Meet Abi Schneider, one of our Level 3 Controls Engineers based out of the Golden, CO, office. Abi started with LSI as an Intern in 2014 and then as a full-time Mechanical Engineer in 2015. She has played a key role in engineering, business development, and managing one of our largest energy clients. Today her focus is on our Water and Wastewater clients as a Controls Engineer. Abi is best described as committed, driven, and always willing to help. Read our latest Employee Spotlight – 20 Questions below.
How long have you been with LSI?
Eight years – I started as an intern in 2014 and then went full-time in 2015.
What is your role at LSI?
I started with LSI as a mechanical engineer for about a year before cross-training over to controls. After a couple of years in controls engineering, I was involved in client and project management for one of our energy clients. I’m currently working as a controls engineer in the Water/Wastewater sector.
Where did you go to college?
I attended the Colorado School of Mines and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
What industries have you been involved in?
Oil and Gas, Brewing & Distilling, Pulp and Paper, Water/Wastewater, and others.
What is your area of expertise?
I have quite a bit of experience doing graphics on various platforms and programming in Emerson DeltaV and ControlWave. I’ve also managed a key client in the Golden office for several years.
What platforms are you familiar with?
Emerson DeltaV, GE iFix, Emerson ControlWave, Rockwell Automation ControlLogix, and Schneider Control Expert.
What has been your favorite project at LSI?
My favorite was a brewery process capability and large-scale addition project in Virginia where LSI was responsible for the controls & automation. It was my first large-scale interoffice project. I learned a lot about the brewing process and the platform and developed many close friendships during that time.
What is your proudest moment at LSI?
I don’t think I have a defining moment, but I am always proud of getting to the end of a startup and having the client’s confidence in LSI (whether that’s me, a team I’m working with, etc.) grow.
I’ve also worked on the renewal of a key client’s master service agreement. Learning that process and being successful was very validating.
What sets LSI apart as an employer?
Our drive for excellence and our ability to do whatever it takes to help our team. When I was an intern, I didn’t understand something, so I knocked on Nick’s (LSI’s President) door. He spent an hour with me to help me understand. That’s what everyone is like at LSI, always willing to teach.
What sets LSI apart as a system integrator?
Our dedication to excellence is at a different level than other systems integrators. When we make mistakes (and we do), we make them right and then learn and grow from them.
What are three ways or words that you would use to describe LSI?
Team-oriented, culture driven (the people are why I’m here, not just as coworkers, peers, and mentors, but as friends), passionate (I think that’s a big part of who we are and how we execute work. Everyone drives with a lot of passion.)
What is one thing that clients may not know about LSI that you would like to share?
LSI gives the same level of dedication to every job, be it a $5k job or a several million-dollar job. Every customer is valued, and every job is valued.
Long-term client relationships are a hallmark of LSI. Why is that?
We are good at what we do, we listen to clients, and when they have changing needs, we work with them to get it done. When clients receive that standard of service, they keep coming back.
How has LSI helped you in your career development?
My entire career has been at LSI, so they’ve helped me a lot. I’ve had many opportunities to take on something new and continue to grow.
What advice do you have for prospective LSI candidates?
LSI is a great place to work. You need to have the drive to learn because we learn by doing.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I like to spend time playing with my kids and our dog. I also love to bake and unwind by reading.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Cabo, Mexico
Your favorite sports team?
Denver Broncos
Apple iOS or Android?
Apple
Any random facts about yourself that you could share with us?
I’m a coffee person and enjoy finding new coffee shops wherever I am. I enjoy international travel; my two favorite trips so far were to Okinawa, Japan, and the island of Bequia.