J AMES D.

W ASNESS
(864) 590-9641
jdwasness@gmail.com

Inman, SC 29349

E L E C T R I C AL E N G I N E E R
Accomplished Electrical Engineer possessing more than 26 years of experience in the design, assembly, and
programming of PLC production test equipment. Works collaboratively as part of a project team or as an
individual contributor to achieve project goals. Possessing extensive expertise in automation technologies,
pneumatic systems, device design, and system troubleshooting. Through vision and innovative design
constructed devices which have optimized processes, enhanced efficiency, and achieved significant cost savings.
Effective communicator able to explain complex concepts in layman terms or author comprehensive user
documentation. Thoroughly versed in an array of technologies and associated applications. A role model who
willingly mentors junior colleagues by sharing knowledge and experience to enhance their skills. Patent recipient
for the design of an electronically controlled locomotive parking brake which was widely adopted with more than
7000 produced.

Areas of Expertise

Automation Solutions
Professional Communications
Group Presentation
Detailed Oriented

PLC & HMI Programming

Production Test Equipment
Device Design
User Documentation

Troubleshooting
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Pneumatic Systems
Drawings & Schematics

Professional Experience
AMSTED-RAIL F AIVELEY LLC, GREENVILLE, SC
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Designed and built personal computer controlled production test equipment to evaluate and document the
testing of pneumatic products for the railroad freight car industry.
Enabled 24/7 testing to evaluate railroad freight car braking components by designing and building test
equipment employing programmable logic controllers (PLC) for cycling. The innovation reduced testing time
significantly with some test cases going from two months to only two weeks.
To assess the effectiveness of a new freight car brake control value crafted and programmed a data
acquisition system for a 150 car test rack (one four in service) containing pneumatic braking components.
Received a patent for designing an electronically controlled locomotive parking brake. The device was widely
used with more than 7,000 produced.
Developed a computerized test device to test and calibrate the electronically controlled locomotive parking
brake previously designed.

COOPER TOOLS-WELLER, CHERAW , SC

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

1997 2016

1990 1996

Authored new operator documentation for a series of high-end European designed industrial soldering
stations to be marketed across the United States.
Upgraded the functionally of the firms micro soldering station through a redesign which enhanced both power
output and versatility.
Designed and programmed a microcontroller based handheld calibration unit to align with a newly released
microcontroller based industrial soldering station.
To meet the demands of the consumer market designed a low-cost variable power soldering station.

Education & Training

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson SC

Technical Proficiencies
Microsoft Office Suite, KeyCreator, Visual Basic
SoftWIRE, SuperCAD, SuperPCB, LabVIEW

Distinctions
Patent Received for an Electronically Controlled Locomotive Parking Brake