Patrick McKinley, 38
Project Engineer
Applied Control Engineering
Newark, DE, United States
What Makes Patrick an Engineering Leader
Patrick has a proven track record of leading control upgrades and plant commissioning projects to success. As a project engineer, his extensive knowledge of Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms—paired with his automation expertise—has been especially valuable in the metals and mining industry.
He balances technical proficiency with clear communication, guiding teams through complex process challenges. In addition, his commitment to mentorship and knowledge sharing further distinguishes him as an emerging leader in engineering.
Achievements, Advancements & Career-related Industry Contributions
Patrick has contributed to numerous projects where his input was critical to achieving results. Notably, he played a key role in a control systems migration for a steel company, enhancing system reliability and operational efficiency.
In another project, he oversaw a large-scale upgrade of legacy hardware, navigating complex technical constraints and coordinating cross-departmental efforts to ensure a smooth transition.
Perhaps his most significant achievement was the development of a greenfield pyrolysis plant—a groundbreaking initiative where Patrick collaborated closely with the engineering team to overcome challenges and successfully bring the facility online.
Non-work-related Activities & Hobbies
Patrick is the proud owner of a brewery and taproom in Pittsburgh, where he combines his love for craft beer with his engineering and automation skills.
Outside of the brewery, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, often biking and camping. With small children, he especially appreciates the convenience and fun of family trips in their camper.
Interesting Details
Patrick’s interest in electronics began as a teenager, when he started working on car audio equipment. That early hands-on experience sparked a lifelong passion for understanding how things work and ultimately led him to pursue a degree in electrical engineering at Penn State.
While at Penn State, Patrick further demonstrated his leadership skills by founding a chapter of a social engineering fraternity, a group with which he remains connected today.
Why Patrick Chose This Career
Patrick chose engineering because of his lifelong interest in electronics, his love of solving puzzles, and his desire to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, who was also an engineer.
A pivotal moment came when a college professor introduced him to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), which solidified his career direction. His advice to the next generation of engineers is: Persevere through your education, even when it feels challenging; the effort you invest now will pay off significantly in your future career.
