Employee Profile: John Kraus, Senior Controls Engineer

For more than 40 years, AEC (Automation and Electrical Controls) Engineering has reliably served industrial customers with quality, creativity, and grit. One constant has helped shape and maintain the company’s reputation over the decades, despite three changes in ownership: the dedication and continuity of Senior Controls Engineer John Kraus.

John, employee #1 in the company records, has been with AEC Engineering for an extraordinary 39 years. He joined the company in 1987 following his service in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist, where he worked on the weapons systems of F-16s, F 4s, and other USAF fighter aircraft.

Since joining AEC, John has performed virtually every role within the company—from panel fabrication to purchasing to even managing payroll. His field experience includes troubleshooting, testing, start ups and commissioning of projects throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Today, he applies decades of hands on knowledge to control systems engineering, panel design, test planning, and troubleshooting assignments.

One of John’s greatest strengths is his ability to simplify complex technical concepts, making them understandable to others. He has a natural mentor’s mindset, providing valuable guidance to AEC’s younger engineers and technicians who are eager to learn from his experience.

John’s technical expertise, attention to detail, and deep commitment to quality sets the bar for the rest of the AEC team. Much of AEC’s reputation for craftsmanship can be traced back to his influence and example. In his current role as Senior Controls Engineer, John oversees the Engineering Department. His responsibilities include panel design and engineering, estimating, product selection, and ensuring UL (Underwriters Laboratories) compliance and certification, as well as mentoring and teaching AEC’s younger engineers/technicians.

John’s hobbies outside of work include camping, enjoying his grandchildren, and riding one of his many motorcycles in his collection, including two with side cars.

As AEC Engineering moves into its fifth decade, we salute all employees—past and present—who have contributed to delivering high quality control solutions to our customers. From panel fabricators to programmers, engineers to estimators, sales to support staff, each has played an important role in our success. Our current team stands on the shoulders of those who came before—and especially on the shoulders of John Kraus.