Automation Professionals
Our Team
Ryan has extensive Instrumentation, Industrial Automation, and Information Technology Experience spanning over 25 years. His professional life and personal hobbies compliment each other as he has multiple servers, computers (physical and virtual), and complex networks within his home which serve as a learning environment as well as a platform to conduct his Industrial Automation Consulting business. He possesses expert level knowledge of the Emerson Ovation DCS system and has a special talent for creating HMI Graphics. His input into this area of HRSD is extensive; that experience is now available to all who desire to conduct business with HRA. He also has extensive in-house project management and execution experience with complex Industrial Automation, Instrumentation, and Control Systems (upgrades, integration, installation, programming, startup, and operator training).
-Over 25 years of experience in Instrumentation, Electrical, & Industrial Automation
-Extensive experience in Instrumentation / DCS project management, planning, programming, integration, start-up, operator training, schematic generation, and maintenance
-Expert in programming and system maintenance of Emerson Ovation DCS systems and all sub-systems
-Extensive experience in PLC programming
-Directly involved with the development of HRSD’s DCS standards and the Strategic Automation Plan
-Managed several successful automation projects within HRSD which include the SWIFT RC facility and the DCS installation at Boat Harbor (both of which were performed exclusively by HRSD staff)
-Journeyman Instrumentation Specialist in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 2003
Industrial Automation Programmer (March 2020 – November 2021)
HRSD
Industrial Automation Manager (July 2015 – March 2020)
HRSD
Instrumentation Manager (February 2013 – July 2015)
HRSD
Industrial Control Manager (January 2012 – February 2013)
HRSD
Instrumentation Specialist (September 1999 – January 2012)
HRSD
E&I Technician / Floor Operator (October 1997 – September 1999)
International Paper
Power Plant Operator / Technician (August 1996 – October 1997)
Louisville Gas and Electric
-Proven leadership ability
-Consistently demonstrates accountability and integrity
-Strategically envisions the future of Industrial Automation Systems
-Management experience
-In-depth knowledge of Industrial Automation and Control Systems
-In-depth knowledge of Treatment and Interceptor Systems
-Extensive experience with successful Industrial Automation projects
-Dedicated to continuous improvement
-Project Management Experience
-Thinks Strategically, Exhibits Critical Thinking, and Integrity
Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
Master of Science in Management (April, 2016)
Excelsior College, Albany, NY 12203
GPA: 4.0
BSBE in Information Technologies (December, 2013)
East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858
GPA: 3.85
Member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
AAS in Instrumentation Technology (May 10, 1996)
New River Community College, Dublin, VA 24084
GPA: 3.3 Cum Laude
High School Diploma (1993)
Franklin High School, Franklin, VA 23851
Wesley has a vast amount of experience in Instrumentation and Industrial Automation. In his former position, he was a highly sought after Instrumentation Specialist and later an Industrial Automation Programmer due to his incredible troubleshooting ability. He is also an expert on the Emerson Ovation DCS system as well as various brands of PLCs. He also possesses a vast amount of knowledge of analytical instrumentation (pressure, level, flow, level, and process specific analytics). Wesley also has an extensive amount of project management and execution experience. He played a huge role in installing and programming an DCS in-house without any vendor support.
Industrial Control Systems Manager – Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) – Hampton Roads, VA
February 2014 – 2021
-Provides instrumentation and control engineering services that include planning, design, repair, upgrade and maintenance to Distributed Control System (DCS) and the Interceptor Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system
-Provide direction to consulting engineers and contractors for design, implementation and testing of DCS’s
-Performs Emerson Ovation DCS programming which includes UNIX (Solaris and Linux) system administration and all other related system administration functions that relate to the Emerson Ovation DCS systems.
-Performs programming, administrative functions and configuration for the SCADA system.
-Ensure that the DCS system is programed to conform with the intention of the systems functional description
-Support the Instrumentation Specialists as needed for troubleshooting and repair of control systems.
-Provide training for other employees on how to properly utilize the systems that are created and/or installed
-Provide leadership, technical expertise and work center support for effective utilization of automation to ensure regulatory compliance and safe work environment
-Support multiple system communication protocols.
