By Mission Design & Automation
We’re proud to share that Steve Solack, controls engineering manager at Mission Design & Automation, was named a 2025 Engineering Leader Under 40 by Control Engineering Magazine. This honor aligns with what we know about Solack to be true: he is an intelligent, dedicated, and inspirational engineer – leading others on our team to exercise critical thinking and collaborate to create the best custom automation solutions for our customers.
What Makes Steve an Engineering Leader
At Mission, Solack is responsible for co-leading the controls engineering team, Mission’s largest department, alongside colleague Justin Darga. As a young and inspiring leader, Solack connects with his team by encouraging them, helping them recognize the value of their contributions, and instilling confidence that they can shape the future of automation.
“Leadership, for me, starts with leading by example. I try to listen closely to my team, understand their strengths, and empower them to take ownership of their work. Take the time to explain the ‘why,’ and leave flexibility on the ‘how.’ The goal is to make people feel trusted and engaged, and that the work they are doing matters,” Solack said.
Solack spreads his controls expertise outside Mission’s walls, representing the company at various industry events, including appearing on camera at the IMTS Creator’s Lounge to discuss how automation will continue transforming manufacturing.
In addition, Solack plays a large part in the success of Mission’s co-op programs in partnership with local universities, making the investment to develop and mentor new engineers with enthusiasm.
“I would tell my younger self that being a strong leader isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about creating an environment for others to contribute theirs,” Solack said. “Early on, I thought leadership meant control, but I’ve learned it’s about empowering people and trusting the team. This is even more important when your team is constantly growing and changing. Trust your team and they will rally around you.”
Achievements, Advancements, & Career-related Industry Contributions
Throughout Solack’s 15-year-long career, he’s become known for his problem-solving mindset, continuing to invent applications that solve highly complex challenges while guiding his team to deliver innovative solutions. At Mission, Solack recently led his team through the creation of a custom-developed vision system, designed to guide a robot to correctly pick and place irregularly shaped pieces of raw protein on a conveyor belt. This advanced technology is just one example of how Solack’s drive for out-of-the-box thinking helps remedy tough manufacturing issues every day.
Solack has also made significant contributions in aerospace manufacturing automation. He is named on multiple patents for solutions development and invention for a leading aerospace manufacturer, and his contributions have improved the way components are manufactured within the aerospace industry. His career reflects both technical innovation and steady leadership growth. He is a prominent member of our team, and a great coworker to have and lean on.
“Being named an Engineering Leader under 40 is both humbling and inspiring. I’m deeply grateful for the recognition, but I know this achievement wouldn’t be possible without the amazing team I work with. I share this award with each one of them, as it’s their talent, collaboration, and dedication that allow me to do what I do every day,” Solack said.