Max — Controls Engineer

I am an Automation Engineer with experience in industrial robotics, PLC integration, vision systems, motion control, commissioning, and production troubleshooting. I began working in the automation industry in 2022 and joined Easton Enterprises in 2023. I earned my Electrical Engineering Technology degree from The University of Toledo in 2025 and hold a NOCTI FANUC certification.

My primary areas of expertise include industrial robot programming, PLC-to-robot integration, vision-guided picking, motion control, automated cell commissioning, and production cycle optimization. I have experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation using Studio 5000, Omron Sysmac Studio, CLICK PLCs, and Siemens platforms. My HMI experience includes Rockwell FactoryTalk View ME, View Designer, Maple Systems, Schneider Pro-face, Siemens, and Red Lion.

My robotic experience includes ABB IRC5 and OmniCore controllers, RobotStudio, RAPID, and SafeMove, along with FANUC TP programming, Yaskawa, and Universal Robots. I also have experience programming in Ladder Logic, Python, C, and Arduino-based applications. My controls background includes AutoCAD, Autodesk Fusion, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, PROFIsafe, IO-Link, and PLC-to-robot I/O mapping and handshaking.

I have worked on automation projects in the automotive, plastics, steel processing, and forging industries. My machine experience includes robotic material-handling cells, synchronized dual-robot applications, billet bin picking, conveyor loading and unloading, induction-oven magazine feeding, reject sorting, bin filling, pneumatic tooling, and servo-driven equipment.

My typical responsibilities include developing and modifying robot programs, commissioning automated cells, troubleshooting PLC and robot sequences, integrating vision systems and tooling, refining robot paths, configuring safety systems, validating automatic operation, improving cycle times, documenting changes, and training operators and maintenance personnel.

One of the more significant projects I have supported involved commissioning and optimizing a forging automation cell using ABB robots and Pickit 3D vision. My work included billet picking, conveyor handling, magazine loading, reject sorting, jam-rod handling, bin-fill sequencing, pick-retry logic, dimensional calculations, and operator fault messaging. I have also worked extensively with synchronized dual-robot tube handling, including regrip sequences, workobject alignment, coordinated motion, and robot configuration troubleshooting.

One of my strongest qualities is my ability to troubleshoot an automation system as a complete machine rather than focusing on a single component. I am comfortable working across robot programming, PLC signals, vision systems, tooling, sensors, and mechanical equipment, and I enjoy following an issue from initial diagnosis through program changes, testing, and final validation on the production floor.

I have also provided hands-on training to operators and maintenance personnel and regularly coordinate troubleshooting efforts with customer controls engineers, mechanical teams, equipment suppliers, and maintenance groups.

Outside of work, I enjoy hunting, golfing, cars, and traveling outdoors.