-Performs schematic and loop sheet creation for all projects (system integration).
-Designs, plans, installs, replaces, repairs, maintains and provides documentation and schematics for all systems and equipment associated with automated process control.
-Prepares budget and supervises expenditures; Prepares and maintains records and reports.
-Performs Omron PLC programming, Allen Bradley PLC programming, GE PLC Programming, Yokogawa YS-170 programming (reverse polish notation) for the purpose of automating systems.
Instrumentation Specialist – Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) – Suffolk, VA
February 2006 – February 2014
-Designs, plans, installs, replaces, repairs, maintains and provides documentation and schematics for all systems and equipment.
-Installs and maintains security systems, (and door / gate security devices).
-Performs programming, calibration and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems and instruments including DCS (Distributive Control Systems), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and Master Metering Program.
-Partners and collaborates with other HRSD departments and staff; assesses needs for services and develop work plans; participates on new design teams as requested.
-Analyze for ways to improve the performance of operating processes and to maximize the use of limited staff resources and talents.
-Recommends improvements to equipment, processes, work methods and procedures.
-Prepares and maintains records and reports as required,
-Troubleshoots instrumentation problems.
-Support and develop staff skills for current position and future career opportunities; trains operations staff to fully utilize automated systems.
-Proficient in Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word and Excel.
-Proficient with ERP Operating Systems and Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
-Experience with programming and troubleshooting of the following systems: Omron PLC, Allen Bradley PLC, GE PLC, Yokogawa YS-170 and Emerson Ovation DCS to include UNIX (Solaris and Linux) system administration.
-Ability to lead, train, and collaborate with others with a positive attitude to maintain work efficiency.
Bachelors of Business Management in Information Systems (May of 2019)
Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA 24515
AAS in Instrumentation Technology (May of 2004)
New River Community College, Dublin, VA 24084
AAS in Industrial Technology (May of 2003)
Paul D. Camp Community College, Franklin, VA 23851
High School Diploma (June of 2001)
Southampton High School
C. Scott Emerson, P.E.
Principal Electrical Engineer
Scott has an extensive background in Industrial Automation and Electrical Engineering. He is a Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia. His experience includes crane design for the US Navy (Navy Crane Center) where he has served in multiple engineering roles, as well as on their project management team. He currently serves as the Crane Design Division Director, where he manages the efforts of 18 engineers (mechanical, electrical, and structural). Scott also has experience in electrical distribution, troubleshooting, and monitoring of the electrical grid via SCADA. He spent 17+ years working in manufacturing environments, which encompassed extensive time in facility/equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of Industrial Automation related systems, wrapping up that part of his career as a department head.
Scott also currently sits on Code-Making Panel 12 of NFPA 70 (National Electric Code) as an alternate.
Crane Design Division Director – Navy Crane Center (NCC) – Portsmouth, VA
April 2018 – present
-Direct a multi-discipline, multi-site design engineering team to achieve accuracy and efficiency in all aspects of crane procurement
-Establish and review processes for the accomplishment of work by an engineering team
-Provide guidance and oversight review of detailed technical specifications
Project Manager, Project Management – Navy Crane Center (NCC) – Portsmouth, VA
October 2017 – April 2018
-Serves as a senior member of the crane acquisition team
-Meets with the project team to determine the most appropriate acquisition method and schedule for assigned projects.
-Responsible for coordinating all assigned projects with special emphasis on timely delivery of equipment to clients, ensuring the equipment adheres to contract requirements within available funding, and planning/monitoring of funding expenditures, contract modifications, and field changes of assigned projects.
Manager of Engineering – Community Electric Cooperative – Windsor, VA
April 2015 – October 2017
-Design of electrical facilities
-System coordination and load balance
-Operation, maintenance, and inspection of substations
-System planning
Supervisory Electrical Engineer, Crane Design – Navy Crane Center (NCC) – Portsmouth, VA
April 2014 – June 2015
-Assign work to subordinates according to their abilities, the complexity of the work, and the staffing requirements of the project.
