Meet David Dewberry, a Level IV Senior Controls Engineer based in our Jackson, TN office. He started with LSI in 2019 and is our go-to engineer for many of our automotive projects. David is a talented engineer who is dedicated to the success of each project and each person on his team. We value his technical expertise and the impact he makes every day! Read our latest Employee Spotlight Interview below.
How long have you been with LSI?
5 Years
Describe your current role and experience at LSI.
My current role is Senior Controls Engineer. My focus is on our automotive and packaging clients, but I also assist with any other work that comes into the Jackson, TN, office. A typical week for me at LSI includes analyzing machine safety circuits and making suggestions on how to improve overall machine safety. Also, visiting customers and meeting with them to discuss either new equipment installation or machine upgrades and supplying them with options to assist them in improving their current process.
Where did you go to college?
I obtained my Associate of Applied Science degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering from Jackson State Community College and my Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Southern Illinois University.
What industries have you been involved in?
Most of my 35-plus years in industry have been in metal forming and food manufacturing.
Tell us about a project success story that you are proud of.
When I came to LSI, we had just started working with a local automotive client that is owned by a global automotive giant. Over the past five years, we’ve significantly grown that account and demonstrated our value, leading to projects with multiple North American facilities. As a result, we’ve established strong, lasting relationships with the client.
What do you think is unique about LSI?
LSI exposes you to many different industries and processes that a person would not normally see. You compile all the different experiences and processes that you are exposed to and take that knowledge and apply it to your next project. Collectively, the expertise of the LSI team continues to grow and add more and more value for clients.
How have you grown professionally since joining LSI?
I have learned the lesson that Dennie Lott and LSI try to instill into each person: in order to be successful, your co-workers must desire to work with you on projects and your customers must desire you as a professional. If you don’t have those 2 fundamental skills, then you limit your ability to be successful.
What advice do you have for aspiring engineers?
The biggest advice that I have for a person just starting in this field is that no one person will ever have all the answers to solve an issue or make a project successful. However, if you work together as a team, you can find the answers. Also, the only person that doesn’t make a mistake is the person who does nothing. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, but when you do, be the first person to own it and spread the learning so the next person does not make the same mistake.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Either Orange Beach, AL, or Jamaica, it is a tossup.
Do you have any hobbies or random facts about yourself that you could share with us?
In my spare time, I enjoy sitting on our boat, turkey hunting, and Side by Side riding.
