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Your Trusted Engineering Partner for Industrial Solutions
James Controls has been a trusted provider of engineering and design services for over 15 years, specializing in industrial sectors such as refining, chemical, power, and pharmaceuticals. Our team of seasoned engineers and designers brings decades of combined experience, delivering tailored solutions that address complex industry challenges. With offices in the Northeast and Gulf Coast regions, we serve clients nationwide, prioritizing technical excellence and client satisfaction. Our leadership team includes registered Professional Engineers and industry-recognized experts who have held prominent roles in major engineering firms.

We are committed to innovation, safety, and sustainability, ensuring our clients receive cost-effective, timely solutions that exceed expectations. Our expertise spans electrical, instrumentation, control systems, mechanical, and civil/structural disciplines, supported by advanced technologies like 3D modeling and laser scanning. We maintain strong affiliations with professional organizations, reinforcing our dedication to industry standards and continuous improvement. Our mission is to build long-term client relationships by consistently delivering exceptional value and fostering a safety-first culture.
Services
Electrical Instrumentation Control Systems Safety Systems Mechanical Civil/Structural Project Services
Highlights and features
  • We offer over 15 years of specialized engineering expertise in industrial sectors.
  • Our team includes registered Professional Engineers with nationwide certifications.
  • We deliver cost-effective solutions using advanced technologies like 3D modeling.
  • Our leadership has held executive roles in award-winning engineering firms.
  • We prioritize safety and sustainability across all project phases.
Associations and certifications
  • Professional Engineer (PE)
  • ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
Services
Electrical Engineering
We design and optimize electrical systems for industrial facilities, including power distribution, substation specification, and motor controls. Our solutions ensure reliability, compliance with safety standards, and integration with advanced technologies like VFDs and ARC flash analysis.
Instrumentation
Our instrumentation services include control strategy development, P&ID creation, and field wiring design. We specialize in optimizing process efficiency and accuracy for chemical and refining industries using cutting-edge PLC panel solutions.
Control Systems
We program and implement PLC and DCS systems from leading vendors like Rockwell, Schneider, and Emerson. Our expertise ensures seamless automation integration, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime for industrial clients.
Safety Systems
We develop safety protocols including PHA facilitation, SIL verification, and logic solver programming. Our systems comply with industry standards to mitigate risks and ensure safe operations in high-hazard environments.
Mechanical Engineering
Our mechanical services cover process piping, fired equipment, and rotating machinery design. We apply ASME codes and laser scanning to deliver durable, efficient solutions for power generation and oil refining applications.
People
Ernest M. James
Founding Partner
Ernest M. James has 40 years of experience in process control solutions. He founded Sharp Design, Inc. and Sharp Technical Services, Inc., both recognized as fast-growing companies. He holds a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from Notre Dame and is a registered PE in five states.
Shawn T. Kelly
Sr. Partner
Shawn T. Kelly leads instrumentation and control systems projects with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in HMIs, PLCs, and DCS systems, holding a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University and affiliations with the International Society of Automation.
John Mohrman
Sr. Partner
John Mohrman has 37 years of expertise in process control projects for refineries and power plants. He has worked with major clients like Valero Refining and Merck, holding a BS in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University and extensive experience in PLC and DCS programming.
Justin Lane
Partner
Justin Lane specializes in industrial power systems with 17 years of experience. He is a registered PE in ten states, former ISA South Jersey Section president, and holds MS and BS degrees in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University.
George Malek
Partner
George Malek manages Gulf Coast operations with 25 years of experience in industrial instrumentation. He is a Louisiana-licensed PE, board member of the Electrical Association of New Orleans, and holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from LSU.
Questions
What industries does James Controls serve?
We specialize in refining, chemical, power, and pharmaceutical industries, providing tailored engineering solutions for complex industrial challenges.
What services are offered?
We offer electrical, instrumentation, control systems, safety systems, mechanical, and civil/structural engineering services, along with project management and 3D modeling.
How does James Controls ensure project safety?
We prioritize safety through rigorous risk assessments, compliance with industry standards, and a company-wide safety-first culture empowering employees to halt unsafe work.
Are your engineers certified?
Yes, our team includes registered Professional Engineers and ISA Certified Automation Professionals with expertise across multiple states and industries.
Where are your offices located?
We have offices in Cherry Hill, NJ (Northeast) and Metairie, LA (Gulf Coast), serving clients nationwide.