Dylan — Business Owner

More than ten years of hands-on experience troubleshooting and repairing automated machinery across electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and controls systems. Skilled at diagnosing complex faults under pressure, restoring production quickly, and performing both temporary and permanent repairs. Known for being versatile, reliable, and able to fix nearly anything on the floor.

Extensive experience wiring industrial control panels, field devices, motors, sensors, and safety circuits. Skilled at reading and updating electrical schematics, terminating devices, landing I/O, and identifying wiring issues during build or commissioning. Strong understanding of grounding, shielding, NFPA standards, and proper industrial wiring practices.

Experienced working with industrial electrical power systems including 120/240/480 VAC distribution, panel feeders, branch circuits, breakers, disconnects, and motor power wiring. Skilled at safely locking out equipment, verifying power, identifying faults, and ensuring proper grounding and bonding. Comfortable working around high-energy systems during installation, troubleshooting, and commissioning.

Hands-on experience improving machine reliability, reducing downtime, optimizing cycle times, and refining mechanical/electrical systems. Comfortable identifying inefficiencies on the floor, adjusting tooling or fixtures, refining logic, improving device alignment, and implementing practical updates that make equipment more stable and operator-friendly. Focused on real-world improvements that translate into measurable production gains.

Skilled in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding with experience fabricating and repairing machine components, guards, brackets, and structural parts. Comfortable welding mild steel, stainless, and aluminum. Known for clean welds and practical fabrication work that holds up in demanding industrial environments.

Experience working with industrial instrumentation including sensors, transmitters, valves, encoders, pressure switches, flow devices, and feedback systems. Skilled at calibrating, wiring, and integrating instrumentation into PLC/SCADA systems. Able to diagnose faulty signals, scaling issues, noise problems, and device failures.

Hands-on experience designing, adjusting, repairing, and installing tooling for automated machinery, including clamps, part holders, brackets, slides, EOAT, and alignment fixtures. Comfortable modifying tooling during commissioning to improve reliability, fit, and repeatability.

Strong MIG welding experience building and repairing machine components, brackets, guards, and fixtures. Skilled with steel and stainless steel welds used in automation equipment and custom fabrication work.

Experienced fabricating custom machine parts, brackets, guards, and fixtures. Skilled at cutting, grinding, welding, and assembling components to support machine builds, field repairs, and equipment modifications. Known for practical, durable fabrication work.

Experienced building, installing, and refining fixtures used in automated equipment. Skilled with clamps, cylinders, sensors, nests, stops, and alignment features. Able to adjust or modify fixtures during commissioning to ensure consistent part positioning and reliable operation.

Experience troubleshooting and supporting hydraulic systems including cylinders, pumps, solenoid valves, manifolds, and pressure controls. Able to diagnose leaks, flow restrictions, mechanical binding, and tuning issues during installation and commissioning.

Hands-on support experience with ABB and Fanuc robots. Comfortable with basic programming edits, point adjustments, safety resets, mastering/recovery procedures, and troubleshooting common cell faults. Able to coordinate robot function with PLCs, safety systems, and tooling.

Experienced in identifying inefficiencies in automated systems and implementing improvements that increase uptime, optimize cycle times, and reduce maintenance burden. Skilled at refining PLC logic, tightening safety interlocks, improving HMI layouts, and adjusting device configurations for smoother, more reliable operation. I focus on practical, field-driven improvements — the kind that make equipment easier to run, easier to troubleshoot, and more stable in production. Known for spotting root causes that others miss and delivering changes that provide measurable, long-term value.

Known for being clear, direct, and easy to work with on customer sites. I focus on honest communication, realistic expectations, and making sure clients fully understand their equipment and the work being done. Experienced working with operators, maintenance teams, engineers, and plant leadership to troubleshoot issues, explain solutions, and keep production moving. I take pride in being reliable, responsive, and professional — whether I'm walking a customer through a problem, supporting a late-night startup, or helping a team understand how to run and maintain their system safely and efficiently. My approach is simple: treat people with respect, communicate clearly, and deliver work you stand behind.

