Joachim Agou

Mechanical Aerospace Engineer | Systems Integration | Project Engineering | Project Management

Experienced mechanical aerospace engineer with over a decade of expertise spanning project engineering, product design/development, system engineering and integration, design supervision, and commissioning process. Throughout my tenure in the Aerospace and Energy sectors, I’ve consistently cultivated trust-based relationships, navigated intricate customer challenges, and spearheaded teams toward achieving ambitious targets. My guiding principles are simple: work hard, lead by example, and positively impact every professional and personal engagement.

EXPERIENCE

Senior Systems/ Project Engineer — Robotics & Space Operations

MDA | Brampton (ON), Canada | February 2022 — February 2023

Space Systems Expertise — Oversaw systems engineering for on-orbit and planetary robotic systems, conducting space operations.
Project Management — Coordinated day-to-day execution of the multi-disciplinary project teams, ensuring alignment with technical, budgetary, and scheduling goals.
Requirements Architecture — Established high-level system requirements from end-user needs and analyzed and decomposed systems-level requirements across subsystems, ensuring cohesiveness and clarity.
Engineering Innovation — Applied engineering insights for the design, development, test, integration, verification, validation and operation of cutting-edge space products and technologies.
Design Strategy — Advocated for design methodologies such as ‘design to cost’, ‘design for test’, and ‘design for manufacture’, optimizing commercial space system productions.
Documentation — Ensured comprehensive documentation of system architecture, interface requirements, and system/subsystem designs.
Analysis and Modeling — Led rigorous trade studies and modelling endeavours to provide a deeper understanding of system requirements and their progressive evolution.
Test & Verification Leadership — Crafted meticulous test plans and procedures, coordinated integration & testing activities, and assessed rigorous system requirements verification & validation.
Problem Resolution — Troubleshot system anomalies, diagnosed root causes, and collaborated on technical resolutions, frequently involving a deep dive into telemetry analysis.
Business Synergy — Worked alongside project managers and stakeholders to keep projects on track and aided in cost estimation and proposals.

Gas Turbine Applications Engineer — Systems Integrator

MDS Gas Turbine Engine Solutions | Ottawa (ON), Canada | December 2013 — February 2022

Developed and deployed custom-built turbine test facilities to accommodate complete aero-mechanical testing for aviation, industrial, and marine Gas Turbine (GT) engines, emphasizing the following areas:
- Data Acquisition System (DAS) applications and software development
- Instrumentation and control systems
- Mechanical static and dynamic systems (including rotor-dynamics)
- Aerodynamic and acoustics design
- Environmental engineering
- Production, assembly, integration, and test
- Facilities planning and construction
Project Highlights — Delivered intricate projects for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) and Research and Development (R&D) sectors. Significant contributions include:
- MRO facilities:
  - Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (France) — CFM56-5B, CFM56-7B, GE90-115B, GE90-94B, EA GP7200, GEnx-1B, GEnx-2B
  - GKN Aerospace (Sweden) — Volvo RM12 and RM16 (Gripen fighter jet)
  - Standard Aero (formerly Vector Aerospace) (Canada) — P&WC JT15D (multiple variants)
  - Lockheed Martin Commercial Engine Solutions (Canada) — CFM56-2A, CFM56-2B, CFM56-2C, CFM56-3, CFM56-5A, CFM56-5B, CFM56-5C, CFM56-7B, GE CF6-50C2
  - Safran Aircraft Engine Services Morocco (Morocco) — CFM56 (multiple variants)
  - Rolls-Royce (UK) — Consoles
  - GA Telesis Engine Services (Finland) — CFM56-5B, CFM56-7B, GE CF6-80C2
- R&D facilities:
  - Rolls-Royce/ NASA Stennis Space Center (USA) — Outdoor Jet Engine Test Facility (development and certification testing)
  - Safran Aircraft Engines (formerly Snecma) (France) — CFM LEAP-1A (certification testing), CFM56 (endurance testing)
  - MAN Energy Solutions (Germany) — Industrial Gas Turbine MGT6000-2S, MG8000-1S
  - Siemens (Canada) — Industrial RB211
  - MDS AeroTest/ GLACIER Test Facility (Canada) — Emissions analyzer system support
  - AVIC Commercial Aircraft Engines (ACAE) / Aeroengine Corporation of China (AECC) (China) — Fan, Booster, HPC, and Turbine (development testing)
  - Shanghai Electric Blower Works Co. (China) — Compressor (development testing)
Technical Leadership — Interpreted and translated client requirements into project specifications, organized work breakdown structures, generated requirements matrices, and executed comprehensive project plans. Steered design, procurement, manufacturing, assembly, installation, commissioning and testing activities while mitigating risks, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance.
Systems Integration — Oversaw the synergy of multi-disciplinary subsystems while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders. Reviewed engineering designs to ensure holistic conformance.
Procurement Oversight — Played an active role in vendor selection, oversaw procurement stages, and managed ERP system interfaces, ensuring seamless procurement processes.
Global Client Engagements — Represented the company globally for design consultations, on-site inspections, and commissioning. Conducted in-depth Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP) with clients and provided post-deployment support and training.
Data Systems Mastery — Tailored Data Acquisition System (DAS) and measuring instruments, prepared post-analysis report templates, created real-time display interfaces, and automated test sequences to meet customer needs.
Gas Turbine Expertise — Defined the relevant engine and facility metrics to be measured and calculated by the Data Acquisition System (DAS) for engine turbine testing, designed operational consoles integrating HMI controls, and developed comprehensive verification and test plans.
Documentation — Authored and supervised technical documents like Engineering Specifications (ES), Design Briefs (DB), drawings (GA), Purchase Requests (PR), and Engineering Coordination Memos (ECM) for data acquisition software components, control/test systems, console design, and customer support.
Customer Support — Administered extensive client training, both on-site and remotely. Supported customer’s operations of GT engine testing during and beyond the commissioning phase (Field Service Representative) for extended periods (6+ months). Troubleshot system behaviour anomalies and determined the root causes and the appropriate technical resolutions.
Business Development Involvement — Actively contributed to the company’s growth, crafting compelling bids, proposals, and tenders.

