Zachary Harland

Automation Specialist Weatherford, Texas


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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