-Make adjustments to staff member assignments/work as needed to meet project milestones or to address changes in resources or deadlines.
-Provide advice and counsel to individual employees on work and/or administrative matters, or as a mentor to lower graded personnel.
Lead Electrical Engineer, Crane Design – Navy Crane Center (NCC) – Portsmouth, VA
December 2012 – April 2014
-Develop detailed technical specifications to be used in the procurement of all types of weight handling equipment.
-Review and approved electrical designs and calculations, methods of analysis, and logic of complex or uncommon types of control systems.
-Perform investigations of special problems such as the logic of complex or uncommon types of control systems and other problems requiring a high degree of knowledge in the fields of electrical theory, electrical design, and mathematics.
Electrical Engineer, Crane Design – Navy Crane Center (NCC) – Portsmouth, VA
May 2009 – December 2012
-Conduct non-routine engineering work that requires and is characterized by professional knowledge of engineering, professional ability to apply such knowledge to engineering problems, and positive and continuing development of professional knowledge and ability
-Stand in for Design Division Electrical Engineering Supervisor as needed
-Involved in the procurement of cranes for the Navy and Marines from an Electrical Engineering aspect.
Partner/Project Manager – Hampton Roads Utility Contractors – Chesapeake, VA
March 2006 – May 2009
-Manage daily business functions along with underground utility projects, utilizing both open-cut and trenchless technologies (horizontal directional drilling) for the installation of water, sewer, storm drain, conduit, fiber optic cable, and electrical cable (from street light wire to primary bulk feeder cable).
-Managed various types of underground utility projects.
Stretch Films Department Manager – Intertape Polymer Group – Danville, VA
November 2004 – March 2006
-Managed the daily operation of the Intertape’s Danville, VA stretch films department, comprised of four shifts, operating on a 24/7 schedule.
Stretch Films Department Electrical Engineer – Intertape Polymer Group – Danville, VA
January 2000 – February 2005
-Managed all departmental projects including technology upgrades, safety initiatives, process improvements, and new capital projects.
Electronics Maintenance Manager – Intertape Polymer Group – Danville, VA
August 1998 – December 1999
-Managed the activities of five electronics technicians who maintained equipment in four departments. Also provided technical support for those technicians during nights and weekends.
Electronics Technician – Intertape Polymer Group – Danville, VA
March 1992 – August 1998
-Responsible for troubleshooting and repairing all plant manufacturing equipment in four departments (BOPP films, coating, converting, and stretch films), including all support equipment such as steam and hot oil boilers, chillers, and compressors. Also performed in-house upgrades including PLC, drive, and various controller upgrades to existing equipment. Excellent technical knowledge of extrusion, winding, coating, speed and temperature control, material handling, and packaging.
-Proficient in Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word and Excel.
-Expert knowledge in Electrical Engineering best practices and application within the Industrial Automation realm.
-Ability to lead, train, and collaborate with others with a positive attitude to maintain work efficiency.
Professional Engineer in Virginia (2012)
License Number: 0402049228
Master of Engineering Management (December of 2008)
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529
BS in Electrical Engineering Technology (December of 2001)
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529
AAS in Electronics (June of 1989)
Danville Community College, Danville, VA 24541
Ron Trager
Computer Engineer
Ron has over 34-years of experience testing, troubleshooting and repairing complex control systems with their associated monitoring and instrumentation equipment. His diverse experience spans from component-level analysis of avionics control systems to integrated ship control systems. This includes single-processor embedded controllers, as well as, ship-wide LAN-based controls, data multiplexing and alarm networks. Additionally, He has developed lifecycle maintenance plans for ship’s hull, electric plant, propulsion, piping, auxiliaries and corrosion mitigation necessary for a ship to reach its 40-year life expectancy. Furthermore, his experience includes software engineering of diagnostic Expert Systems used fleet-wide to troubleshoot shipboard systems. His hobbies include automotive and motorcycle restoration and modification.