Combustion & Pollutant Emissions Engineer — Aerothermal

Siemens Canada (formerly Rolls-Royce Canada) — Research and Technology | Montreal (QC), Canada | January 2013 — December 2013

Pollutant Monitoring — Operated pollutant measurements on Gas Turbine testbeds using sophisticated gas analyzers such as FTIR, FID, and O2 CEMS (Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems).
Emissions Analysis — Enhanced data processing techniques for non-traditional pollutant emissions, ensuring more accurate results.
Biofuel Assessment — Evaluated and characterized promising liquid (biodiesel blends) and gaseous (syngas blends) biofuels. Examined their impact on smoke & emissions, lean blowout, and potential to reduce greenhouse gases and operational costs.
Combustion Modeling — Developed a comprehensive numerical model for predicting biofuel injection and combustion using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
Performance Analysis — Compared biofuels with baseline fuels to examine the benefits while maintaining an acceptable overall combustion performance.

Graduate Research And Teaching Assistant — with Dr. Alain De Champlain

Combustion Engineering Research Laboratory at Laval University | Quebec City (QC), Canada | January 2011 — May 2013

Biofuel Research — Developed applications of liquid and gaseous biofuels for Gas Turbines and aircraft propulsion.
Emissions Analysis — Operated cutting-edge FTIR (Fourier Transformation Infrared) spectroscopy technology for a detailed combustion gas emissions study within swirl combustors.
Spray Analysis — Carried out in-depth experimental spray tests, leveraging Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques. The focus was predicting biodiesel spray attributes such as droplet size, velocity, and penetration.
Experimental Setup — Designed and set up equipment for experiments, calibrated instrumentation, optimized data collection methods, and established benchmarks for test results. Executed hands-on tasks, including soldering, wiring, and the assembly of process equipment (mass flow controllers, piping, pumps, pressure chambers, heaters, valves, injectors, and heat exchangers).
Data Management — Launched a comprehensive Data Acquisition System (DAS), tailored a VBA program for extensive data interpretation, and contrasted test findings against empirical evidence.
Mentorship — Trained and supervised international summer interns and managed the team’s technical proficiency.
Documentation — Authored detailed technical reports, documenting test protocols, safety measures, and research findings.
Safety Training — Rigorously completed WHMIS and WORKSMART training modules, ensuring the lab environment upheld paramount safety standards.
Teaching Duties — Crafted lectures on MAE Thermodynamics, directed laboratory sessions, and critically assessed student submissions in the form of lab reports ensuring academic rigour and understanding.

