Isaac Sharpeta

Mechatronics Engineering Technology Student

Specializing in industrial automation, PLC programming, and control systems. Graduating May 2026 from Pennsylvania Western University with hands-on experience in Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 Logix Designer, and advanced motion control systems.

Isaac Sharpeta - Mechatronics Engineering Technology Student

About Me

Background, Education & Technical Expertise

I am a Mechatronics Engineering Technology student at Pennsylvania Western University, graduating May 2026. I focus on industrial automation and PLC-based control systems, with an emphasis on safety, reliability, and clean documentation.

I work as a Lab Assistant in the Department of Computing and Engineering Technology, supporting PLC and fluid-power laboratories across 24 stations and am completing a senior capstone with a major steel manufacturing facility focused on blast furnace stock car automation. My work includes Allen-Bradley PLC programming with safety interlock logic, HMI interfaces, and RFID integration. Previous projects include a four-floor elevator system using Siemens S7-1200 PLCs, stepper motor motion control, and comprehensive HMI screens for FESTO automated systems.

Core tools and skills include Studio 5000, TIA Portal, Ladder Logic, Structured Text, AutoCAD Electrical, pneumatics and hydraulics, and sensor integration using photoelectric, inductive, and RFID technologies. I am seeking Controls Engineer or Automation Engineer roles in the Pittsburgh area, available full-time starting May 2026 (open to relocation).

Outside engineering, I work as a contract-based DJ with 2nd II None Productions. Since 2018, I have performed at over 150 weddings and events across the Pittsburgh area, strengthening my client communication, planning, and calm execution under pressure.

PLC Programming

  • Allen-Bradley Studio 5000
  • RSLogix 500/5000
  • Siemens TIA Portal
  • Ladder Logic Development
  • Function Block Diagrams
  • Structured Text
  • Sequential Function Charts

Control Systems

  • Motion Control & Positioning
  • HMI Development
  • Motor Control
  • Safety Interlock Logic
  • E-Stop Systems
  • Process Control

Electrical & Design

  • AutoCAD Electrical
  • Schematic Design
  • Control Panel Layout
  • I/O Wiring & Termination
  • Circuit Analysis
  • Three-Phase Power Systems

Sensors & Integration

  • Photoelectric Sensors
  • Inductive Sensors
  • Limit Switches
  • RFID Systems
  • Capacitive Sensors
  • Encoder Integration

Mechanical Systems

  • Pneumatics & Electro-Pneumatics
  • Hydraulic Systems
  • Autodesk Inventor Pro
  • 3D Parametric Modeling
  • GD&T

Programming & Systems

  • Python
  • C++
  • LabVIEW
  • Linux
  • Network Infrastructure
  • Systems Integration

Engineering Tools

  • NI Multisim
  • PSCAD
  • Festo FluidSIM
  • Microsoft Project
  • Technical Documentation

Featured Projects

Industrial Automation, Control Systems & Engineering Design

Four-Floor Elevator Control System

Siemens S7-1200 PLC | TIA Portal V18 | Advanced Motion Control

Designed and programmed a four-floor elevator system using Siemens S7-1200 PLC with integrated photoelectric sensors, stepper motor control, and integrated safety interlocks. Implemented advanced motion control algorithms including velocity profiling, acceleration ramping, and precision positioning.

Siemens S7-1200 TIA Portal V18 Ladder Logic Motion Control Stepper Motor Photoelectric Sensors Limit Switches Safety Systems Control Panel Fabrication

System Architecture

  • CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC
  • Stepper motor with PTO/PWM
  • Door interlock system
  • Photoelectric obstruction detection

Programming Features

  • Motion control function blocks
  • Position-based targeting
  • Velocity profiling
  • Acceleration/deceleration ramping
  • Safety logic with E-stop

Control Capabilities

  • Manual jog operation
  • Home position calibration
  • Door hold timers
  • Alarm indication system
  • Multi-floor positioning control

Industrial Material Handling Automation - Stock Car System

Senior Capstone | Industrial Partner Project | Team Project

Senior capstone project in partnership with a major steel manufacturing facility to design an automated Stock Car system for blast furnace material handling operations. This is an ongoing two-semester project (Fall 2025 - Spring 2026). Fall 2025 semester focused on conceptual design, system architecture, and professional AutoCAD Electrical documentation. Spring 2026 semester will involve building a proof-of-concept model with PLC programming, RFID tracking, and pneumatic controls demonstrating industrial automation principles.

