Want to meet the next generation of manufacturing automation and controls leaders? In November 2010, Control Engineering highlights 19 young professionals from around the globe who are making their marks in everything from system design to academia. These leaders aim to inspire others to get involved in engineering and resolve local and global challenges through smarter applications of automation and control technologies. Meet Jose Vazquez ...

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Jose Vazquez, 33      

Vice-President, 8 years

Invision Engineering Corp.    

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, USA           

www.invisioneng.com

Job function: System Integration or Consulting      

Academics: BSEE (Controls), University of Puerto Rico; MBA (Global Mgt.), University of Phoenix

Achievements: Since 2000 when I began working as an engineer, I have been providing contributions to the engineering industry. I have worked on several control systems modernization projects, from design all to start-up and commissioning. In 2002, my partner and I founded Invision Engineering Corp. In eight years we have a created a company of more than 40 employees and multimillion yearly sales that provides turnkey control and systems integration services to industrial customers in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and the United States. In 2007 I was awarded “Successful Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Puerto Rico Small Business Technology Development Center. I have also contributed as a committee member of ISA on development and review of standards such as ISA-101 Human Machine Interfaces standard and others. I'm a Professional Engineer, Siemens Certified Solutions Partner, Rockwell Automation System Integrator, and CompTIA RFID+ certified. Also I have been working on design of RFID systems for hazardous locations. As of today the RFID industry lacks standards, guides, and a complete line of equipment for hazardous locations. I’m working in partnership with an RFID vendor to have a complete RFID solution (tags, readers, antennas, hand-held devices, forklift readers, portals, etc.) for hazardous locations.          

Non-work hobbies: I provide my time to my church by being one of the technology ministry members. I provide my technology knowledge in order to help the church with such matters as webpage design, management, and maintenance. Also I help with the church management software. I do this for several reasons: personally because I understand that I need to give back to my country and the community I live, spiritually because I believe that my God has given me a lot of blessings in my 33 years of life and I want to give back because of my gratitude, and lastly because knowledge and abilities that do not generate actions that affect others positively are wasted. But this is more work. When I’m not working I like to play golf. I play because golf is a game that challenges you physically and mentally. I really love it. For me is a stress reliever.        

Engineering hobbies: I have provided several control and systems integration related training [sessions] to professionals in order to improve their performance and productivity. This training is focused on using engineering knowledge in existing and new applications. I do this to help other professionals gain from my past experiences and also speed up their careers. Also, it helps me maintain my technical expertise since it forces me to be sharp, know the details and specifics, and there always is someone to challenge me.

More? I'm a shy person; however, every day I go against my shyness in order to be a better husband, father, and professional. I appreciate that in my 10 years of professional experience there have been wonderful people who have helped me overcome my limitations. Another interesting detail, at least for me, is that I love to go out every day and try to provide control and automation related solutions to my customers. Every day is a new day to help some customer solve a problem, increase productivity, improve a system's performance, and therefore make a new friend and ally.          

Start in controls: Since my engineering classes, I noticed that I liked anything related to electrical systems. Once I got my first control systems class, I knew that was a field I would like. However, I did not know how controls were implemented on the industry. When I got my first job for a small control and systems integration firm, I learned to love the job because every project was a new experience. In 10 years I have participated in hundreds of projects, and I can say that every project was a completely different experience. I have never been bored in my job.

Return to main article: Control Engineering Leaders Under 40, class of 2010

- Compiled by Renee R. Bassett for Control Engineering.

See www.controleng.com/awards for other winners and other recognition programs for all ages.