Meet Our Engineers
The Minds Behind Machine Safety
We are proud to introduce the experts who design, build, wire and program, and implement our turnkey machine safety solutions. This Engineer-Led team experienced in mechanical, electrical, and safety will help elevate your projects through expanded capabilities as a premium-valued solutions provider.
Shawn Mantel - Applications Engineer
Shawn is a seasoned machine‑safety engineer and Founder & CEO of PowerSafe Automation, specializing in turnkey safety guarding and automation projects. He expertly leads end‑to‑end solutions—from risk assessments and custom CAD‑driven guarding design through manufacturing, electronic controls integration, and installation—to elevate manufacturing safety, reduce downtime, and ensure OSHA/ANSI compliance. Shawn’s thought leadership is showcased in award‑winning case studies, publications, and proactive machine‑safety training programs. LinkedIn Profile →
Marcus Vernon - Applications Engineer
Marcus is an experienced Integration Project Manager and Safety Integration Specialist with deep expertise in equipment and component installation, mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, project management, complex system implementation, and solution design. At PowerSafe Automation, he leads machine safety initiatives—conducting risk assessments, implementing guarding solutions, and overseeing control system integration—to deliver fully compliant, turnkey safety interfaces while working to minimize customer downtime. With TÜV Rheinland Functional Safety Engineer certification and over 15 years of field experience, Marcus consistently provides OSHA- and ANSI-compliant solutions that improve manufacturing safety, automation, and overall operational efficiency. LinkedIn Profile →
Chris Smith - Mechanical Engineer
Chris is experienced in leading turnkey machine safety projects from theory to application. He expertly designs and manages end‑to‑end solutions—built on a basis of guarding assessments creating custom CAD‑driven designs for manufacturing, electronic controls integration, and installation of legacy machines. With 15+ years of factory and field experience, he delivers OSHA- and ANSI-supported designed solutions with best practices that reduce downtime and enhance manufacturing efficiency. His expertise ensures every guarding system is both operationally effective and engineered for operator protection.
Seth LaRue - Controls Engineer
Seth is a seasoned Controls Engineer and Safety Integration Specialist at PowerSafe Automation, Seth brings over 15 years of experience in control system design, troubleshooting, and complex system implementation. He leads the integration of safety-rated controls into turnkey machine guarding projects—ensuring risk reducing measures aligned with OSHA and ANSI standards are factored in the solutions. From guarding assessments to PLC programming and electrical panel design, Seth delivers efficient, reliable, and compliant automation solutions that minimize downtime and elevate operational safety across manufacturing environments. LinkedIn Profile →
Nate Merepohl - Application Specialist
Nate is an experienced Jobsite Manager and Safety Integration Specialist with deep expertise in equipment and component installation, mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, project management, complex system implementation, and solution design. At PowerSafe Automation, he leads machine safety initiatives—conducting risk assessments, implementing guarding solutions, and overseeing control system integration—to deliver fully compliant, turnkey safety interfaces while working to minimize customer downtime. With over 15 years of field experience, Nate consistently provides OSHA- and ANSI- supported solutions that improve manufacturing safety, automation, and overall operational efficiency.
From assessment to final installation, our engineer-led turnkey approach keeps your machines compliant and operations running smoothly, without adding to your workload.