I have extensive experience designing industrial control systems from the ground up, including hardware specification, panel layouts, I/O architecture, safety circuits, and network design. I focus on creating clean, maintainable systems that are easy for technicians to understand and support. My design work includes PLC/HMI structure, machine sequencing, device integration, drive systems, and operator-friendly interfaces. I also work closely with mechanical teams during concept development to ensure the controls architecture aligns with real-world functionality, serviceability, and operational needs. Known for practical, field-tested designs that balance reliability, performance, and long-term maintainability.

Strong background in industrial electrical engineering, including panel design, power distribution, safety circuits, and control system integration. Experienced selecting hardware, designing I/O architectures, and verifying that field wiring, sensors, and devices match the electrical design intent. Comfortable reading, modifying, and creating detailed schematics. Skilled at diagnosing electrical faults, correcting wiring errors, identifying design gaps, and implementing clean, permanent fixes. Known for practical, field-tested electrical solutions that emphasize reliability, safety, and ease of maintenance.

Experienced controls engineer with a strong background in system design, programming, electrical integration, and field commissioning. I've taken projects from concept through production, including PLC/HMI development, hardware selection, safety design, drives, robotics, and full machine startup. I'm comfortable working across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines to solve problems, refine designs, and deliver reliable automation systems. Known for practical engineering that balances performance, serviceability, and long-term maintainability — and for being able to step in and troubleshoot at any stage of a project.

Extensive hands-on experience installing, wiring, configuring, and commissioning automated equipment across a wide range of industries. Skilled in I/O checkout, drive tuning, device integration, safety validation, and full system testing. Comfortable bringing new machines online independently — from first power-up through production readiness. Experienced with field adjustments, troubleshooting build issues, refining PLC/HMI code on the floor, and working alongside mechanical, electrical, and maintenance teams during startup. Known for staying calm under pressure, solving problems quickly, and delivering reliable, production-ready equipment even in challenging field conditions.

I've led engineering teams, field service crews, and cross-functional groups through complex, high-pressure automation projects. My leadership style is straightforward and accountable — I set clear expectations, communicate openly, and support people in doing their best work. Known for mentoring younger engineers and technicians, improving team performance, and creating a strong sense of ownership and professionalism. I focus on leading by example: staying calm under pressure, solving problems quickly, and keeping the project moving forward no matter the circumstances.

I have managed engineering and field service teams in fast-paced automation environments, coordinating work between controls, mechanical, electrical, and production groups. I'm comfortable setting priorities, assigning tasks, and keeping projects moving from design through build, installation, and startup. My management style is direct, clear, and focused on accountability. I work to remove obstacles, keep communication open, and make sure everyone understands the plan and their role in it. I'm known for staying calm under pressure, supporting my team, and stepping in wherever needed to keep projects on track.

Experienced supporting all phases of machine manufacturing, from panel build and wiring through mechanical assembly, device integration, and system checkout. I work closely with builders and technicians to ensure controls, electrical, and mechanical components come together correctly and meet design intent. Comfortable identifying build issues, resolving wiring or hardware mismatches, improving layouts, and confirming field devices operate as expected. Known for practical, hands-on support during assembly and for bridging the gap between engineering intent and real-world production.

Experienced designing, programming, and troubleshooting PLC systems across the full Rockwell Automation ecosystem, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, GuardLogix, and MicroLogix platforms. Skilled in structured, modular programming using AOIs, UDTs, sequencers, diagnostics, and safety logic. Comfortable developing complete control systems, integrating drives, HMIs, vision, and peripheral devices, and refining logic during installation and commissioning. Known for clean, organized code, fast troubleshooting, and the ability to take a machine from a blank project to a production-ready system independently.

