Neil C. Sinclair
Gonzales,Texas
Summary
Experienced Instrumentation & Controls (I&C), Electrical, and Commissioning professional with over 20 years of expertise supporting large-scale industrial, manufacturing, and refinery operations. Proven success leading commissioning teams, managing controls quality assurance programs, overseeing factory acceptance testing, and facilitating complex system startups. Strong background in automation, PLC troubleshooting, electrical systems, vendor management, and cross-functional leadership. Recognized for developing efficient processes, driving operational readiness, and delivering high-quality project execution in fast-paced environments.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Controls Commissioning Lead
Tesla Gigafactory
Austin, TX
12.2025 - Current
- Established and structured Controls QA inspection team, ensuring compliance with quality standards and specifications.
- Coordinated vendor equipment inspections upon delivery to validate adherence to project requirements.
- Scheduled and facilitated vendor Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).
- Planned and coordinated vendor equipment inspections upon delivery.
- Reviewed vendor submittals and technical documentation to facilitate alignment with project specifications.
- Collaborated with the Global Controls Specification Team on standards and implementation strategies.
I&C Commissioning Manager
Tesla Gigafactory
Austin, TX
05.2024 - 12.2025
- Managed commissioning schedules, resources, and turnover requirements.
- Managed commissioning schedules and resources to ensure timely turnover.
- Supported startup and operational readiness initiatives across manufacturing systems.
- Coordinated system handovers to Facilities teams, facilitating seamless transitions.
- Supported startup and operational readiness initiatives across manufacturing systems to enhance reliability.
Senior Technical Project Manager
Tesla Gigafactory
Austin, TX
10.2022 - 05.2024
- Conducted device testing and verification, ensuring design compatibility and reliability.
- Developed and standardized control panel testing procedures, enhancing quality assurance.
- Conducted device testing and verification to ensure design compatibility.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to implement design improvements, optimizing device performance.
Lead Construction I&C Technician
Tesla Gigafactory
Austin, TX
04.2022 - 10.2022
- Coordinated commissioning activities between construction and facilities teams to ensure smooth project transitions.
- Identified and resolved process issues, enhancing system reliability and performance.
- Collaborated with process engineers and vendors to address installation deficiencies and ensure regulatory compliance.
Lead Construction I&C Technician
Tesla Gigafactory
Sparks, NV
06.2020 - 04.2022
- Reviewed installation details and field device layouts, ensuring compliance with specifications to facilitate seamless project execution.
- Guided contractors in instrument installation procedures, enhancing installation quality and adherence to project standards.
- Supported contractors with proper instrument installation procedures.
- Conducted testing and validation of field devices integrated with SCADA systems, confirming operational readiness and reliability.
Lead Facilities I&C Technician
Tesla Gigafactory
Sparks, NV
12.2018 - 06.2020
- Coordinated maintenance activities with system owners to ensure optimal system operation.
- Educated technicians on equipment operation and maintenance best practices to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Developed Standard Maintenance Procedures to improve consistency and reliability.
- Created Standard Maintenance Procedures to standardize practices and increase reliability.
Facilities Level IV I&C Technician
Tesla Gigafactory
Sparks, NV
08.2018 - 12.2018
- Executed daily field instrument calibrations to ensure accuracy and compliance with operational standards.
- Assisted in startup operations and commissioning activities to facilitate smooth transitions to operational status.
- Developed calibration procedures to ensure consistency and accuracy in measurements.
- Performed VFD scripting and automation support functions
Instrumentation & Electrical Technician
Marathon SHGP
Texas City, TX
02.2013 - 01.2018
- Troubleshot PLC logic and control systems to ensure operational reliability.
- Troubleshoot PLC logic and control systems.
- Performed preventive maintenance on UPS systems, instrumentation, pumps, and 480VAC breakers.
- Diagnosed motor control circuit issues and electrical faults to restore system functionality.
- Performed preventive maintenance on UPS systems, instrumentation, pumps, and 480VAC breakers to enhance equipment reliability.
Instrumentation & Electrical Technician
BP SHGP
Texas City, TX
05.2011 - 01.2013
- Supported PLC troubleshooting, enhancing operational reliability.
- Performed live unit calibrations and instrumentation testing.
- Troubleshot motor control circuits and electrical systems.
- Troubleshot motor control circuits and electrical systems, ensuring optimal performance.
- Conducted preventive maintenance on UPS systems, instrumentation, pumps, and electrical distribution equipment to maintain operational integrity.
I&E Pro-Tem Supervisor
BP
Whiting, IN
03.2009 - 04.2011
- Supervised 10–12 Instrumentation & Electrical technicians.
- Scheduled and prioritized daily work activities to align with project goals.
- Delivered startup and calibration procedures to technicians.
- Delivered startup and calibration procedures to ensure technicians were well-prepared for efficient operations.
- Coordinated system startups and operational turnovers to facilitate seamless transitions between project phases.
- Communicated daily project status and challenges to management teams.
Instrumentation & Electrical Technician
11.2005 - 03.2009
- Installed rigid conduit systems and electrical infrastructure to support reliable operation of electrical systems.
- Pulled and terminated motor power cables to ensure safe and efficient power delivery.
- Pulled and terminated motor power cables.
- Removed and replaced field instrumentation and control devices to maintain system integrity and operational functionality.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Electrical & Computer Engineering Technology
Purdue University Calumet
Hammond, Indiana05-2005
Associate Degree - Electrical Engineering Technology
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana06-1999
Skills
- Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Leadership
- Controls Commissioning
- Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
- Controls quality assurance
- Startup operational readiness
- PLC Troubleshooting
- SCADA Systems
- Vendor Equipment Inspection
- Vendor Submittal Review
- System Handover & Turnover
- Technical Training & Development
- Power System Analysis
- Commissioning Planning & Scheduling
- Controls Design Review
- Team Leadership & Personnel Development
- Maintenance Program Development
- Process Optimization & Reliability Improvement
- Installation Coordination
- Instrumentation & Controls Systems
- Electrical Distribution Systems
- Commissioning & Startup Activities
- Quality assurance
- Vendor Management
- Control Panel Testing
- Mark VI Turbine Controls
- Motor Control Circuits
- System Turnovers & Handover Processes
- Calibration preventive maintenance
- Manufacturing Process Optimization
- Refinery operations maintenance
Timeline
Staff Controls Commissioning Lead
Tesla Gigafactory
12.2025 - Current
I&C Commissioning Manager
Tesla Gigafactory
05.2024 - 12.2025
Senior Technical Project Manager
Tesla Gigafactory
10.2022 - 05.2024
Lead Construction I&C Technician
Tesla Gigafactory
04.2022 - 10.2022
Lead Construction I&C Technician
Tesla Gigafactory
06.2020 - 04.2022
Lead Facilities I&C Technician
Tesla Gigafactory
12.2018 - 06.2020
Facilities Level IV I&C Technician
Tesla Gigafactory
08.2018 - 12.2018
Instrumentation & Electrical Technician
Marathon SHGP
02.2013 - 01.2018
Instrumentation & Electrical Technician
BP SHGP
05.2011 - 01.2013
I&E Pro-Tem Supervisor
BP
03.2009 - 04.2011
Instrumentation & Electrical Technician
11.2005 - 03.2009
Associate Degree - Electrical Engineering Technology
Purdue University
Bachelor of Science - Electrical & Computer Engineering Technology
Purdue University Calumet