Meet Brandon Cucalon: Controls Specialist
Controls Specialist Brandon Cucalon supports automation projects at Cornerstone Automation through system integration, commissioning, troubleshooting, and hands-on field work. From startup support to real-world problem solving on the plant floor, Brandon plays an important role in helping customers improve reliability and keep production moving.
Supporting Automation Projects from Start to Finish
At Cornerstone Automation, most projects involve stepping into existing systems and figuring things out quickly, and that’s something Brandon enjoys about the work.
Brandon serves as a Controls Specialist, supporting the integration, programming, and commissioning of automation systems across a variety of projects. His role often goes beyond just controls. Depending on what the project requires, he may be involved in equipment installation, mechanical adjustments, or troubleshooting directly on the plant floor, especially during startup and when systems aren’t behaving as expected.
“There really isn’t a typical day,” Brandon explains. “Each project presents its own challenges and opportunities.”
Getting Started in Industrial Automation
That variety is a big part of what drew him to the field. While he’s been working in an engineering-focused role for about a year, his interest in engineering started much earlier. It wasn’t until he began working in industrial automation that he saw how engaging and practical the field could be.
After high school, Brandon attended Universal Technical Institute, where he studied Automotive Technology. A few years later, he decided to continue his education and began pursuing an Electrical Engineering degree at Montgomery County Community College, which he is currently working toward.
As he learned more about automation systems, he realized how much opportunity there is to apply what you’re learning in real-world systems. Having already experimented with automation projects at home, transitioning into industrial work felt like a natural step.
Adapting to Real-World Project Challenges
Since joining Cornerstone in mid-2025, Brandon has remained in the Controls Specialist role, but like most people on the team, he’s taken on whatever is needed to move projects forward. That kind of flexibility is typical at Cornerstone, where projects often require people to step in wherever they’re needed to keep things moving.
“When plans change, it’s important to stay calm, adaptable, and focused on finding a solution,” he says. “The goal is always to work through the challenge and get to a practical outcome.”
System Upgrades at Well Known Brewery and Bottling Facility
One project Brandon has been involved in is an upgrade at a well known brewery and beer bottling facility, where Cornerstone is helping modernize a pasteurizer system with updated components. Many of the original parts had become obsolete, making it difficult for the customer to quickly source replacements and keep the system running reliably.
A big part of the work is planning upgrades in a way that avoids disrupting production, while also making the system easier to maintain long-term. The project requires careful coordination, both technically and operationally, to make improvements without creating downtime.
Being part of a project that improves system reliability while keeping production running has been both challenging and rewarding.
Continuous Learning in Controls and Field Work
Like most work at Cornerstone, the learning doesn’t stop once a project is complete. Brandon notes that he’s constantly learning something new, whether it’s through project work or service calls that require quick problem-solving in the field.
Even outside of traditional controls work, his background as a Ford Diesel Technician has come in handy. He’s been able to contribute to diagnosing and repairing company equipment, including helping with the restoration of one of Cornerstone’s larger work trucks.
Full Project Involvement from Design to Startup
What stands out most to Brandon about working at Cornerstone is the variety of work and the opportunity to be involved in every stage of a project.
“At times, you’re not just designing a system, you’re helping install it and see how it actually performs,” he says. “That gives you a much better understanding of what works and what you’d do differently next time.”
Life Outside of Work
Outside of work, Brandon enjoys staying busy with projects at home, especially experimenting with automation using platforms like Home Assistant. He also spends time with his family, whether that’s playing video games with his younger brothers or getting outside for a round of disc golf.
Advice for Future Controls Engineers and Technicians
For anyone considering a similar path, his advice is straightforward:
“Learn as many skills as you can and take advantage of the knowledge around you. Over time, those smaller skills add up and help you step in and solve problems when they come up.”
At Cornerstone, that kind of mindset goes a long way. We’re glad to have Brandon on the team and look forward to seeing how he continues to grow.