Title: Senior Principal Engineer
Company: Thermo Systems LLC
Location: Fairmont, West Virginia, United States
James B Cook, ISA-CAP, CCNA, PMP, senior principal engineer at Thermo Systems LLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Engineers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in automation control systems.
With over two decades of experience, Mr. Cook has built a successful career in engineering, specializing in automation control systems. He currently excels as the senior principal engineer at Thermo Systems LLC, a role he has held since 2016, where he integrates IT components into these systems, utilizing his Cisco certifications to manage the networking required for programmable logic controller programming. His prior roles include project manager at Accenture Asset and Operations Services in 2016, project manager at Cimation, now Accenture, from 2013 to 2016, and control systems project engineer at Thermo Systems LLC from 2007 to 2013. Earlier in his career, he worked as a software engineer at Galaxy Global Corp in 2007 and as an automation technician at CCA Marine from 2002 to 2004. Additionally, he served in the U.S. Navy as a data systems technician from 1996 to 2002.
Mr. Cook has also contributed to his field through speaking engagements, including presenting a case study on the cybersecurity system designed for a government combined heat and power plant at the Cybersecurity Expedition for the International District Energy Association in 2024. Laying a strong educational foundation, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from West Virginia University in 2007, as well as numerous certifications, including Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician and Cisco Certified Network Associate from Cisco Systems, Inc. in 2019, Certified Automation Professional from the International Society of Automation in 2013, and Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute in 2011. In light of his impressive undertakings in the industry, he was honored with the Engineer of the Year award.
Reflecting on his path, Mr. Cook’s interest in engineering began in high school with his first computer, sparking a passion for programming that was further fueled by a family friend in IT. In the Navy, he pursued electronics engineering, specializing in data systems technology, and developed a strong interest in automation. He takes pride in his work on various programs and in earning certifications, including his Cisco certification and Certified Automation Professional designation. He attributes his success to his family’s support and looks forward to continuing in engineering, focusing on mentoring younger engineers and helping them reach their potential.
Mr. Cook encourages aspiring engineers to explore diverse specializations such as building controls, HVAC systems, and robotics, with a particular emphasis on the potential of robotics. He believes high school robotics programs provide an excellent introduction to the engineering and technology sectors. He emphasizes that he is particularly motivated by his involvement in constructing and managing data centers that support AI technologies, given the growing influence of AI across industries, and underscores the importance of engaging with this intersection of technology and infrastructure, as it presents significant opportunities for both personal and professional growth. In his personal life, he enjoys spending time with his son and daughter, engaging in board and video games, and traveling.
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