Highly skilled at diagnosing complex issues across PLCs, electrical systems, drives, networks, robotics, and mechanical equipment. Able to break down problems quickly, identify the true root cause, and implement solutions that are reliable and long-term — not temporary patches. I'm comfortable troubleshooting under pressure during production, installation, or commissioning, and I work well with operators, maintenance, and engineering teams to get equipment running safely and efficiently. Known for staying calm, thinking clearly, and solving problems others get stuck on.

Experience developing and troubleshooting control logic for high-speed production equipment, filling systems, conveyors, coordinated stations, and drive-based processes. Comfortable working with PID loops, interlocks, sequencing, device coordination, and safety-critical logic. Skilled at tuning drives, refining control responses, optimizing cycle times, and ensuring stable, repeatable operation across varying load or speed conditions. Known for practical, field-tested process control solutions that improve reliability, reduce downtime, and make equipment easier for operators and maintenance to support.

Experienced managing automation projects from initial concept through design, build, installation, and final commissioning. Skilled in defining scope, creating timelines, coordinating engineering work, and keeping communication clear between customers, internal teams, and vendors. Comfortable handling budgets, change management, FAT/SAT testing, risk mitigation, and field coordination during installation and startup. Known for staying organized under pressure, preventing scope drift, and making sure projects stay aligned with customer expectations, safety requirements, and delivery schedules.

Hands-on experience with ABB and Fanuc robots for basic integration, I/O mapping, safety configuration, and point adjustment. Comfortable with routine programming tasks, cell recovery, and coordinating robot operation with PLC-controlled equipment. I can troubleshoot communication issues, update paths, handle simple program edits, and assist with commissioning in robotic work cells. While not a dedicated robotics specialist, I'm able to work efficiently with robotics teams and support the full automation process from wiring to startup.

Proficient in reading, interpreting, modifying, and creating wiring diagrams and industrial electrical schematics. Experienced with panel layouts, device wiring, safety circuits, terminal management, and full I/O mapping. Known for clean documentation, accurate updates, and field-tested wiring solutions that improve reliability and serviceability.

Hands-on experience assembling automated machinery, control panels, pneumatic systems, wiring harnesses, fixtures, and mechanical components. Skilled at interpreting prints, identifying build issues, and making practical adjustments during assembly to ensure proper fit and function.

Extensive field commissioning experience including I/O checkout, device tuning, logic refinement, HMI testing, safety validation, and full machine bring-up. Known for calm, methodical troubleshooting and delivering production-ready equipment.

Experienced developing complete PLC and HMI solutions from concept to production. Skilled in designing logic architecture, safety systems, interlocks, diagnostics, and operator-friendly HMI layouts. Focused on clean, modular programming and practical designs that work reliably in the field.

Experienced building, modifying, and repairing machine components, brackets, and fixtures. Skilled with cutting, grinding, welding, drilling, and fitting components during build or commissioning.

Experienced developing HMI screens in FactoryTalk View ME and PanelView 5000. Skilled in creating diagnostic screens, alarm pages, operator controls, and intuitive layouts that improve usability and reduce downtime.

Experienced installing control panels, field wiring, sensors, motors, safety devices, and pneumatic systems. Skilled at system checkout, wiring verification, device alignment, and ensuring equipment meets electrical and safety requirements.

Experienced integrating PLCs, HMIs, drives, vision systems, robots, sensors, and field devices into complete automation systems. Skilled at configuring Ethernet/IP networks, mapping I/O, coordinating machine sequences, and bringing subsystems together into a smooth-running machine.

Over a decade of troubleshooting and repairing automation equipment, drives, sensors, PLC systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and mechanical assemblies. Able to rapidly diagnose issues, restore production, and implement long-term fixes.

Experience with conveyors, indexing systems, transfer mechanisms, pallet handling, and part movement equipment. Skilled at tuning sensors, configuring interlocks, troubleshooting jams, and optimizing flow.

Experience supporting filling, sealing, conveying, and handling equipment used in packaging environments. Skilled at optimizing motion, timing, and device interaction for consistent operation.

