Mark De La Garza

Senior Systems Engineer

💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mark-de-la-garza

Skills

MES (FTPC) PLC Studio5000 Ignition HMI SQL & DB Management Linux & PowerShell ABB Robotics Motion Control VFD Configuration Root Cause Analysis Jira / ServiceNow CM2 Cryptography Automation Systems AGV Systems Electrical Systems Application Support Requirements Gathering SDLC & OT&E

"Interested in collaborating on smart factory initiatives? Feel free to connect via LinkedIn or schedule a conversation."

📅 Schedule Time with Me

This work is based on "Robot Arm-Strong Animation Loop" by BenDuckett95 licensed under CC-BY-4.0

About Me

Hi, I’m Mark De La Garza, a Senior Systems Engineer with 15+ years in aerospace, defense, and smart manufacturing. I specialize in building resilient MES and automation systems, often bridging the gap between legacy infrastructure and Industry 4.0 solutions. I’ve led integration efforts at Rockwell, Symbotic, and General Atomics, and I’m always looking for new ways to optimize production, mentor teams, and apply real-world automation at scale. Whether you’re here to connect professionally, explore shared interests in robotics or MES, or just browse, welcome.

Experience

Senior MES Engineer – Rockwell Automation

2023 – Present

Led development and enhancement of FactoryTalk ProductionCentre for high-volume manufacturing. Integrated SQL-based backend systems with custom Java applications to streamline data flow and MES responsiveness. Resolved critical MES and OT issues in real-time, improving uptime and reducing system disruptions by 25%. Collaborated with production and maintenance teams to optimize control logic and validate live system updates. Delivered technical documentation and mentored stakeholders on change management and MES workflows.

Systems Engineer – Symbotic System

2021 – 2023

Supported automation of eight advanced robotic cells with ABB arms, servo systems, and Eurodrive motors. Diagnosed high-voltage 480V 3-phase faults and implemented safety/control updates for Adapter cell processes. Improved process stability through KPI-driven analysis using MySQL and led structured RCA efforts to resolve recurring issues. Guided junior engineers on PLC troubleshooting and robotics logic while standardizing control documentation for cross-shift continuity.

Payload Integration Lead – General Atomics System Integration

2017 – 2022

Oversaw technical integration of secure ISR payloads into MQ-1 and MQ-9 platforms. Designed interface control documents for MIL-STD-1553 and CM2-compliant communications. Directed end-to-end verification using OT&E methodologies. Collaborated with defense program managers and military operators to meet mission readiness. Conducted cryptographic key handling and Type 1 integration verification with NSA oversight.

Military Experience

Weapons Standardization & Safety Manager – USAF

2016 – 2019

Managed load certification programs and trained 177+ airmen in munitions handling. Ensured strict adherence to U.S. Air Force safety policies, with zero reportable mishaps over 425+ live load operations. Built weapons standardization checklists and enforced accountability across rotating deployment cycles. Supported Global Hawk and Predator-C load operations in support of overseas missions.

Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist – USAF

2010 – 2016

Maintained and troubleshot aircraft armament systems for MQ-1, MQ-9, and RQ-170 programs. Supported NATO rapid deployment logistics. Operated test sets and MIL-STD interface cables to validate electrical and communication integrity. Mentored junior specialists during hands-on training events. Received multiple commendations for on-time sortie generation and load crew excellence.

Awards & Commendations

🎓 Education

🎓 M.S. Industrial Systems Engineering – ECPI University, Virginia Beach, VA (In Progress)

🎓 B.S. Computer Science, Software Development – ECPI University, Virginia Beach, VA

🎓 B.S. Electrical Systems Engineering Technology – ECPI University, Virginia Beach, VA