Engineering Leader Under 40, 2024: Jason Rhodewalt, 39

Jason Rhodewalt, 39, Partner, Barry-Wehmiller Design Group, Roseville, CA, United States

By Plant Engineering Staff September 9, 2024
Courtesy: WTWH Media

Jason Rhodewalt, 39
Partner
Barry-Wehmiller Design Group
Roseville, CA, United States
BS Electrical Engineer, UC Santa Cruz
MBA, California State University, Sacramento

What Makes Jason an Engineering Leader

Jason has made exceptional contributions to industrial automation and manufacturing efficiency, particularly through his development of a manufacturing execution system (MES) for the world’s fastest beer can line. His innovative approach and technological advancements are a testament to his ability to push boundaries in the field. As a Partner at Barry-Wehmiller Design Group, Jason has showcased outstanding leadership and business acumen. His thought leadership is further demonstrated through his presentations at major conferences, including the Rockwell Automation Fair. Jason’s work not only advances his company but also elevates the entire field of industrial engineering.

Achievements, Advancements & Career-related Industry Contributions

Jason has established himself as a leader in industrial automation and engineering, particularly through his significant contributions to the beverage manufacturing industry. His crowning achievement includes developing the MES for the world’s fastest beer can line, demonstrating his expertise in optimizing production processes and advancing manufacturing efficiency. As a Partner at Barry-Wehmiller Design Group, Jason excels in guiding complex automation projects and fostering innovation within the industry. His thought leadership is evident from his presentations at multiple high-profile conferences, including the prestigious Rockwell Automation Fair. These engagements highlight his ability to share valuable insights and best practices with peers and industry professionals. Jason’s career trajectory, including roles in project management, department management, Director, and now Partner, underscores his commitment to advancing industrial automation technologies and processes, making a significant impact on both his company and the broader engineering community.

Non-work-related Activities & Hobbies

Jason is deeply involved in the rugby community. He serves as a coach and is a board member for his local rugby club. Additionally, he contributes to the sport through various committees supporting Northern California Rugby.

Interesting Details

Jason has extensive experience as a system integrator across various industries, including food and beverage, life sciences, mining, gas distribution, and chemicals manufacturing. Recently, he has focused heavily on data center automation. At Barry-Wehmiller Design Group, Jason pioneered a new market offering dedicated to data centers and has led client engagements for the construction of over 500 MW of mission-critical data centers.

Why Jason Chose This Career

Jason’s career in industrial automation and engineering emerged from his innate curiosity about how things work, a passion kindled by an electronics class in high school. The field of industrial automation offered a compelling mix of challenging problem-solving and opportunities to enhance manufacturing processes. His career enables him to explore and understand complex systems, satisfying his intellectual curiosity while making substantial contributions to industry efficiency. This path allows him to merge his love for technology with practical applications, driving innovation in manufacturing.

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