Austin Erickson
Bowling Green
Summary
Results-oriented Technical Product and Engineering Leader with over 20 years of experience in designing and scaling automation platforms and manufacturing execution systems. Expertise in PLC-driven automation and operational technology infrastructure enhances logistics and manufacturing operations. Skilled in defining system roadmaps and leading cross-functional initiatives, delivering mission-critical infrastructure that boosts reliability and operational efficiency.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Robotics Technician
Tyson Foods
Bowling Green
08.2023 - Current
- Lead implementation and support of robotic automation platforms, PLC control systems, SCADA environments, and MES integrations within plant operations.
- Design, deploy, and sustain automated robotic and control systems supporting high-volume food manufacturing operations.
- Collaborated with engineering teams and third-party vendors to resolve system issues and deploy new automation capabilities, optimizing operational infrastructure.
- Provided technical training for operations and maintenance teams, ensuring effective utilization of advanced automation technologies.
- Developed technical documentation and system architecture drawings, enhancing operational continuity and facilitating future system expansion.
Maintenance Technician III
Hill’s Pet Nutrition (Colgate-Palmolive)
Bowling Green
12.2022 - 08.2023
- Programmed and maintained Allen-Bradley PLC systems controlling processing equipment and plant automation workflows.
- Designed and deployed HMI interfaces using Wonderware and PanelView to improve system monitoring and operational efficiency.
- Supported automation infrastructure and industrial control systems to enhance reliability and performance in large-scale manufacturing operations.
- Managed capital improvement projects with vendor selection, project planning, and system deployment to ensure seamless integration and minimal operational disruption.
- Provided training to operations teams on automated control systems and equipment usage.
Software Development Manager
TEDS Inc
Atkins
10.2021 - 04.2022
- Led software engineering teams responsible for development and lifecycle management of enterprise software platforms.
- Defined product roadmap and prioritized development tasks to align new platform capabilities with business goals.
- Directed cross-functional teams through the full software development lifecycle including planning, development, testing, and release management.
- Managed engineering resources and coordinated collaboration among engineering, QA, and operations teams to enhance product quality.
- Oversaw customer engagement to gather feedback for product enhancements and address issues for continuous platform improvement.
Manager of Engineering
Amazon
Seattle
02.2014 - 07.2021
- Directed cross-functional engineering teams responsible for designing and deploying PLC-driven automation platforms integrated with cloud-based operational systems.
- Led engineering teams responsible for development and lifecycle management of automation systems supporting Amazon fulfillment center operations.
- Defined architecture and operational standards for control systems supporting high-volume logistics infrastructure.
- Owned system lifecycle management from requirements definition through deployment and operational support.
- Collaborated with software engineering, operations, and infrastructure teams to deliver scalable automation solutions, enhancing fulfillment facility performance.
- Led process improvement initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency and system reliability across engineering and operations teams.
- Developed standard operating procedures governing system deployment, maintenance, and operational best practices.
- Mentored engineers and technical staff, contributing to hiring and development of high-performing technical teams.
Controls Engineer
Amazon
Seattle
05.2013 - 02.2014
- Led engineering activities for prototype automation technologies, resulting in streamlined operational process improvements.
- Designed and implemented PLC-based automation systems supporting material handling operations within Amazon fulfillment centers.
- Developed HMI interfaces and monitoring tools that enhanced real-time operational visibility and control.
- Collaborated with operations teams to deploy and support automated equipment, optimizing fulfillment center workflows.
E&C Technician
Tallgrass Energy
Douglas
04.2011 - 05.2013
- Led capital improvement projects involving automation system upgrades, instrumentation deployment, and operational infrastructure improvements.
- Programmed and maintained PLC and DCS platforms, ensuring seamless integration of DeltaV and Allen-Bradley systems.
- Developed and supported industrial control systems to enhance reliability and performance of large-scale energy production operations.
- Designed HMI interfaces and supported SCADA environments to improve monitoring and control of field and plant operations.