Independent Study in Mechanical Engineering — with Dr. Razvan Rusovici

Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne (FL), USA | January 2010 — June 2010

Research Focus — Explored adaptive structures, emphasizing finite element analysis in fluid dynamics and acoustics.
Technical Tools — Utilized CAD and CAE software, specifically Pro/E, ANSYS, and CFX, for in-depth analysis.

Formula SAE Series — with Stephanie Hopper and Dr. Youngsik Choi

Florida Tech Motorsports (FIT) | Melbourne (FL) & Michigan International Speedway (MI), USA | November 2008 — May 2009

Powertrain Leadership — Supervised the powertrain division, delving into engine management, differential dynamics, simulation, rigorous testing, and holistic optimization. This involved extensive application of industry-standard CAD and CAE platforms, including SolidWorks, Cosmos Design, and ANSYS.
Composite Craftsmanship — Conceived and executed the design for the vehicle’s composite bodywork, emphasizing durability, aerodynamics, and aesthetics.
Digital Engagement — Pioneered and developed the Florida Tech Motorsports website, creating an online presence and platform for sharing team achievements, updates, and engagements

Service Engineer (intern)

Prestige Dentaire | Nice, France | June — July 2006

Executed maintenance of dental equipment.
Overhauled mechanical, plumbing, and electrical devices.

Military Experience (volunteer) — Sar El Program

Tsahal, Israeli Army Training Program | Hatzerim Air Force Base, Israel | July — August 2005

Contributed to the Israeli Army’s training program, volunteering at the Hatzerim Air Force Base as part of the esteemed Sar El initiative.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Industry Knowledge:
- Systems Integration, Systems Engineering, Project Engineering, Project Management
- Aerospace Engineering, Business Strategy, Testing, and Simulations
Domain Expertise:
- Turbomachinery, Gas Turbines/Jet Engines/Propulsion, Data Acquisition Systems
- Aerodynamics, Thermodynamics, Combustion, Fluid Dynamics, Energy and Climate Change
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Technologies
Tools & Technologies:
- CFD Tools: Ansys Fluent, Ansys CFX, Ansys ICEM CFD, GAMBIT
- CAD/FEA: AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Pro/ENGINEER & Creo, CATIA, ANSYS Workbench & APDL, Cosmos Design, CNC Software/Mastercam
- Data Acquisition: NI LabVIEW, proDAS/nxDAS, iDDS, LaVision FlowMaster
- Software & Development: MS Excel/VBA, Python, MATLAB, Java, SQL, HTML/CSS, XML, Apache, LaTex, Mediawiki
- Computer Skills: MS Office 365, Unix/Linux (CentOS, Red Hat, Ubuntu), Networking, G Suite, MATLAB, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, XD, Premiere Pro), VMware, Wi-Fi Security (e.g., Kali Linux), Git/Subversion, Bug Tracking (e.g., Bugzilla, JIRA)
- Hardware Skills: Network Configuration, Tech Support, WAN/LAN and Routers
- Product Lifecycle Management: PTC Windchill, Omnify Empower
Interpersonal Skills: Problem Solving, Team Leadership, Engineering Management, Training, Teaching, Negotiation
Languages: English (Bilingual), French (Native), Spanish (Limited working proficiency), Italian (Elementary), Hebrew (Elementary)

EDUCATION

Laval University

Master of Science (M.S.), Mechanical Engineering with Experimental Thesis. (ABD) | December 2013 | Quebec City (QC), Canada

Research Assistant (Combustion Laboratory).
Teaching Assistant (MAE Thermodynamics).
Laser Safety Certificate & WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) qualified.
Relevant courses completed:
- Combustion Fundamentals (+CFD)
- Internal Combustion Engines (+CFD)
- Propulsion/ Air-breathing Engines (+CFD)
- Data Acquisition and Signal Conditioning
- Systems Optimization
- Control Systems

Carleton University

Summer Program, Mechanical Engineering | Summer 2012 | Ottawa (ON), Canada

Conducted experimental tests using PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) and PDPA (Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer).

