Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Franklin Ruffin II

Franklin Ruffin II

Orlando,FL

Summary

Dynamic Technical Manager with a proven track record at Rockwell Automation, specializing in Emulate3D and Unity3D. Expert in leading high-stakes projects, from conception to delivery, with exceptional problem-solving and leadership skills. Achieved significant milestones in digital twin development, enhancing operational efficiencies and client satisfaction.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Technical Manager, Digital Twin Practice - Simulation & Emulation

Rockwell Automation
Orlando, FL
06.2022 - Current
  • The role consists of two primary functions: project quotation and proposal, and project execution and delivery.
  • Delivered digital twins of industrial control applications across diverse industries including food and beverage, warehousing, metals, and automotive.
  • Engaged multiple potential clients to assess their issues and offered technical solutions using the Emulate3D platform.
  • Executed 3D model simplification, digital model development, and virtual PLC integration projects.
  • Managed 4-week to 6-month project scopes with fees between $100k and $1.2M.
  • Led technical project execution and delivery teams consisting of 2 to 3 simulation engineers for industrial control machines and factories.
  • Oversaw technical aspects of project development focused on controls/PLC and Emulate3D.
  • Ensured model designs adhered to client's mechanical and electrical drawings.

Manager, Engineering and Safety - Virtual Attractions Controls and Emulation

Universal Creative
Orlando, FL
09.2021 - 05.2022
  • Worked with internal controls and mechanical ride engineering teams to create digital twin emulations of developmental ride systems.
  • Conducted virtual commissioning of application software for digital models, identifying and rectifying software bugs, executing test procedures, and enhancing the overall robustness of software control systems for project teams and vendors.
  • Used electrical schematics, 3D mechanical models, PLC software, and other control design documentation to digitally construct ride systems with Unity3D.
  • This included emulated interfaces of drive systems, sensors, and control panels.
  • Led virtual commissioning efforts for two launch coaster attractions, employing Siemens-based control systems.
  • Responsibilities included project planning, scheduling, issue resolution with vendors, and collaboration with multiple ride project teams.

Manager, Engineering and Safety - Ride Control Systems Lead

Universal Creative
Beijing, China
01.2017 - 08.2021
  • Spearheaded collaboration with external resources to develop the company's inaugural Unity3D gaming engine-based ride simulator.
  • This simulator accurately replicates ride system operations and interfaces with programmable logic controllers (PLC) hardware and software.
  • The success of this digital twin strategy led to its expansion into a dedicated team within the engineering organization.
  • Managed the design, fabrication, testing, and installation of equipment worth over $25 million.
  • Control equipment design included the integration of over 200 smart devices and more than 1,000 inputs and outputs, meeting all requirements set forth by the China Special Equipment Inspection (CSEI) organization.
  • Collaborated closely with the Chinese-based joint venture (JV) and general contractor (GC), effectively resolving multiple installation and design challenges.
  • Earned the reputation of being the go-to 'problem solver guy' among the JV and GC
  • Took on interim attraction manager role during Covid-19 crisis, expanding responsibilities throughout project.
  • Increased engineering staff by adding three additional members through staff extension in the United States and Beijing.
  • Directed technical re-evaluation of attraction schedule and commissioning strategy, aligning with park opening deadlines.
  • Given the absence of the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) field installation team, I assumed expanded construction management responsibilities.
  • Currently serving as the technical lead, directing the daily activities of the specialty installation contractor, and providing ongoing support.

Co-Program Manager, Leadership Development Program

Rockwell Automation
Mequon, WI
08.2014 - 12.2016
  • Launched a new rotational program for entry-level engineers, with a focus on technical sales and commercial engineering.
  • Managed, recruited, interviewed, and mentored high-potential entry-level engineers.
  • Developed valuable rotations for entry-level engineers throughout the Global Sales and Marketing organization.
  • Managed risks and issues, and took corrective action.
  • Established unique assignments for entry-level engineers by collaborating with multiple business units.
  • I planned the overall program, monitored the progress, and managed the program's budget.

Senior Commercial Engineer

Rockwell Automation
Mequon, WI
08.2013 - 12.2016
  • Collaborated with a team of engineering staff and worked with other departments of the company in product development
  • Developed technical solution and description, costing, and schedule in response to customer specification
  • Provided global training and technical collateral for new product releases
  • Led a team of Application Engineers supporting next-generation A/C drive technology
  • Ensured compliance with local or national laws in product development
  • Engaged with customer's pre-sales process to evaluate automation system sizing and architecture
  • Gathered industry intelligence to inform business decision-making
  • Adhered to all internal procedures related to bid preparation, proposal tracking, and sales forecasting

Controls Engineer

Rockwell Automation
Cincinnati, OH
08.2011 - 08.2013
  • Designed, implemented, and maintained processes that helped increase productivity.
  • Lead engineer on 20+ orders/projects per year, ranging from $10K to $2M.
  • Secured annual savings of over $15K via design changes, product replacements, and cost-efficient negotiation.
  • Diagnosed and fixed technical problems in systems.
  • Conducted factory witness testing and handled the commissioning process for multiple projects.
  • Worked with others to detect problems and implement solutions.

Leadership Development Program

Rockwell Automation
Cleveland, OH
06.2009 - 07.2011

Commercial Engineering, Machine Safety Applications.

Cleveland, OH.

Product Management: CompactLogix.

Singapore

Field Marketing Competency, Integrated Architecture.

Cleveland, OH.

Development Engineering EtherNet/IP Firmware.

Cleveland, OH.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Electrical And Computer Engineering

University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
05-2009

Skills

  • Emulate3D
  • Unity3D
  • Studio 5000 / Logix Designer
  • TIA Portal, Step 7, and WinCC
  • Factory Talk Echo, PLC Sim Advanced
  • Outstanding leadership
  • Advanced Problem Solving
  • Collaborative communications
  • Creative Thinking
  • Detail-oriented
  • DevOps practices
  • Scrum master

Certification

  • Functional Safety Engineer
  • Scrumaster

Accomplishments

  • Rockwell Automation - Safety Drive Architecture Team of the Year - 2017
  • Universal Creative - DNA Ovation Award - 2020
  • Kalypso - James A. Baker Diplomacy Award - 2023

Timeline

Technical Manager, Digital Twin Practice - Simulation & Emulation

Rockwell Automation
06.2022 - Current

Manager, Engineering and Safety - Virtual Attractions Controls and Emulation

Universal Creative
09.2021 - 05.2022

Manager, Engineering and Safety - Ride Control Systems Lead

Universal Creative
01.2017 - 08.2021

Co-Program Manager, Leadership Development Program

Rockwell Automation
08.2014 - 12.2016

Senior Commercial Engineer

Rockwell Automation
08.2013 - 12.2016

Controls Engineer

Rockwell Automation
08.2011 - 08.2013

Leadership Development Program

Rockwell Automation
06.2009 - 07.2011
  • Functional Safety Engineer
  • Scrumaster

Bachelor of Science - Electrical And Computer Engineering

University of Alabama
Franklin Ruffin II