Teammate Spotlight: Dennis Lauhala – A Mentor in Automation and Engineering Excellence

Meet Dennis Lauhala, a Technical Lead at Hargrove Controls & Automation. For the past decade, Dennis has been a key contributor to the team, known for his unwavering dedication to delivering outstanding project results and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Dennis’s role spans the full project lifecycle, from proposal to site acceptance testing and commissioning, often including onsite support. With extensive expertise in Rockwell Automation PLC and HMI systems, particularly the PlantPAx platform, Dennis ensures projects are executed with precision and efficiency.

Early Career

Dennis’s engineering journey began in 1993 with ICF Kaiser Hanford, a government subcontractor. Starting in a temporary role, he conducted engineering studies on equipment status and environmental conditions at the Hanford site. He also contributed to developing mass calculations during the design phase for a new tank farm project.

In 1997, Dennis transitioned into instrumentation and controls. He supported a medical isotopes facility in Ontario, Canada, where he was first introduced to Rockwell Automation’s PLC5 platform. By 2002, Dennis had earned his Professional Engineer certification in Control Systems. Within weeks, he stamped and sealed the design for active ventilation tank exhauster skids at Hanford, which remain in use today.

Dennis’s career continued to evolve when he joined Edison Automation in 2005. As a senior engineer and project manager, he focused on city water and wastewater systems. In 2008, Dennis joined Rockwell Automation’s Systems and Solutions Business (SSB) Heavy Manufacturing division, where he worked on critical projects, including replacing PLC3 controllers at FedEx’s primary hub in Memphis, TN.

After a significant organizational restructuring in 2014, a chance introduction during his Rockwell exit interview led Dennis to his current role.

Working at Hargrove

Celebrating 10 years with Hargrove, Dennis reflects on what makes the company special: “I live for the challenge of excelling in my assignments, managing multiple projects in a vastly changing landscape, and garnering repeat customers who request me by name.”

“Dennis brings a wealth of technical knowledge and a dedication to excellence,” said Todd Majors, P.E., Industry Leader. “His ability to mentor and lead by example has had a lasting impact on both our Team and our clients.”

Dennis’s work ethic, technical expertise, and commitment to fostering happy client relationships make him an invaluable asset. He thrives on Hargrove’s collaborative culture, where teamwork and innovation drive success.

A highlight of Dennis’s career includes leading a safety-rated control system upgrade for a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project during this time at Hanford. More recently, he has excelled in managing single-engineer projects, consistently delivering cost-effective solutions on time.

“Ever changing, ever challenging, ever rewarding,” Dennis says of his experience at Hargrove.

Outside of Hargrove

Dennis’s life outside work is just as vibrant. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and raised in Richland, Washington, he and his wife now call Suwanee, Georgia home. Together, they’re avid foodies, exploring Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants in hopes of meeting the famed chef.

A lover of history, Dennis enjoys true crime shows and World War I and II documentaries. He’s also a talented saxophonist who once played in a band of engineers that recorded a CD.

An enthusiastic College GameDay fan, Dennis waves “Ol’ Crimson” at southeast college campuses every fall and has participated in 18 shows since 2019, including appearances during the 2022 Peach Bowl.

Looking to the future, Dennis dreams of stepping foot on all seven continents—Antarctica being the ultimate challenge. For now, his focus is on mentoring young engineers and continuing to make a positive impact at Hargrove.

In the next five years, Dennis plans to pass on his vast knowledge and experience to the next generation. “At this stage of my career, mentorship is how I can best serve my team,” Dennis shares.

With a career full of achievements and a passion for fostering growth, Dennis embodies the values that make Hargrove a standout organization.