Hadrien Brisard

About Hadrien Brisard

I build and lead engineering teams that solve hard, real-world manufacturing problems, especially where automation must work reliably at scale, under real production constraints.My leadership philosophy is simple: technical credibility matters. The most effective solutions don’t come from managing at a distance, they come from understanding the process, the risks, and the details well enough to make sound decisions quickly.Over my career, I’ve worked across industrial robotics, machine vision, press automation, composite manufacturing, and advanced process development, leading projects from early hand sketches through modeling, simulation, installation, production ramp-up, and warranty support. Many of these systems were custom by necessity. They were designed for unique processes where off-the-shelf solutions simply don’t apply.As Founder and CEO of Degray Automation, I work closely with customers to design process-specific automation systems that improve throughput, quality, and safety. We specialize in systems where precision, scale, and variability intersect. This includes heavy automation, robotic material handling, vision-guided systems, and press modernization.I believe strong results come from-Deep process understanding-Honest technical assessment-Clear communication-Long-term partnership over short-term winsNot every challenge has a simple answer, but every project should be approached with rigor, persistence, and integrity.Degray Automation builds systems.We build partnerships.

Experience

1. Chief Executive Officer

   Degray Automation

   Jul 2018 — Present · Rockford, IL, US

   Founder and CEO of Degray Automation. Degray is an industrial robotics and automation firm focused on process specific, production ready systems for manufacturing and construction related industries.Lead projects from concept through production, including requirements definition, system architecture, risk assessment, mechanical and controls oversight, installation, commissioning, and warranty support. Work directly with customers’ engineering, operations, and leadership teams to ensure solutions align with real production needs.Core focus areas include heavy automation, press retrofits and modernization, machine vision, robotic material handling, and custom production systems where off the shelf automation is insufficient.Build and lead multidisciplinary teams while maintaining hands on technical involvement to ensure quality, accountability, and long-term partnership success.

Education

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  Bachelor's degree, Mechanical Engineering

  2009 — 2013

Skills

• Manufacturing
• Process Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Kuka
• Automation
• Lean Manufacturing
• Product Development
• Six Sigma
• Plc Allen Bradley
• Continuous Improvement
• Engineering
• Catia
• Siemens Tia Portal
• Sew Eurodrive
• Solidworks
• Siemens S7-200