Experienced performing inspections, adjustments, lubrication, sensor alignment, drive checks, cleaning, and system health audits to prevent unplanned downtime. Focused on reliability and long-term performance.

Experienced testing machines, verifying operation, validating sequences, and confirming safety systems function correctly before production. Known for a sharp eye and high standards.

Experience integrating and tuning PowerFlex and basic servo systems. Comfortable setting parameters, configuring motion axes (basic-level), and troubleshooting drive faults during installation and startup.

Highly skilled at diagnosing complex controls, electrical, and mechanical problems under pressure. Known for finding root causes quickly and implementing reliable, long-term solutions. Comfortable with anything from PLC logic faults to wiring issues, drive problems, or mechanical failures.

Experience integrating and supporting basic vision systems such as Keyence or Cognex for part presence, inspection, and alignment. Comfortable configuring sensors, adjusting lighting, and tying vision results into PLC logic.

Proficient in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding for machine repairs, fixtures, and custom components. Comfortable fabricating brackets, guards, and supports to solve on-site problems quickly.

Proficient in panel wiring, field wiring, cable routing, sensor installation, and proper industrial wiring practices. Experienced diagnosing wiring errors and ensuring clean, accurate electrical installations.

Founder and owner of DFB Automation LLC, providing high-level controls engineering, programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning services to manufacturers across multiple industries. Deliver complete automation solutions including PLC/HMI development, electrical design, panel build support, system integration, debug, and field startup. Work directly with customers to assess needs, scope projects, prepare quotes, and provide practical, reliable automation upgrades and improvements. Support emergency troubleshooting, machine optimization, network configuration, device integration, and continuous improvement initiatives. Manage all aspects of the business including technical execution, project management, customer communication, documentation, scheduling, and field service. Known for reliable results, clear communication, and a commitment to doing the job right the first time.

Served as the Electrical Engineering Manager responsible for all functions of the electrical engineering department. Oversaw project planning, electrical design, panel layouts, schematics, hardware selection, wiring standards, and controls architecture for custom automation equipment. Led a team of engineers and technicians, providing direction, technical guidance, and support throughout the full project lifecycle—from concept and design through build, debug, installation, and commissioning. Established engineering processes, documentation standards, and quality expectations to ensure consistent, reliable system performance. Coordinated with mechanical engineering, production, purchasing, and field service teams to solve issues, manage workloads, and keep projects on schedule. Supported advanced troubleshooting, customer escalations, and onsite service when needed. Known for clear communication, strong technical judgment, and the ability to take complex projects from concept to successful completion.

Served as a Senior Controls Engineer responsible for the complete electrical and controls design of high-speed filling and packaging equipment. Led internal machine kickoffs, developed electrical schematics, specified components, and supported panel builds and wiring standards. Programmed PLC/HMI systems, integrated devices, configured drives, and performed in-house machine startup, debug, and validation. Executed full FAT/SAT procedures and traveled to customer facilities for installation, commissioning, and production startup. Provided emergency onsite and remote support to restore equipment operation quickly. Transitioned into the Subject Matter Expert role for the Field Service department, supporting technicians and customers with advanced troubleshooting, controls optimization, and project-level problem solving. Acted as the controls lead for field installations and service projects, coordinating schedules, guiding technical decisions, and ensuring machines met performance, safety, and reliability standards. Known for strong technical leadership, clear communication, and the ability to bring complex automated equipment online efficiently and reliably.

Handled full lifecycle machine setup including in-house assembly, wiring, programming, and commissioning of automated surface-treatment equipment. Performed worldwide installations, site acceptance testing, and production startup for custom automation systems. Provided on-site troubleshooting, repairs, and system audits for customer facilities, ensuring machines operated reliably and met process requirements. Supported controls programming updates, device tuning, and integration of sensors, drives, and safety systems. Known for strong field performance, clear communication, and the ability to solve complex issues independently.