Teammate Spotlight: Youngwoo Kim – Dedication to People, Processes, and Growth
Meet Youngwoo Kim, a Technical Consultant at Hargrove Controls & Automation. Over the last ten years, Youngwoo has brought his deep expertise in ABB systems and a passion for learning to every project.
“I enjoy meeting new people, visiting new places, and studying new processes,” Youngwoo shares. “Each experience expands my perspective and sharpens my skills.” This curiosity and dedication define his role at Hargrove, where he supports legacy system migrations, oversees onsite startups, and ensures clients’ systems are optimized and running safely. His focus on safety and technical excellence is integral to delivering successful results for clients across a variety of industries.
Early Career
Originally from South Korea, Youngwoo’s journey into engineering began at Georgia Tech, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. His career started at a small engineering firm specializing in system simulation, where he developed skills in modeling and controls. After seven years in this role, he decided to expand his expertise and gain experience integrating engineering disciplines, which led him to join Hargrove Controls & Automation.
“Simulation work allowed me to see how automation systems control processes before implementation, but I wanted to explore broader opportunities and learn from other disciplines,” Youngwoo explains. His decision paid off, and he has spent the past decade honing his skills and contributing to impactful projects.
Youngwoo’s career has taken him across many industries, including power, pulp & paper, specialty chemicals, and mining. “Working in so many different processes has been fascinating. It’s not just about the controls—I love understanding the mechanical aspects of these systems and how everything works together.”
Working at Hargrove
As a Controls and Automation Technical Consultant and an ABB subject matter expert, Youngwoo plays a key role in supporting ABB projects and managing onsite startups. Recently, his focus has been on legacy system migrations and supporting operations at an American multinational corporation client that specializes in consumer goods and personal care products.
One of the standout aspects of working at Hargrove, according to Youngwoo, is its safety culture. “Every meeting starts with a safety topic, and we complete a safety analysis before every job,” he says. “It’s a practice that protects everyone—from the team to the client’s assets—and it’s something I haven’t seen emphasized as much at other companies.”
Youngwoo’s expertise spans over 15 years of experience with ABB systems, complemented by certifications in ABB High Integrity Systems Training and HIMA systems. He is currently pursuing a low voltage contractor license to expand his ability to support electrical and IT needs during onsite startups. “This license will allow me to do even more for clients and ensure everything is done the right way,” he says.
One of the highlights of his career at Hargrove has been contributing to high-profile projects, including a coal gasification project. “I was fortunate to work alongside other Hargrove disciplines, supporting the safety system. It was a unique and rewarding experience,” he says.
“Youngwoo is the kind of teammate every project needs—skilled, dependable, and always eager to take on new challenges,” said Bob Hamilton, Pulp & Paper Industry Leader at Hargrove Controls & Automation. “His knowledge of ABB systems, combined with his proactive approach to learning and collaboration, is invaluable to each project he joins.”
Outside of Hargrove
When he’s not working, Youngwoo enjoys fishing near his home in Georgia, where he lives with his family. “I’m lucky to have a spot just five minutes from home,” he says. “I release the freshwater catches, but saltwater fish are definitely for the table!”
Youngwoo also stays active in his community as a media system engineer at his local church, managing video and audio production. “My wife, who is a Sunday school pastor, ‘volun-told’ me for the job,” he laughs. “It’s been a rewarding way to use my technical skills in a different setting.”
In his downtime, he follows soccer leagues like the EPL and MLS, and he’s a proud supporter of his son’s U9 team. For Youngwoo, balancing work and personal life is essential, which is why he values Hargrove’s focus on work-life balance.
“Work hard, play hard,” he says, echoing a phrase from one of his mentors. “Hargrove’s culture not only encourages excellence on the job but also ensures we have time to recharge and connect with family and teammates. It’s something I truly appreciate.”
