Engineering Leader Under 40, 2024: Robert Phillips, 37

Robert Phillips, 37
Automation Manager
Interstates
Sioux Center, IA, United States
AS Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition & Electrical Construction & Maintenance, Mitchell Technical Institute

What Makes Robert an Engineering Leader

Robert excels at building relationships with both customers and team members. He strives to understand customers’ priorities and issues, focusing on creating strong, long-term connections based on trust. Robert has worked alongside many young technical professionals at Interstates, meeting them where they are, understanding their learning styles, and motivating them to succeed.

Achievements, Advancements & Career-related Industry Contributions

Since joining Interstates in 2012, Robert has consistently grown and expanded his knowledge to become a trusted automation advisor to clients in soybean processing and refining. Starting as an entry-level programmer, he has advanced to Senior Programmer, Team Leader, Project Manager, and now Automation Manager, where he manages client accounts and leads an automation delivery team. Robert has helped several customers on their digital transformation journey, leveraging new predictive technologies to improve plant performance. He is a trusted advisor to clients and a rising leader within the industry.

Non-work-related Activities & Hobbies

Since childhood, Robert has had a passion for the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing. He finds the journey to pull the trigger or set the hook the most memorable part of the adventure. Robert uses this passion to connect with team members and build relationships, always ready to share his outdoor adventures with his teammates.

Interesting Details

Robert enjoys traveling to different parts of the country, appreciating the pre-planning, strategy, and execution required to be successful in new places. He values spending time with friends and family and meeting new people along the way. Adaptability, problem-solving, and adjusting to unexpected challenges are the most rewarding aspects of these experiences, fueling his desire for more.

Why Robert Chose This Career

Robert developed an interest in electrical and controls during high school, taking additional classes in electronics. This sparked his pursuit of a career as an electrician. He was introduced to his first programmable logic controller in his second year of electrical construction. Concurrently, he worked at a gun stock manufacturer while attending college, operating a CNC machine and writing programs for Thompson Center Arms using G and M-Codes. This experience drove him to pursue a second degree in the SCADA program offered by Mitchell Technical College. Robert developed a passion for automation and realized it was his true calling.

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