2021 Engineering Leader Under 40: Tim Garnett, 37

Senior Systems Engineer, Malisko Engineering, St. Louis, MO, United States, BS Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering, University of Missouri (Columbia)

By CFE Media September 8, 2021
Tim Garnett, 37, Senior Systems Engineer, Malisko Engineering, St. Louis, MO, United States, BS Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering, University of Missouri (Columbia)

Tim Garnett, 37
Senior Systems Engineer
Malisko Engineering
St. Louis, MO, United States
BS Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering, University of Missouri (Columbia)

Why should this person be recognized for this award?

Doing quality work ensures the client feels comfortable with the project execution from start to finish. “I value communication and want to keep the dialogue open during the length of the project, because nobody likes surprises! I tackle my projects from every angle, attempting to find any holes or inconsistencies early on so that they can be addressed. This upfront work is something that distinguishes me in my field. Also, diligent note taking, which is important to achieve the high quality needed, and to be able to follow up on everything the customer mentions throughout the design process.”

Achievements, Advancement & Career-related Industry Contributions

Aveva System Platform 2020 certification was earned in 2021. He was promoted to Senior Engineer. Tim was requested by name for project work at a specific client, due to successful project execution there starting in 2010. These are complex and flexible production lines in the nutritional beverage industry. There are many interfacing systems (MES, standalone CIP kitchens, legacy PLCs, along with human-machine interface and batch control software) to consider when installing a process line. Though the hardware and equipment are new, the software is outdated. Someone on the phone recently said: “What I’m doing is J.V. compared to how you’d do it,” putting Tim on the “Varsity Integrator Team 2021” with that customer. Tim is a solid key player at Malisko, who is routinely requested by clients to work on their projects. He sets a great example for the team and has been instrumental in mentoring college interns hired annually.

Non-work-related Activities & Hobbies1

“I brought my family with me on a work trip, and we stayed next to a frozen lake, which none of us had ever experienced. We took tons of local hikes. We started a vegetable garden at home and have gotten prolific at chasing off squirrels and rabbits. During the pandemic and working at home, my older son and I started taking bike rides after work every day when the weather is nice. I didn’t even have a chance to teach him to ride a pedal bike, he got it right away after years on a balance bike.”

Interesting Details

  • Tim played a significant role in our Company Day of Sharing. Through Junior Achievement, we taught fifth graders about the importance of STEM careers. Tim was hugely engaged and inspiring. The students and teachers requested he return soon.
  • “Since working from home, my desk is next to my drum set. On video calls, I get asked/dared to play during meetings often. I still collect CDs; I much prefer them to vinyl. I still prefer paper and pen. It’s the only way to keep up and capture thoughts that sometimes come at lightning speed during brainstorming and troubleshooting sessions.”

Why did they choose this career?

“I always thought I’d be involved in Engineering somehow, even though none of my family works professionally as engineers. But I gravitated to IMSE at Mizzou because I liked the idea of engineering processes, not just products or things. It’s challenging to put yourself in the shoes of the operator or plant maintenance staff and think about how you’re interacting with your automation system, and what I can do to make their lives easier and to think LESS about automation during the day.”

Original content can be found at Control Engineering.


Author Bio: Since its founding in 2010, CFE Media and Technology has provided engineers in manufacturing, commercial and industrial buildings, and manufacturing control systems with the knowledge they need to improve their operational efficiency. CFE delivers the right information at the right time around the world through a variety of platforms.