William Poirier, 26
OT/Cybersecurity Specialist
Hargrove Controls & Automation
Mobile, AL, United States
What Makes William an Engineering Leader
William is a high-impact controls and automation specialist recognized for delivering quality across complex automation, operational technology and cybersecurity projects. He has demonstrated technical leadership by successfully executing critical FATs, developing comprehensive system specifications for major projects and independently leading specialized technical initiatives.
William’s ability to learn quickly, adapt and deliver client-recognized results—combined with expertise in virtualization, networking and control systems—positions him as an emerging leader driving innovation and reliability within Hargrove’s Controls & Automation organization.
Leadership & Industry Contributions
William finds great fulfillment in supporting and mentoring high school interns and college co-op students as they begin exploring the controls and systems integration industry. He has been directly involved in Hargrove’s high school internship program, including interviewing prospective interns and helping identify students with strong potential and interest in engineering.
Once interns join the organization, William takes pride in introducing them to core controls engineering concepts, industry tools and real-world applications that many have not encountered before. By creating a welcoming, educational environment, he helps students acclimate quickly while building technical knowledge and professional confidence.
William enjoys bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical industry experience, giving interns exposure to automation, systems integration and problem-solving in professional settings. Seeing these students grow more knowledgeable, capable and passionate during their time at Hargrove is one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.
William has received a Quality Award during his time at Hargrove and is an active participant in Mobile’s local ISA chapter. Through Hargrove’s Purview leadership development program, he has contributed to committees focused on strengthening mentoring and improving communication across the company.
Purview has also provided William with opportunities for community involvement, including helping pack hundreds of backpacks for students in Birmingham and participating in Philadelphia’s Big Climb, where he helped raise funds for Blood Cancer United.
Why William Chose This Career
William joined Hargrove full time in 2022, beginning his career by supporting internal IT/OT infrastructure and assisting clients with their operational technology needs. Through this work, he quickly discovered a passion for combining operational technology systems, controls engineering and his computer science background to design practical, reliable control system solutions.
William finds the dynamic nature of the field especially rewarding because every project and challenge requires a unique approach. For him, one of the most fulfilling aspects of the role is that no two days or problems are ever the same, continually encouraging innovation, adaptability and open-minded problem-solving.