LPD-17 CLASS PLATFORM ENGINEER, SURFMEPP ( 12/2011 – 10/2014)
As a Platform Engineer, my duties include managing lifecycle maintenance for LPD-17 Class ships for the purpose of reaching their expected forty year service life. This involves planning CNO Availabilities to ensure Lifecycle Critical (LCC) tasks from the Class Maintenance Plan (CMP) and Current Ship Maintenance Projects (CSMP) are branded and incorporated in the Baseline Availability Work Package (BAWP). This package includes tank and void assessments and preservation, as well as, all other internal and external structural corrosion mitigation. Furthermore, assessments and repairs for shipboard systems are scheduled. Task deferrals desired by the maintenance team are analyzed and recommendations are provided to the Ship’s Design Manager (SDM) for adjudication through the Change Deferral Notification System (CDNS) process.
Additionally, funding modifications to OPNAVNOTE 4700 are determined through analysis of class issues, TYCOM and PMS-470 modernization schedules, and provided via the Program Objective Memorandum (POM)/DoNFAST processes. Numerous databases including VSB, NMD, NDE, 3M OARS, and eDFS are utilized to accomplish these duties.
LIFECYCLE ENGINEER, SURFMEPP (5/2010 – 12/2011)
Developed the Technical Foundation Paper (TFP) and Long-Range Maintenance Schedule (LRMS) for all equipment in the Command and Surveillance (400) and Armament (700) ESWBS areas for the LPD-17 Class, the Propulsion (200) and Electrical (300) ESWBS groups for the MCM-1 Class, and Electrical and Command and Surveillance groups for the DDG-51 Class TFP update. Analysis was performed on Maintenance Resource System (MRS) data, as well as, departure reports from private shipyards to determine historical costs and frequencies of reoccurring ship maintenance. Additionally, RMC and ISEA inputs were utilized to project new maintenance requirements.
SYSTEMS ENGINEER, NSLC/SSLCM/SURFMEPP (4/2009 – 5/2010)
Managed the Integrated Class Maintenance Plan (ICMP) scheduled tasks for 18 US NAVAL SHIPS and numerous unscheduled tasks common to a variety of ship classes. Scheduled tasks were pushed to these ships for developing CNO work packages and exceptions were handled via conferences with Port Engineers, NAVSEA administrators and Technical Warrant Holders. The managed system tasks included mechanical, electronic, and distributed networked systems. Application of Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) analysis techniques were used to maintain the library of Integrated Class Maintenance Plan tasks contained within a Naval Sea Logistics Center database.
LPD-17 PROJECT ENGINEER, MARMC (9/2006 – 4/2009)
Project Engineer for the USS SAN ANTONIO (LPD-17) overseeing industrial processes and maintenance. This entailed working very closely with the Project Manager, Port Engineer, ship’s Captain and crew, PMS-317 Technical Warrant Holder, Ship’s Design Manager, NAVSEA 05, PMS-470, ISEA, PEO Ships, INSURV, MARMC Subject Matter Experts (SME), OEMs, Ship Building Specialists (SBS) and Contractor shipyard Superintendents to solve design and maintenance issues on this first ship of the class. System investigations include distributed piping/galvanic corrosion and integrated ship controls. Reviewed Software and Hardware Design Specifications and developed testing methods for verification of proper system operation. Furthermore, ship checks were performed to validate/modify work specifications for contracted work.
Moreover, integrated system analysis techniques were utilized during engineering investigations of systemic issues. This included troubleshooting Engineering Control System (ECS) issues that helped prevent this ship from passing INSURV for which I was awarded a plaque.
CONTROL SYSTEMS ENGINEER, FTSCLANT (12/1993 – 9/2006)
Control systems SME for DDG, LSD, PC, MCM, and Coast Guard 210 and 270 ship classes. Assess, troubleshoot, and repair shipboard propulsion control systems and Combat System Navigation data distribution for proper operation and reliability. Perform technical assists both remote and on-site of stand-alone and integrated control systems including consoles, interfaces, and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). Perform mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic system fault analysis utilizing protocol and logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and multi-meters. Determined operational limitations of propulsion systems based on failure analysis and provided recommendations to Port Engineers for maintenance issues with details on levels of effort required to perform the maintenance. Utilizing advanced electronic assembly repair methods, performed field repairs to wire-wrap backplanes, integrated circuit replacement, and micro-miniature printed circuit board (PCB) repair. Additionally, worked with the ISEA to install modifications, as well as, whole control system upgrades.
