Leader Under 40: Brad Prosak

Product Manager, Safety Components; Rockwell Automation - BS Industrial Systems Engineering, The Ohio State University

By Control Engineering November 7, 2012

Mr. Brad Prosak, 31
Product Manager, Safety Components; Rockwell Automation
Milwaukee, Wis.

Academics

BS Industrial Systems Engineering, The Ohio State University

Achievements

Throughout his eight year career at Rockwell Automation, Prosak has held a series of progressive jobs. Currently, he is the product manager for Rockwell Automation’s safety relay line, where he works to progress the line and bring the next generation of safety relays to market. Prosak’s responsibilities also include staying ahead of the game as far as product development is concerned, including defining the scope of new products and bringing those products to launch. Previously, Prosak worked in the commercial engineering group, where he worked with sales managers and customers to build creative solutions around problems. During this time Prosak received his Functional Safety Engineer certificate from Rhienland. One of the most challenging projects as a commercial engineer involved a new ride at an amusement park. The new ride and resulting automation solution required 50 GuardLogix safety PACs, communicating wirelessly using CIP Safety over EtherNet/IP. Another project involved a system upgrade from modular relays to SmartGuard controllers. The solution was complicated due to high levels of safety sequencing, but the resulting PAC solved the customer’s issues and increased productivity. Prosak also worked as a technical writer where he developed in-depth customer training materials from start to finish.

Non-work-related activity

Ever since he was in Boy Scouts, Prosak has been an avid outdoorsman. Today, he enjoys spending time hiking with his wife and Alaskan malamute, which is never short on energy. Having recently moved to New England, Prosak is excited about the expansive hiking trails offered in the region and looks forward to incorporating his newborn son in the family activities as he gets older.

Engineering-related activity

In 2011, Prosak received his Functional Safety Engineer certificate from Rhienland. However, he has spent most of his time as a freelance engineer for his wife and newborn son as he has become mobile. After a short period of time, his son, following in his father’s engineering footsteps, has found ways around conventional baby proofing items and has challenged his father to engineer more creative methods.

Interesting details

Counting as both a personal and professional interesting detail, Prosak met his wife at Rockwell Automation. He was on her interview team and happened to be the one person who wasn’t sold on hiring her after the interview, something he hasn’t heard the end of. He has enjoyed working with her throughout the years and benefits from having someone to confide in that knows exactly what he is going through. In addition, and in an odd combination, Prosak loves roller coasters, but has always been afraid of heights.

Began interest

Prosak’s interest in engineering came early. He has always been fascinated by how things are made and how they operate. His favorite part of working in industrial automation is working with machine builders who serve a niche market. These types of machine builders have carved out their business by finding the best way to build products for their market and continue to succeed through constant innovation. Prosak loves working with people who are always looking for a better way to do things and are passionate about their work, just like he is.