Control Systems Engineer
Process Power and Control
Glenrock
05.2010 - 04.2011
- Led system architecture design, deployment, and commissioning of PLC, DCS, SCADA, and MES systems.
- Designed and implemented automated control systems for industrial clients across energy and manufacturing sectors.
- Oversaw design and commissioning of panels within UL-certified manufacturing environments, enhancing setup efficiency and regulatory adherence.
- Managed field installations of electrical power systems and industrial control infrastructure, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Instrumentation and Controls Technician
Garco Energy Refinery
Douglas
03.2008 - 05.2010
- Installed and programmed Modicon and Allen-Bradley PLC systems while supporting SCADA and instrumentation networks.
- Conducted system calibration and troubleshooting, ensuring consistent operational reliability and performance.
- Maintained and optimized refinery automation systems, enhancing processing efficiency and reliability.
- Delivered technical training for operations personnel on control system usage and automation processes, improving team proficiency.
Field Service Engineer
MPEC Inc
Gillette
01.2007 - 03.2008
- Installed, programmed, and commissioned PLC-based automation platforms, streamlining processes across manufacturing and energy facilities.
- Designed and deployed industrial automation systems, enhancing operational efficiency at multiple customer sites.
- Performed diagnostics, upgrades, and modernization projects on legacy control systems, ensuring continued functionality and compliance.
Electronic Calibration and Repair Technician
United States Navy
09.2000 - 09.2004
- Supervised calibration laboratory production to ensure precision in electronic testing and instrumentation calibration.
- Managed daily calibration operations with oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, RF test sets, and precision measurement equipment to maintain high testing standards.
- Performed component-level troubleshooting and system diagnostics for mission-critical equipment to enhance operational reliability.
- Completed military service with distinction.
Education
Associate of Science -
Casper College
Casper, WyomingSkills
- Robotics Integration
- Control Systems Engineering
- Industrial Automation
- PLC Architecture
- SCADA Platforms
- Industrial IoT
- Allen-Bradley
- Siemens
- DeltaV
- Wonderware
- Inductive Automation
- ControlLogix
- PanelView
- Industrial HMI Platforms
- Industrial Networking
- Process Control Systems
- Instrumentation Systems
- Industrial Diagnostics
- Automation Architecture Design
- Agile Development
- Technical Program Management
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Product Strategy
- Automation Architecture Design
Certification
Wyoming Electrical Journeyman License, Completed 8,000-hour apprenticeship program
Technical Expertise
Product Strategy, Technical Roadmapping, Cross-Functional Leadership, Agile Development, Technical Program Management, System Lifecycle Management, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), SCADA Platforms, Industrial Automation, PLC Architecture, Control Systems Engineering, Industrial IoT, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, DeltaV, Wonderware, Inductive Automation, ControlLogix, PanelView, Industrial HMI Platforms, Industrial Networking, Process Control Systems, Robotics Integration, Instrumentation Systems, System Commissioning & Deployment, AutoCAD, Industrial Diagnostics, Automation Architecture Design, Technical Documentation, Operational System Integration
Other
United States Navy Veteran – Honorable Discharge
Timeline
Robotics Technician
Tyson Foods
08.2023 - Current
Maintenance Technician III
Hill’s Pet Nutrition (Colgate-Palmolive)
12.2022 - 08.2023
Software Development Manager
TEDS Inc
10.2021 - 04.2022
Manager of Engineering
Amazon
02.2014 - 07.2021
Controls Engineer
Amazon
05.2013 - 02.2014
E&C Technician
Tallgrass Energy
04.2011 - 05.2013
Control Systems Engineer
Process Power and Control
05.2010 - 04.2011
Instrumentation and Controls Technician
Garco Energy Refinery
03.2008 - 05.2010
Field Service Engineer
MPEC Inc
01.2007 - 03.2008
Electronic Calibration and Repair Technician
United States Navy
09.2000 - 09.2004
Associate of Science -
Casper College