James V.

Automation Engineer

“From a young age, I had an interest in building and design. I loved working with my hands and also enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together. In summer jobs during my high school years, I developed a strong work ethic and a knack for understanding how things work. By the year 2000, I’d gone to work for my father at Grandtech Inc., where I built up a foundation of electrical and mechanical skills. We specialized in pumps, valves, and controls for commercial and municipal water and wastewater facilities. The skills I gained in those years would go on to be instrumental in bringing me to Windemuller—and to the best job I’ve ever had.

I worked for Grandtech for the better part of eight years and earned my journeyman’s electrical license while with the company.

After leaving Grandtech, I tried out two different companies but the drawback of both jobs was that they were with very small operations with just a few employees. One was highly stressful and the other involved a lot of time away from home. When a friend from high school offered to refer me at Windemuller, I jumped at the chance.

Taking a job with Windemuller has been the most fantastic career move of my life. I was able to apply my knowledge about water and wastewater projects, and have learned new skills for PLC and HMI programming and designing control panels. My job in the automation group has an enjoyable amount of variety, utilizing all of the abilities that I have developed prior to and since coming to Windemuller. This company has invested a lot, helping me grow and develop as an employee. It’s gratifying to see how much the company values the people they hire.

Crucially for me, the work-life balance with Windemuller is fantastic and has enabled me to be more present for my family. It’s a night-and-day difference, to go from positions with small businesses without a ton of resources to working for a larger, more established organization like Windemuller. There are more employees for spreading the work load around to cover all the bases, which means hours are more predictable and days are a lot less stressful. I am so thankful to have found the opportunity, and I genuinely enjoy going into work every day.”