Zachary Harland
Automation Specialist Weatherford, Texas
Contact
- Email: zach.harland@gmail.com
- Work Email: zharland@txautosys.com
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zachary-harland-b568603aa
Summary
Automation specialist and U.S. Air Force veteran with over 8 years of progressive experience in industrial controls, PLC programming, and field service engineering. Background spans electrical and instrumentation work, SCADA systems, panel building, and commissioning across oil & gas, manufacturing, and commercial environments. Proven ability to lead teams, manage operations, and deliver technical solutions under pressure. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Technical Skills
- PLCs & Controllers: Allen-Bradley (Micro850, CompactLogix, ControlLogix), Siemens, Automation Direct
- HMI / SCADA: Crimson 3.2, FactoryTalk View, Ignition
- Instrumentation: Pressure transmitters, flow meters, level sensors, VFDs (Fuji Frenic)
- Electrical: Panel building, equipment installation, electrical wiring, conduit routing, motor controls
- Programming: Ladder logic, structured text, function block diagrams
- Networking: Ethernet/IP, Modbus, RS-232/485, industrial networking
- Tools: Fusion 360, KiCAD, RSLogix 500/5000, Connected Components Workbench
Experience
Automation Specialist — TAS (Texas Automation Systems)
May 2024 – Present · Grand Prairie, TX
- Design, program, and commission automated control systems for industrial and commercial clients
- Develop PLC and HMI programs for process control applications including pump stations, compressor systems, and manufacturing lines
- Build and wire control panels to specification, performing point-to-point verification and loop checks
- Collaborate with engineers and project managers to deliver turnkey automation solutions on schedule
- Troubleshoot and resolve field issues across electrical, instrumentation, and controls disciplines
Field Service Technician — DSI Dantech
April 2022 – May 2024 · North America
- Provided on-site installation, startup, and service for industrial food processing equipment
- Diagnosed and repaired electrical, mechanical, and controls-related faults in production environments
- Performed preventive maintenance and calibration on instrumentation and control devices
- Coordinated with customers and internal teams to minimize downtime and ensure system reliability
- Maintained detailed service reports and documentation for all work performed
PLC Programmer — MRBraz & Associates, PLLC
December 2020 – June 2022 · Azle, TX
- Programmed PLCs and HMIs for anhydrous ammonia compressor packages designed for commercial cooling and freezing systems
- Developed navigation tools, alarm management, and trending configurations for SCADA systems
- Commissioned control systems on-site, verifying I/O, communications, and process functionality
- Supported remote monitoring and troubleshooting for existing client systems
Electrical and Instrumentation Technician — Wellflex Energy Solutions
April 2018 – June 2020 · Rhome, TX
- Installed instrumentation on prebuilt skids for frack sites
- Wired and terminated field devices including pressure transmitters, RTDs, flow meters, and control valves
- Performed conduit installation, cable tray routing, and panel terminations
- Read and interpreted P&IDs, loop diagrams, and electrical schematics
- Routed, installed and connected pneumatic controls
- Ensured all work met NEC, API, and company safety standards
Walmart
February 2015 – April 2018 · Hudson Oaks, TX
Assistant Store Manager (May 2016 – April 2018)
- Managed daily operations for a high-volume retail location with 200+ associates
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, merchandising, and customer service standards
- Drove sales performance and operational efficiency through data-driven decision-making
- Led hiring, training, and development initiatives for department managers and hourly associates
Support Manager, Grocery (October 2015 – May 2016)
- Supervised grocery department operations including stocking, inventory accuracy, and vendor relations
- Managed nightly freight processes and ensured timely department resets and mod compliance
Merchandise Supervisor, Stationery (February 2015 – October 2015)
- Directed merchandise presentation, inventory replenishment, and seasonal planning for the stationery department
- Trained and supervised a team of associates to meet sales and customer satisfaction goals
Quality Specialist, Wood — Springs Window Fashions
April 2014 – December 2014 · Grayling, MI
- Scheduled, configured, and operated lumber drying kilns to meet production quality and throughput targets
- Received and inspected inbound lumber shipments from local logging companies, verifying species, grade, and moisture content
- Monitored kiln temperatures, humidity, and drying cycles to ensure consistent wood quality for blind and shutter manufacturing
- Coordinated with production teams to align kiln schedules with manufacturing demand and minimize material bottlenecks
Cemetery Grounds Maintenance/Hourly II — City of Colorado Springs
May 2012 – February 2014 · Colorado Springs, CO
- Performed grounds maintenance including mowing, landscaping, irrigation repair, and snow removal
- Operated heavy equipment and maintained public cemetery grounds to municipal standards
- Assisted with burial preparations and ensured grounds were presentable for services
Service Technician — Walmart
March 2010 – May 2012 · Colorado Springs, CO
- Performed oil changes, tire changes, tire rotations, and fluid level checks in the Tire & Lube Express automotive shop
- Assisted with parts and supplies inventory management to ensure adequate stock levels
- Adhered to quality and safety standards established by vehicle manufacturers and company policies
- Delivered timely, reliable service to customers while maintaining a clean and organized work area
Tactical Air Command and Control Specialist — United States Air Force
October 2002 – October 2008 · Fort Carson, CO
- Operated and maintained tactical command and control communications systems in support of air operations
- Coordinated real-time airspace management, surveillance, and identification procedures
- Deployed in support of combat and training operations, ensuring mission-critical system uptime
- Held a security clearance and maintained proficiency in classified communications protocols
- Supervised junior personnel and managed equipment readiness for rapid-deployment scenarios
Education
DeVry University
Bachelor of Applied Science — Business Administration, Management and Operations 2011 – 2014
Military Service
United States Air Force — Tactical Air Command and Control Specialist October 2002 – October 2008 · 6 years of service