Scott VanDelinder: Engineering Leadership Through Complex Projects

For more than 25 years, Scott VanDelinder has played a pivotal role in helping Concept Systems deliver complex automation projects while developing the engineers on his team. As a Principal Engineer and Project Management Professional (PMP), Scott’s career reflects a unique blend of technical expertise, disciplined execution, and an unwavering commitment to customer success.

When Scott was recognized with the Concept Systems Founder’s Club Award in 2024, the honor carried special significance. The award is meant to recognize individuals whose contributions helped shape the company over decades of service and is frequently presented toward the end of a career. Scott received the recognition while still actively leading projects and mentoring engineers across the organization.

The timing was everything. The award followed the successful completion of one of Concept Systems’ most extensive customer engagements. This eight-year aerospace modernization effort included more than 62,000 labor hours, over 1,300 schematics, and 23 ControlLogix systems. The work spanned three aircraft hangars and included crane stackers, process air systems, building support systems, HMI systems, commissioning, and operator training.

For many engineers, a project of that scale would define a career. For Scott, it was one chapter in a professional journey that has now spanned more than 400 projects at Concept.

Building a Foundation

When Scott joined Concept Systems in 2000, he brought an established foundation in electrical engineering, having earned his Bachelor of Science from Penn State University with an emphasis in Power Systems and Communication Systems. Throughout his career, he continued expanding his technical capabilities well beyond traditional controls engineering. Early Microsoft certifications in software development and network administration gave him experience that would later help him bridge the worlds of industrial automation, software systems, and information technology.

That broad technical foundation proved valuable as industrial automation systems became increasingly interconnected. Whether discussing control systems, software architecture, network infrastructure, or customer requirements, Scott developed a reputation for understanding the complete picture rather than focusing on a single discipline.

His technical depth also helped shape his effectiveness as a project leader.

Of the nearly 100 projects Scott has managed, more than half involved serving as both Project Manager and Lead Engineer. The combination allowed him to guide project execution while maintaining a practical understanding of the engineering challenges facing the team. In 2014, Scott further strengthened his leadership capabilities by completing his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. The credential formalized skills he had already been applying throughout his career and reinforced an approach centered on planning, communication, and risk management.

Setting the Standard

While technical expertise is important, many of Scott’s colleagues point to another defining characteristic: his ability to create clear expectations and help people rise to meet them.

Senior Engineer Mike Maas remembers Scott as one of his earliest mentors after joining Concept Systems.

“Scott sets the bar and it made me want to rise to the occasion,” Mike shared.

Mike described Scott as demanding in the best sense of the word. He expected engineers to understand schedules, take ownership of commitments, and think proactively about project execution. His attention to detail and disciplined planning challenged younger engineers to elevate their own performance. Rather than simply assigning tasks, Scott helped create accountability while providing the guidance necessary for engineers to succeed. Mike also emphasized how Scott’s technical credibility strengthened his leadership.

Because Scott understood the engineering work itself, conversations were more productive, and decisions could be made with a full understanding of both project constraints and technical realities. Equally important was Scott’s willingness to have difficult conversations when necessary. Whether discussing budget impacts, schedule risks, or technical challenges, he developed a reputation for transparency and honesty. Instead of avoiding difficult topics, Scott focused on helping customers understand potential risks early and working collaboratively to identify solutions that were fair for both the customer and Concept.

The Impact of Mentorship

Perhaps one of the most meaningful measures of Scott’s success is the number of engineers who have grown under his leadership.

The eight-year aerospace project alone involved dozens of contributors over its duration, many of whom were in the early stages of their careers.

One junior engineer who worked on the program reflected on the impact the experience had on his professional development:

“The experience needed and present during this project allowed me to grow as an engineer, gave me confidence and opportunity to become the subject matter expert, increased project management skills and gave me new tools, connections and knowledge in my belt.”

His influence extends beyond the systems he designed and projects he managed. Through mentorship, technical guidance, and daily collaboration, he has helped shape numerous engineers at Concept Systems, teaching not only technical skills, but also how to navigate challenges, communicate with customers, manage priorities, and take ownership of outcomes.

