Arjang Ahmadi
Los Angeles
Summary
Dynamic automation engineer leading teams to optimize operations in major terminals. Achievements include enhancing operational efficiency with >90% success in autonomous operations and recognized for innovation in automated systems. Proven ability to manage critical projects from design to completion.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
LEAD AUTOMATION ENGINEER
Kalmar
Los Angeles
05.2025 - Current
- Leading the local automation team at APM Terminals Pier 400 - the largest container terminal in the U.S. - to support and optimize automated operations, improving Mean Moves Between Assists (MMBA) and Gross Moves Per Hour (GMPH). Responsible for maintaining and upgrading control systems to achieve customer operational targets.
- Managed automation projects, including yard expansion and retrofitting hybrid fleet to fully electric operation, and deployed a fully automated charging system to improve operational capabilities.
- Led onsite automation support initiatives that contributed to recognition as Runner-Up in 2025 Horizontal Transportation Award for operational excellence and innovation in automated electric straddle carrier systems.
- Diagnosed issues on automated machines, providing technical direction to technicians and operators to enhance operational reliability.
- Debugging and troubleshooting onboard and offboard automation control systems, including PLCs, communication networks, and higher-level control systems.
- Performing PLC and control system updates to resolve software bugs, improve system stability, and optimize operational performance.
- Led the local support team to complete tasks on time while coordinating with software developers on issue resolution and system debugging.
- Leading the local automation team at APM Terminals Pier 400 - the largest container terminal in the U.S.
AUTOMATION ENGINEER
Kalmar
Los Angeles
03.2023 - 05.2025
- Contributed to the successful commissioning and handover of 132 fully autonomous Auto Straddle Carriers at APM Terminals Los Angeles, achieving an industry-leading >90% success rate in pick-and-ground container operations. These machines autonomously manage container transfers between vessels and trucks, significantly boosting operational efficiency and automation in one of North America's busiest terminals.
- Commissioned, integrated, and tested advanced control systems for autonomous fleet operation, enhancing operational reliability and performance using Siemens, ABB, and OMRON PLCs.
- Performed rigorous system validation, optimization, and troubleshooting to ensure peak machine performance under both manual and autonomous modes.
- Configured and deployed access control systems, improving operational safety and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Utilized Ansible for automated software deployment, streamlining updates across the machine fleet.
- Worked extensively in a Linux-based onboard system environment, supporting real-time control and telemetry processing.
- Leveraged MQTT protocols for higher-level, reliable machine-to-system communication.
- Contributed to the management and operation of Kubernetes clusters, gaining hands-on experience across its various components, supporting scalable and containerized services for deployment and monitoring.
- Contributed to the successful commissioning and handover of 132 fully autonomous Auto Straddle Carriers at APM Terminals Los Angeles.
COMMISSIONING ENGINEER
Kalmar
Sydney
08.2021 - 03.2023
- Commissioned engineering for pioneering project at Moorebank Intermodal Terminal, Sydney, facilitating successful project implementation.
- Integrated and tested control systems for access control, CASCs, and auto straddles, ensuring operational readiness.
- Configuration HW/SW for access control system panels/devices.
- Testing, troubleshooting ACS for the whole site.
- Modification of the machinery to meet the customer's requirements.
- Calibration/Configuration of the TPMS to place/pick containers.
- Analyzing data to diagnose software bugs.
- Configured Siemens, ABB, and OMRON PLCs for control system integration, enhancing system reliability.
CONTROL SYSTEM ENGINEER
Hutchison Ports
Sydney
10.2019 - 08.2021
- Diagnosed and troubleshot PLCs and SCADA systems to ensure operational reliability.
- Developing and integrating new systems according to the corporation's requirements.
- Supervising BMS, fire system and lighting system of entire site.
- Maintained ports and stevedoring machinery, including straddle carriers, reach stackers, automated stacking cranes, quay cranes, and forklifts, to support efficient site operations.
- Maintained low and high voltage systems throughout the site.
- Select Achievements: Adding feature for existing spreader and demonstrating in SCADA by using IFM controller (CODESYS v2.3) and using CAN protocol to communicate with main controller (GE).
Software Engineer
Komatsu Mining Corp
Moss Vale
12.2018 - 10.2019
- Programmed controllers for continuous miners and shuttle cars using CODESYS v3.5 on STW controllers, primarily in Structured Text (ST).