Team: Logan Dees, Ty Houtz, Evan Ott, Billy Sechrist, Isaac Sharpeta

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix Studio 5000 AutoCAD Electrical RFID Material Tracking Pneumatic Controls CAD Design HMI Development Motor Control

System Requirements

  • Auto/Manual control capability
  • Emergency stop safety system
  • RFID material identification in bins
  • Object avoidance
  • Precise positioning control

Control System Architecture

  • Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLC
  • PanelView Plus 7 HMI
  • RFID tag tracking system
  • Pneumatic bin actuators
  • 24V DC motor control

Key Components

  • ControlLogix processor (Allen-Bradley)
  • 24V DC motor driver system
  • Industrial pneumatic cylinders
  • RFID read/write module with tags
  • Photo-electric object sensors
  • Pneumatic actuator systems

Programming Features

  • Recipe-based material sequencing
  • Position-based bin selection
  • Sensor monitoring and interlocks
  • Manual jog override controls
  • HMI operator interface

Project Timeline & Development Roadmap

✅ Fall 2025 Semester (Completed)

  • Industrial partner collaboration established
  • System requirements analysis and specification development
  • Conceptual design and component selection
  • AutoCAD Electrical schematic package (design documentation)
  • Bill of materials with vendor quotes and lead times
  • Final design review presentation to industry partner

🚧 Spring 2026 Semester (In Progress)

  • Proof-of-concept model construction and assembly
  • Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLC program for on site implementation
  • PanelView Plus 7 HMI development and testing
  • RFID material tracking system integration
  • Pneumatic control system commissioning
  • System integration testing and documentation
  • Final project demonstration to industry partner stakeholders

Final redacted project deliverables including operational model and comprehensive documentation expected May 2026

FESTO Magazine Station Control HMI

KTP700 HMI | Siemens S7-1200 PLC | TIA Portal V18 | Pneumatic Systems

Developed HMI control system for FESTO Stacking Magazine Station using Siemens KTP700 Basic Panel and S7-1200 PLC. Designed intuitive touchscreen interface with multiple control modes including Full Auto Sequence, Manual Jog, and Step Control. Created 26-page user manual documenting system operation, ladder logic programming, and troubleshooting procedures.

Siemens KTP700 HMI S7-1200 PLC TIA Portal V18 Ladder Logic Pneumatic Control PROFINET

Control Modes

  • Full Auto Sequence: Continuous automatic operation with configurable part counting and maintenance stop
  • Manual Jog: Individual cylinder control with extend/retract commands and real-time status indicators
  • Step Control: Single-step execution mode for debugging, testing, and operator training
  • Safety Features: Emergency stop integration with visual feedback and reset capability

HMI Screen Design

  • Root Screen: Central navigation hub with mode selection buttons and Siemens branding
  • Status Monitoring: Real-time display of cylinder positions, sensor states, and part count
  • System Diagnostics: Event logging with date/time stamps for troubleshooting and audit trails
  • User Administration: Password-protected access with group permissions and automatic logoff

Hardware Integration

  • HMI Panel: Siemens KTP700 Basic PN touchscreen (7" display, 800×480 resolution)
  • PLC Controller: Siemens S7-1200 CPU 1214C with integrated digital I/O
  • Station Hardware: FESTO Stacking Magazine Station (Model 548704) with pneumatic actuators
  • Position Feedback: Cylinder position sensors (CYL 1A, 2A, 3A) for closed-loop control
  • Communication: PROFINET industrial Ethernet connection (HMI-PLC)

PLC Programming

  • Development Platform: TIA Portal V18 with ladder logic and function blocks

Low-Temperature Stirling Engine - Complete 3D CAD Design

Spring 2024 | MECH 2400: Engineering Graphics & CAD | Autodesk Inventor

Designed and modeled a low-temperature Stirling engine in Autodesk Inventor. Created 18 individual components with detailed 3D models, full assembly with constraints and joints, animated presentation with exploded view, and 14-sheet engineering drawing package.

Autodesk Inventor 3D CAD Modeling Engineering Drawings Assembly Design Animation Bill of Materials GD&T

Design Process

  • 2D sketches for each component
  • 3D modeling using extrude, loft, sweep, revolve
  • Material and appearance properties
  • Assembly with constraints and joints
  • Animation and exploded views

Key Components (18 Total)

  • Base heating plate (anodized aluminum)
  • Glass cylinder body (60mm height)
  • Flywheel (wood, 120mm diameter)
  • Main piston and secondary piston
  • Control rod and mounting arm
  • Standard fasteners and seals

CAD Techniques Applied

  • Parametric 3D modeling
  • Assembly constraints (mate, flush, insert)
  • Motion simulation and animation
  • Professional drawing generation
  • Dimensioning
  • Bill of materials automation

Project Outcomes

  • Fully functional virtual prototype
  • Complete manufacturing documentation
  • Enhanced Inventor proficiency
  • Presentation-ready animation

Download My Documents

Resume and Curriculum Vitae

Get In Touch

Available for Controls Engineering & Automation Engineering Positions

I'm actively seeking Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, and PLC Engineer positions in the Pittsburgh area (open to relocation). Available for full-time opportunities starting May 2026.

📍 Location: Elizabeth, Pennsylvania