacturing equipment for consumer e-vapor products. Became subject matter expert for a 10-lane heat seal bagging system with integrated 10-lane simultaneous heat transfer printer Improved Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) of the 10-lane bagging line from under 20% to over 95% through targeted troubleshooting, redesign, and continuous improvement Provided ongoing controls support and production troubleshooting across packaging and test automation equipment Collaborated with cross-functional engineering teams to implement electrical design changes and system upgrades under strict regulatory constraints
• Electrical Engineer

  Automatic Systems, Inc.

  2013.09-2017.11

  (4 years)

  (4 years 3 months) Led the electrical design, fabrication, installation, and commissioning of custom conveyor and material handling systems across automotive and industrial sites in the U.S., Mexico, and China. Delivered multiple Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) systems for General Motors (17–42 vehicles per site) in Kansas, Michigan, and Shanghai Developed and deployed Electrified Monorail Systems (EMS) with wireless barcode positioning and power busbar networks for Eaton (Iowa, Mexico) Replaced proprietary Siemens/Lenze Deto systems with Allen-Bradley PLC- based controls for retrofit projects Designed and commissioned inverted friction conveyor systems for Nissan paint shops in Mississippi Supported international integration efforts with cross-site teams and vendors in China Provided end-to-end project ownership from control panel layout to on-site bring-up and operator handoff Notable Projects:
• Electrical EngineerI→III

  Black & Veatch

  2011.06-2013.09

  (2 years)

  (2 years 4 months) Progressively promoted through three engineering levels while delivering high-voltage substation control and protection systems across a range of transmission projects. Designed and documented control and protection schemes for 500kV GIS, 230kV GIS, and 230kV AIS substations Developed schematics and wiring diagrams for 230/138kV switching stations and 138/13.8kV substations Designed relay panel layouts, developed I/O assignments, and coordinated signal routing between field devices and protective relays Supported project documentation, client submittals, and technical reviews for multi-discipline transmission teams
• Electrical Engineering Intern

  Novelis

  2010.05-2010.08

  (4 months)

  Designed and implemented an energy management system for facility lighting, generating annual savings of over $15,000 Led or supported 6+ projects focused on improving operator safety through mechanical, electrical, and procedural enhancements Collaborated with more than 20 consultants, contractors, and vendors across various project scopes and phases Worked on cross-functional projects involving electrical and mechanical disciplines
• Manufacturing Engineering Intern

  Agri-Fab Inc

  2008.05-2008.08

  (4 months)

  Cataloged and documented 250+ brake press dies to improve tool tracking and asset management Designed a custom storage rack system for brake press dies using Autodesk Inventor Contributed to large-scale plant layout and reorganization planning initiatives Conducted weekly 5S inspections across multiple production zones Performed timing studies on 20+ product lines to support process optimization
• Electrical and Controls Engineering Intern

  Honeywell Consumer Products Group

  2007.05-2007.08

  (4 months)

  Developed and deployed HMI interfaces using RSView32 for legacy PanelView systems. Supported troubleshooting and debugging of Allen-Bradley PLC control logic across multiple production lines. Transcribed and updated over 50 electrical and mechanical schematics into AutoCAD for documentation and revision control. Performed timing and workflow studies on more than 35 workstations to support manufacturing efficiency initiatives.

Projects

• 42-vehicle agv system - gm fairfax, ks

  2017.01-2017.01
• ems line retrofit - eaton, shenandoah, ia & san luis potosi, mx

  2016.01-2016.01

Educational experience

• Purdue University

  Electrical Engineering Technology; Computer Engineering Technology

  2006.01-2011.01

  (5 years)
• Wayland HS

  Diploma

  2002.01-2006.01

  (4 years)

Certificates