PIUS OKWU
Windsor,ON
Summary
Controls & Automation Engineer with hands-on experience programming, integrating, and troubleshooting PLC/HMI systems for automated production environments. Skilled in system commissioning, electrical controls diagnostics, motion control, and networked industrial devices. Experienced supporting automated equipment through debug, acceptance testing, and on-floor optimization. Completed a structured PLC internship prior to transitioning into a Controls Engineer role, with additional customer-facing experience supporting issue resolution, documentation, and stakeholder communication. Committed to fault ownership, system uptime, and delivering technical solutions in fast-paced manufacturing settings.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Controls Engineer
Detroit Manufacturing Systems
04.2023 - Current
- Programmed, integrated, and troubleshot PLC/HMI systems for automotive manufacturing equipment to support production quality and throughput.
- Conducted I/O checkout, sensor validation, and commissioning activities for new automation cells and line modifications.
- Diagnosed and corrected electrical controls issues involving servo systems, pneumatic circuits, conveyors, and safety interlocks.
- Collaborated with cross-functional engineering teams to implement process improvements, reduce downtime, and maintain compliance with automotive standards.
- Maintained and updated control logic, HMI screens, device mappings, and electrical schematics to reflect on-floor changes and upgrades.
- Supported OEM vendors and maintenance teams during machine installation, debug, and cycle optimization
- Prepared technical reports, fault analysis, and documentation for controls-related issues and system changes.
Controls Engineer Intern
Dakkota Intergrated Systems
09.2022 - 04.2023
- Assisted in programming, testing, and modifying PLC logic for automotive manufacturing equipment under the direction of senior controls engineers.
- Performed I/O verification, sensor checks, and device mapping during equipment startup and troubleshooting activities.
- Supported HMI screen development and basic configuration updates to improve operator usability and alarm handling.
- Collaborated with maintenance teams to diagnose automation issues, collect failure data, and implement corrective actions.
- Updated documentation including wiring diagrams, device labels, and PLC tag databases.
- Gained practical exposure to Allen-Bradley controls software, industrial networking, and automotive production systems.
Senior Client Relations Representative
Mackenzie Investments
11.2020 - 09.2022
- Served as primary point of contact for clients, financial advisors, and internal stakeholders, managing inquiries, escalations, and service requests from initial intake through to full resolution.
- Owned complex client issues end-to-end, working cross-functionally with operations, compliance, and product teams to investigate root causes, implement corrective actions, and ensure timely resolution.
- Communicated technical and procedural information clearly to non-technical stakeholders, adapting communication style based on audience knowledge and urgency.
- Identified service gaps and recommended process improvements to enhance client experience and reduce repetitive inquiries.
Education
Diploma - PLC Technician
George Brown College
Toronto12-2025
Diploma - Electromechanical Technician
George Brown College
Toronto06-2025
Master of Science - Big Data Analytics
Smith School of Business, Queens University
Toronto, ON06-2023
Bachelor of Science - Economics
Madonna University
Nigeria10-2013
Skills
- PLC Programming & Troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley / Siemens)
- Electrical Controls Troubleshooting & Debug
- System Commissioning & Field Startup Support
- Customer-Facing Technical Support & Issue Resolution
- Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Actions
- Service Reporting & Technical Documentation
- Motion Control (Servo Drives & VFD Integration)
- Industrial Networking (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, TCP/IP)
- Sensors, Actuators & I/O Configuration
- Pneumatics & Hydraulics Systems Understanding
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Communication
- Remote & On-Site Field Service Support
Timeline
Controls Engineer
Detroit Manufacturing Systems
04.2023 - Current
Controls Engineer Intern
Dakkota Intergrated Systems
09.2022 - 04.2023
Senior Client Relations Representative
Mackenzie Investments
11.2020 - 09.2022
Diploma - PLC Technician
George Brown College
Diploma - Electromechanical Technician
George Brown College
Master of Science - Big Data Analytics
Smith School of Business, Queens University
Bachelor of Science - Economics
Madonna University