Furthermore, provided technical assistance for the Integrated Condition Assessment System (ICAS) and developed Expert System software for shipboard system analysis. Provided OJT to ship’s force and redlined the Fiber-optic Data Multiplexing System (FODMS) training course at Naval Training Center, Great Lakes. Designed and implemented serial data collection software to aid Boeing, ISEA, and RMC technical representatives in collecting RS-422 data from a Data Multiplex System (DMS) interface.
COMPUTER SYSTEMS ANALYST, Naval Aviation Depot (9/2004 – 12/1993)
Analyze a new processor for the AN/AYK-14(V) Navy Standard Airborne Computer and develop a training course with test methodologies to stand up a depot repair facility. Accomplishments include the development of diagnostic microcode test sequences to identify failed processor components and hot-gas soldering techniques to replace high-density gate arrays.
Also, was a depot-level SME for F-18 mission computers, F-14 and A-6 flight control computers, weapon guidance systems, navigation systems and cockpit display systems. Utilized automated test equipment, as well as, signal generators, scopes, counters, and frequency analyzers to troubleshoot and align system parameters. Utilizing proper electrostatic discharge protection techniques, performed micro-miniature circuit repair, multi-layer PCB repair, and installed circuit modifications and upgrades to aircraft control systems.
Proficient in Computer Programming Languages (C++, C, Visual Basic, Pascal, and Assembly), computer communications (Ethernet, RS-485 Modbus, RS-232, and RS-488), Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, Power Point and Visio) and software engineering (specifications, implementation, and testing).
Circuit analysis using oscilloscopes, logic and spectrum analyzers, counters and signal generators.
Custom automotive electrical and mechanical technician
PROFESSIONAL RATINGS, AWARDS, AND RECOGNITIONS
QSI 08-1991, 08-1992, 08-2006
Performance Award 08-1990, 08-1993, 08-1994, 09-1995, 08-1996, 08-1997,
08-1998, 08-1999, 08-2000
Special Act or Service Award 06-2000
Beneficial Suggestion Award 09-1990
Outstanding rating 06-1991, 06-1992, 06-1993, 07-1995, 05-1996, 05-1997,
05-1998, 07-1999
Letter of Appreciation 11-1991, 01-1998
Plaque Award for Outstanding contribution for LPD-17 passing INSURV
Bachelor in Computer Engineering (1996)
GPA: 3.38
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Associate in Engineering (1992)
GPA: 3.54
Naval Aviation Depot, Portsmouth, VA
Specialist in Aviation Electronics Apprenticeship (1984)
Norfolk, VA
High School Diploma (1977)
Deep Creek High School, Chesapeake, VA
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Fiber-Optic military systems, KITCO, 2008
NBPI Coating inspector certification, SSPC, 2008
Shore Manager Maintenance University, MARMC, 2008
LPD-17 SWAN Design/Peripheral Systems Integration Training, A.D.N., 2008
LPD-17 Radar Tank Level Indicators, NAG Marine, 2008
LPD-17 Class Magnetic Signature Control System (MSCS), Raytheon, 2007
Cathodic Protection System Design, Naval Research Labs, Key West, 2007
Shipbuilding Specialist (SBS), MARMC, 2006
Fiber-Optic Technician certification, ECPI, 2005
Fiber-Optic Installer certification, ECPI, 2005
EEO Committee Training, HRO, 2005
3500B Diesel Engine Electronics, Catepillar Inc., 2004
Fiber-Optic Data Multiplex System (FODMS), Boeing, 1998
Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative, DOD, 1991
Electronics Mechanic Apprenticeship, NADEP Norfolk, 1980-1984