A Trusted Colleague and Friend

For Concept Systems co-founder Michael Gurney, Scott’s impact extends back even further.

The two first worked together in 1995, several years before Scott joined Concept Systems.

“We were both early career engineers with complementary skill sets, so we worked side-by-side on several projects,” Michael recalled. “Scott was the first Easterner I had ever gotten to know, and as a soft-spoken Westerner I was always amazed at how much energy could be thrown into a conversation and how his easy laugh invited people in.”

Michael remembers Scott’s willingness to help others regardless of how busy he might have been.

“Even when we were under the gun, stressed to hit a timeline, Scott would drop what he was doing and be willing to help. And somehow, he never allowed that to impact his work. Scott always got his work done on time and at a very high level.”

One startup project in Puyallup, Washington remains particularly memorable. Brought in after multiple rounds of engineers had struggled with a difficult customer environment, Scott helped stabilize key portions of the system and rebuild customer confidence while the broader team worked through ongoing challenges. The project eventually succeeded, but Michael remembers another detail as well. To break up the long hours and project stress, the team occasionally held impromptu guitar sessions.“Scott’s lead in playing the blues was always impressive,” Michael laughed.

Beyond Engineering

While Scott’s professional accomplishments are extensive, colleagues are equally likely to talk about the importance of family in his life. Michael noted that over decades of friendship and collaboration, conversations about Scott’s wife, children, and siblings were always present.

Outside of work, Scott’s creativity and appreciation for the outdoors frequently intersect. Whether through music, mountain biking, or travel, he has pursued interests that reflect the same curiosity and passion that have defined his engineering career.

He has also continued contributing to the broader industry. Most recently, Scott authored an article on strategies for modernizing aircraft facilities, drawing on lessons learned from years of experience supporting large-scale aerospace operations.

Modernizing Aircraft Paint Facilities for Long-Term Efficiency and Reliability | Quality Magazine

The Measure of Success

Over the course of 25 years at Concept Systems, Scott VanDelinder has contributed to hundreds of projects, mentored engineers, and helped build lasting customer relationships through accountability and technical excellence.

The systems he helped design will continue operating for years to come. The projects he managed have improved manufacturing operations across multiple industries. The engineers he mentored continue to apply lessons learned from working alongside him.

Perhaps the simplest summary comes from Michael Gurney.

“I can’t think of any instances when a project was waiting on Scott.”

For those who worked with him, that reliability became one of his defining characteristics. Whether leading complex projects, mentoring the next generation of engineers, or earning the trust of long-term customers, Scott’s steady leadership has left a lasting mark on Concept Systems and the people fortunate enough to work beside him.

Application Experience

Aerospace Paint Hangar Controls Design

Performed controls system design for a major aircraft paint hangar modernization supporting decorative paint operations for the 777 and 787. Designed systems for Stacker Crane Collision Avoidance, Wing & Tail Stands, and the Building Automation Network. The Wing & Tail Stands system was engineered for a Class I, Division 1 environment using intrinsically safe design practices. Also provided design support for stacker cranes, process air systems, and building support systems while assisting with project management activities.

Everett Paint Hangar Upgrades

Led controls modernization efforts across three aircraft paint hangars supporting 777X production, migrating legacy PLC-5 systems to the ControlLogix platform. Over eight years, designed and deployed 23 ControlLogix systems for crane stackers, wing and tail stands, process air systems, and facility infrastructure. Responsibilities included project management, hardware and software design, startup and commissioning, customer coordination, and training.

Everett Steam Plant Upgrades

Managed controls modernization projects for two boiler plants comprising six boiler systems. Oversaw subcontractors responsible for Boiler Management System (BMS) and Combustion Control System (CCS) implementation while Concept Systems designed and deployed the master control system, balance-of-plant controls, HMI development, and data collection systems. Responsibilities included project management, AssetCentre configuration, software testing, commissioning, and training.

Experience You Can Count On

For more than 25 years, leaders like Scott VanDelinder have helped our customers navigate complex challenges with confidence and technical excellence.

If you’re looking for a partner who understands both the engineering and the execution, we’re ready to help.

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