- Troubleshot and calibrated electro-hydraulic systems by analyzing real-time data via CAN protocol, improving system performance through precise adjustments.
- Executed software testing on mining products, ensuring compliance with customer specifications and operational standards, leading to enhanced product reliability.
- Key Achievements: Played a core role in the design and programming of the first electro-hydraulic bolter integrated into a miner bolter platform. The machine featured adaptive drilling, with a fully programmable control system.
MECHATRONICS ENGINEER
Southcott Pty Ltd
Newcastle
03.2018 - 12.2018
- Gathered requirements and specifications from clients in mining, agriculture, and forestry industries to inform project development.
- Programmed CANOpen devices and commissioned projects using CODESYS for IFM controllers and HMIs.
- Programming and configuring CAN controllers and devices such as IFM controllers, KAR-TECH, Magnetek, Wachendorff, TURCK and STW controllers.
- Designed and manufactured control units tailored to customer needs, enhancing product functionality.
- Reviewed designs to ensure compliance with client specifications and Australian Standards, ensuring quality and safety.
- Designed and manufactured electrical panels and enclosures for various projects.
- Troubleshooting RF components and utilising these components in the controller circuits.
- Select Achievements: Several main projects delivered by using CAN bus protocol as well as using RF controller in the same package (Magnetek, IFM and Wachendorff HMI).
CONTROL SYSTEM ENGINEER
CAN Automotion Pty Ltd
Melbourne
09.2016 - 03.2018
- Prepared and designed instrumentation and control diagrams for documentation process before and after projects using AutoCAD.
- Designing control systems to remotely monitor process and control mobile machines involving hydraulic and electrical control by using a variety of protocols such as CANOpen, J1939, TCP/IP and ModBus.
- Installation and commissioning of Yaskawa (U1000 and A1000), Parker and Schneider Variable Frequency Drives (VFD).
- Programming on different controllers, PLC and motion controllers such as STW Technic (CODESYS V2.3 and V3.5), Galil (Galil Design Kit), Parker (CODESYS V2.3), Janztec (CODESYS V3.5) and Yaskawa (DriveWizard).
- Designing HMI and implementing in the software (Wachendorff, Janztec and Pro-Face).
- Reviewing designs to ensure adherence to client specifications and Australian Standards are maintained.
- Finalised and commissioned industrial and commercial projects, ensuring compliance with client specifications and standards.
ROBOTICS ENGINEER (R&D)
TIC Group
Melbourne
10.2015 - 03.2016
- Trained the collaborative robot (Baxter) with different tasks and communicated with PLC.
- Programmed PLCs and synchronized them with the process control system.
- Designed orientation (boxes location, conveyor and robot) and also designed the feeder system.
- Finalized prototype design for improved functionality.
- Developed application to verify item barcodes against database using SQL.
- Designed and drew the physical layout and wiring diagram by using CAD.
- Analyzed data for the identification of savings opportunities to be highlighted to clients.
Education
Master of Science - Electronic And Computer
Griffith University
Australia12-2014
Master of Science - Mechatronics
University of Wollongong
Australia12-2013
Bachelor of Science - Electrical And Electronics
Semnan University
Iran09-2010
Skills
- Industrial Automation
- Control Systems
- PLC Design
- CODESYS
- Tia Portal
- CX-Programmer
- Automation Builder
- Robotic Arms
- LabVIEW
- Altium Designer
- AutoCAD
- 3D Modeling
- System Diagrams
- MS Project
- MS Office
- Digital Design
References
Will be provided upon request.
Timeline
LEAD AUTOMATION ENGINEER
Kalmar
05.2025 - Current
AUTOMATION ENGINEER
Kalmar
03.2023 - 05.2025
COMMISSIONING ENGINEER
Kalmar
08.2021 - 03.2023
CONTROL SYSTEM ENGINEER
Hutchison Ports
10.2019 - 08.2021
Software Engineer
Komatsu Mining Corp
12.2018 - 10.2019
MECHATRONICS ENGINEER
Southcott Pty Ltd
03.2018 - 12.2018
CONTROL SYSTEM ENGINEER
CAN Automotion Pty Ltd
09.2016 - 03.2018
ROBOTICS ENGINEER (R&D)
TIC Group
10.2015 - 03.2016
Master of Science - Electronic And Computer
Griffith University
Master of Science - Mechatronics
University of Wollongong
Bachelor of Science - Electrical And Electronics
Semnan University