Jerry Soto
Prosser,WA
Summary
Results-driven Process Control Systems Engineer with over 20+ years of hands-on experience specializing in the design, implementation, and optimization of process control systems in the food manufacturing industry. Expertise in PLC programming, automation, and SCADA software, with hands-on training in robotic automation (FANUC), boiler and refrigeration (ammonia), and mechanical maintenance of equipment such as pumps, motors, Bucher mills, concentrators, evaporators, reverse osmosis filters, and Westfalia & Flottwag separators. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams and mentoring technicians to enhance operational efficiency and safety.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
I&C/Electrical Systems Engineer
Columbia Crest Winery
Paterson, WA
03.2022 - Current
- Design and implement advanced PLC and SCADA systems for aseptic processing, concentration, and puree production, ensuring compliance with industry standards
- Collaborate closely with engineering teams, plant staff, and product development to troubleshoot and optimize process control systems
- Provide mentorship and training to instrument technicians, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement
- Conduct hands-on training in robotic automation using FANUC systems and provide technical support for mechanical maintenance
I&C & Electrical systems engineer
Welch’s
Grandview, WA
07.2010 - 03.2022
- Same As Ubove and additional duties
- Installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing instrumentation and control systems in industrial and manufacturing, ensuring accuracy and reliability of measurement and control processes
- Optimizing production efficiency and maintaining safety standards
- Calibrating and testing various types of instrumentation, such as pressure, temperature, flow, and level sensors, as well as maintaining control systems, including PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems
- Work closely with engineering team to identify and resolve issues, ensuring minimal downtime and compliance with industry regulations and safety standards
- Strong understanding of High Voltage & PLC/Control electrical and mechanical principles and equipment
- Performed routine maintenance and repairs on various mechanical equipment, including pumps, motors, and separators, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime
- Received hands-on training in boiler and refrigeration systems (ammonia), enhancing my ability to maintain and troubleshoot these critical systems
- Assisted in training new technicians and acted in a supervisory capacity, demonstrating ambition to become a valuable asset to the company
- Operated and maintained boiler and refrigeration systems, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards
- Conducted preventive Electrical/Mechanical maintenance on equipment, including concentrators and evaporators, contributing to energy efficiency and reliability
- Provided training and support to team members on best practices for equipment maintenance and safety protocols
Sr. I&C automation lead
Con-agra Foods
Prosser, WA
03.2005 - 06.2010
Education
MS - Degree of Science in Electrical Engineering
Western Governors University
Prosser, WA11.2013
Associate Degree - I&C/Electrical
Perry Technical Institute/YVCC
Yakima, WA02.2005
Skills
- PLC Programming: Allen-Bradley
- PLC Programming: Siemens
- PLC Programming: Schneider Electric
- SCADA Software: Ignition
- SCADA Software: Wonderware
- Robotics: FANUC automation systems
- Mechanical Maintenance: Pumps
- Mechanical Maintenance: motors
- Mechanical Maintenance: Bucher mills
- Mechanical Maintenance: concentrators
- Mechanical Maintenance: evaporators
- Mechanical Maintenance: reverse osmosis filters
- Mechanical Maintenance: Westfalia & Fottwagg separators
- Electrical Codes: NEC
- Electrical Codes: NFPA 70
- Electrical Codes: NFPA 70E
- Software Proficiency: AutoCAD
- Software Proficiency: Microsoft Office Suite
- Software Proficiency: databases
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Project management
- Task prioritization
Certification
- Certified Automation Professional (CAP), International Society of Automation (ISOA), Year
- Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), International Society of Automation (ISOA), Year
- Electrical Journeyman 01 license, State of Washington, 10/01/08
- RETA Certified Refrigeration Technician, 04/01/13
- Instrument Calibrations Certified for HACCP & SQF Audits
Affiliations
- Member, International Society of Automation (ISA)
- Member, Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA)
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
I&C/Electrical Systems Engineer
Columbia Crest Winery
03.2022 - Current
I&C & Electrical systems engineer
Welch’s
07.2010 - 03.2022
Sr. I&C automation lead
Con-agra Foods
03.2005 - 06.2010
MS - Degree of Science in Electrical Engineering
Western Governors University
Associate Degree - I&C/Electrical
Perry Technical Institute/YVCC