Aaron Estep
Springdale
Summary
Mechanical Engineer and Automation/Controls Field Service Technician with hands-on experience commissioning and troubleshooting industrial control systems for lumber-processing facilities. Skilled in Allen-Bradley PLCs, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View, EtherNet/IP, VFDs, motor controls, electrical drawings, and field wiring. Technically curious and methodical, with a strong commitment to continuous learning, careful problem-solving, and developing reliable engineering solutions.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Field Service Technician - Controls & Automation
Automated Control Solutions, Inc.
Hot Springs, AR
06.2025 - Current
- Support startup and commissioning for saw mills and other lumber-processing control-system upgrades and new installations, including planers, stackers, sorters, and merchandisers in 18 or more projects throughout the US.
- Use Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 Logix Designer to verify field I/O, test and troubleshoot ladder logic, diagnose field issues, and develop or modify routines.
- Safely commission and validate induction motors, conveyors and chains, sensors, HMIs, and Ethernet/IP industrial communication.
- Configure and troubleshoot PowerFlex 750-Series and Toshiba VF-AS3 VFDs, SMC Flex soft starters, motor overload settings, and related motor-control equipment using CCW, HMI interfaces, and manufacturer tools.
- Develop and modify FactoryTalk View ME/SE and C-More HMI applications; support PLC/HMI integration, operator-control testing, and communications troubleshooting.
- Support integration and troubleshooting of Banner iVu and Daemon AI machine-vision systems.
- Use electrical drawings to troubleshoot and modify control systems, verify drawings and field data, wire consoles, adjust PLC cabinet wiring, and coordinate corrections with electrical or mechanical contractors.
Robotics Research Assistant
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Designed and built an automatically unlocking storage module for an autonomous robot using Fusion 360, Arduino/C++, electrical wiring, 3D printing, and laser cutting.
Assembly / Fabrication Assistant
United Robotics, Inc.
Springdale, AR
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Assembled and fabricated components for custom robotics and automation systems, gaining hands-on experience with CNC-oriented design, control hardware, power distribution, and system integration.
Manufacturing Excellence Engineering Intern
Pactiv Evergreen
Pine Bluff, AR
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Paper mill process control engineer intern
- Created a mill-wide Excel inventory for 10,236 process-control I/O devices and designed it for automatic updates and continued use in maintenance and system-upgrade planning.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR05-2025
Skills
- PLC / Controls: Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Studio 5000 Logix Designer, ladder logic, EtherNet/IP communications, FactoryTalk View ME/SE, C-More
- Drives / Motion: PowerFlex 750-Series VFDs, Toshiba VF-AS3 VFDs, SMC Flex soft starts
- Software: C, MATLAB, Excel, SolidWorks, AutoDesk Fusion 360
- AI: Banner iVu and Daemon AI vision systems
- Electrical: Electrical schematics, panel and field wiring, field device configuration and troubleshooting
Websites
Timeline
Field Service Technician - Controls & Automation
Automated Control Solutions, Inc.
06.2025 - Current
Robotics Research Assistant
University of Arkansas
06.2024 - 08.2024
Assembly / Fabrication Assistant
United Robotics, Inc.
06.2024 - 08.2024
Manufacturing Excellence Engineering Intern
Pactiv Evergreen
06.2023 - 08.2023
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Arkansas
LEADERSHIP & ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Teaching Assistant - SolidWorks CAD and Vibrations
- ASME Officer
- Arkansas Razorbots
- Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
- Eagle Scout