Meet Timothy Murphy: Controls Engineer
Tim Murphy, a recent addition to Cornerstone Automation, has quickly become a valuable team member by leveraging his diverse engineering background and continuously expanding his skill set through hands-on projects.
A Promising New Addition to the Team
Timothy Murphy is a promising new addition to the Cornerstone Automation team. Since joining the team only two and a half months ago, Tim has quickly become a valuable member, diving in head first, and contributing to the success of several projects. “The Cornerstone Automation team is incredibly skilled and diverse in their knowledge,” he shares. “I’ve gained valuable experience in creating electrical drawings, PLC programming, building and modifying electrical panels, installation and wiring of various electrical sensors and outputs, and installing fiber optic systems.”
Hands-on Experience with Significant Projects
Tim’s journey at Cornerstone Automation began with a project centered around upgrading the controls on two industrial conveyorized spiral freezer upgrades at a local pretzel factory. The upgrades, completed less than two months apart, clearly demonstrated how quickly Tim adapted to his role in a short period.
A Lifelong Passion for Engineering
Tim’s fascination with understanding and creating mechanical and electrical systems dates back to his childhood. “I used to build mechanical and electrical devices from Lego and spare electronics my uncle gave me,” he reminisces. This early passion led him to take several engineering courses in high school. After graduating, Tim joined the Navy as a technician for shipboard weapon systems. During that time, he gained extensive experience with the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), a complex electromechanical system. “Working on CIWS confirmed my love for working on intricate systems,” Tim says.
Before joining Cornerstone Automation, Tim spent four years as a Radio Frequency (RF) Design Engineer. While specializing in RF was rewarding, he missed the comprehensive work of managing complete systems. Cornerstone Automation provided the perfect opportunity to broaden his skills and take on diverse projects. “Cornerstone offered me the chance to be a ‘Jack of all trades’ in the industrial world,” Tim explains. Along with honing his skills as part of the Cornerstone Automation team, Tim is also pursuing a degree in electronic systems engineering technology at Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, New Jersey.
Personal Journey and Family Background
Tim’s personal journey is just as dynamic as his professional one. Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, during his Navy service. After leaving the military, he worked for a defense contractor in Baltimore, then moved to the Philadelphia area, where he met his wife. The couple now resides in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, where they share their home with two cats, Oreo, and Java.
Tim’s creativity and engineering abilities are a testament to his family’s diverse talents. His mother works as an educator and trainer in a family literacy program in Colorado, while his father manages an engineering and production department at a medical laser manufacturing facility in Colorado Springs. Tim’s upbringing in a household rich with technical and educational influences has undoubtedly shaped his career path and approach to engineering. His wife, an artist and marble stone carver at a sculpture studio owned by Jeff Koons in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, adds to the creative environment that inspires Tim both personally and professionally.
Outside of work, Tim is an avid Star Wars enthusiast. “Anything Star Wars – movies, games, obscure trivia – I love it all!” he exclaims. He also enjoys playing complex strategy board games and video games with friends and diving into the immersive world of tabletop role-playing games (RPG) like Dungeons & Dragons. Tim and his wife are passionate attendees of Renaissance Festivals and even had a Ren Faire-themed wedding.
Embracing New Challenges at Cornerstone Automation
Tim’s favorite aspect of working at Cornerstone Automation is the variety and challenge each project brings. “The majority of our work involves single, custom projects, which means my job is never the same day to day,” he explains. “Every week there is a new challenge to think through, which keeps me interested and constantly thinking.”
Tim is particularly grateful for the support and mentorship he has received from everyone at Cornerstone. “Alan and the team have made me feel like I belong from the start,” he says. This supportive environment has allowed Tim to thrive and grow personally and professionally.
“Tim is a quick learner and very detail oriented. He is willing to tackle any problem no matter the complexity. We are glad to have Tim as part of our team,” says Chief Operations Officer Timothy Ferrin. Tim Murphy’s diverse background, from childhood tinkering to Navy technician, RF engineer, and now an integral part of Cornerstone Automation showcases his adaptability and passion for engineering. As he continues to grow with the company, there is no doubt that Tim will achieve great things.
