Derek Austin has spent his career helping manufacturers solve complex automation challenges, improve production performance, and develop the technical talent needed to sustain long-term success. As Optimized Lines’ PLC Programming & Training Consultant, Derek combines decades of hands-on controls experience with a passion for developing the next generation of technicians and engineers.
A graduate of ECPI Technical College, Derek began his career at Alliance Industrial Corporation, where he was hired by Optimized Lines founder Pete Connor. From the beginning, Derek built a reputation for approaching every project with ownership, curiosity, and a commitment to delivering solutions that truly met the customer’s needs.
Throughout his career, Derek has worked with leading automation and manufacturing organizations, including Alliance Industrial Corporation, Sentry Equipment, and Hartness International. His experience spans a wide range of industries and production environments, supporting some of the most recognized brands in food, beverage, and consumer products manufacturing.
His project experience includes work with:
Over the years, Derek became known not only for his PLC programming expertise but also for his ability to diagnose problems, simplify complex systems, and help plant teams build confidence in their own capabilities.
Early in his career, Derek frequently encountered situations where valuable troubleshooting knowledge existed only in the minds of experienced technicians.
“Man, I’ve run into this before, but I don’t remember what I did to fix it.”
Those experiences shaped his belief that sustainable improvement requires more than technical fixes—it requires transferring knowledge and developing people.
When Pete Connor approached him in 2023 about joining Optimized Lines, Derek immediately connected with the vision. The mission wasn’t simply to improve production performance; it was to help manufacturers build stronger teams by giving operators, technicians, and maintenance personnel the tools and knowledge needed to solve problems independently.
Today, Derek plays a key role in both Capacity Recovery engagements and technical training initiatives. He works directly with customer teams to improve troubleshooting skills, strengthen PLC competency, and create the operational confidence required to sustain performance improvements long after a project is complete.
One of Derek’s greatest passions is watching people develop skills they never thought possible.
“My experience working with Optimized Lines has allowed me to train and watch people grow from having no idea what a PLC is to confidently using them—not only to troubleshoot issues but to solve them. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone gain that confidence and skill, knowing it can open doors for them in ways I was once fortunate enough to have.”
At Optimized Lines, Derek embodies a core principle of the EMPOWER™ Capacity Recovery System: recovering capacity is only part of the solution. Developing the capability of the people who operate and maintain the line is what creates lasting results. That commitment to both performance and people helps manufacturers recover lost capacity, reduce recurring downtime, and build teams capable of sustaining success for years to come.