Florida Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering (transfer student) | May 2010 | Melbourne (FL), USA

Contributed as a Powertrain Division member and Bodywork designer for Formula SAE.
Relevant courses completed:
- Computer-Aided Engineering
- Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics
- Design of Machine Elements
- Mechanical Vibrations
- Fluid Mechanics (+Lab)
- Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Mechanical Engineering Design 2
- Thermal Systems Design
- Thermodynamics 2
- Heat Transfer (+Lab)
- Control Systems
- Electric & Electronics Circuits
- Theory of Machines
- Materials Science and Engineering (+Lab)
- Calculus 3
- Boundary Value Problems
- Technical Communication
- Engineering Economy & Planning
- Music Theory

SKEMA Business School (formerly Euro-American Institute of Technology)

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering (transfer student) | January 2007 | Sophia Antipolis, France

Relevant courses completed:
- Thermodynamics 1
- Aerodynamics
- Statics & Dynamics
- Deformable Solids
- Physics 2 (+Lab)
- Computer Aided Design and Drafting
- Software Development: Java & C++
- General Chemistry
- Ethics

Florida Institute of Technology and SKEMA Business School were part of a dual-degree program, and thus share a common graduation project.

Lycée Général et Technologique Les Eucalyptus

High school, Baccalauréat Science Stream (S) | June 2004 |Nice, France

Specialization Physics & Chemistry, Option Engineering Sciences.

PUBLICATIONS / CONFERENCE PAPERS

J. Agou, B. Paquet & A. deChamplain. “Emission Measurements of Various Biofuels using a Commercial Swirl-Type Air-Assist Dual Fuel Injector” (with presentation), The Combustion Institute Canadian Section (CICS), Spring Technical Meeting, Université Laval, Quebec Canada, May 13-16, 2013
M. Youssef, J. Agou, B. Paquet & A. deChamplain. “Comparative Study for Biodiesel Properties and Standards for Gas Turbine” (with presentation), The Combustion Institute Canadian Section (CICS), Spring Technical Meeting, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada May 13-16, 2012

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAININGS

Aerial Lifts & Aerial Work Platforms [Mar 2017], Worksite Safety Compliance Center, Certificate 156AWP-64
Airport Security Awareness Training Certificate [Jun 2014], Butterfly Aero Training, License GB81580A20140623
AODA Customer Service Training [Sep 2014], MDS Gas Turbine Engine Solutions
AODA Training [Feb 2022], MDA
COVID-19 Employee Health and Safety Training [Jun 2020], MDS Gas Turbine Engine Solutions
Electrical Safety Awareness [Feb 2022], MDA
Elevated Work Platform - Safety Training, CRS Contractors Rental Supply
Emergency First Aid – Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED), Canadian Red Cross, Jennifer Sybrandy, Certificate 30200842
ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Control [Feb 2022], MDA
Fall Protection - Safety Training, CRS Contractors Rental Supply
Instant HR - Workplace Hazards Training, MDS Gas Turbine Engine Solutions
IT Risk and Cybersecurity Training for Employees [Aug 2019], MDS Gas Turbine Engine Solutions
Laser Safety Certificate [May 2011], Université Laval, License CAN/CSA E-60825-1:03; IEC 60825-1
Laser Safety Training [Feb 2022], MDA
Lockout/Tagout - Control of Hazardous Energy Training, MDS Gas Turbine Engine Solutions
NEXUS [Jan 2019], Canada Border Services Agency
Occupational Health and Safety Awareness Training for Workers in Ontario, MDS Gas Turbine Engine Solutions
PMP® Exam Prep Seminar [Nov 2018], Instructingcom, LLC, ID 109EPSWB
Standard First Aid and CPR level C and AED [Jul 2021], Ottawa Paramedic Service Headquarters
Task Area Awareness [Feb 2022], MDA
WHMIS Training [Jan 2015], MDS Gas Turbine Engine Solutions
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System), Université Laval
WHMIS 2015 New Hire Assessement [Feb 2022], MDA
Working at Heights Training [Aug 2019], Safety Training Ottawa, Debbie Desaulniers, WAH-34633
Working at Heights Training [Jul 2016], LaborTek Personnel, WAH-34595

AWARDS

Engineering & Science Student Design Showcase

April 2009 Melbourne, FL

Best Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Project award with Formula SAE Project (Florida Tech Motorsports).

GROUPS & ASSOCIATIONS

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Member #102114839
Society of Automotive Engineers International (SAE), Member #6153388042 since 2009
Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland & Labrador (PEGNL)

INTERESTS

Soccer, Karate (purple belt), Windsurfing (purple sail), Wakeboarding, Cycling, Skiing.

Cinema, Music (DJ), Photography & Graphic Design, Traveling, High-Tech, Innovation.

REFERENCES

Jean-Luc Dicaire
Manager of Applications
MDS Aero Support Corporation, Suite 200, 1220 Old Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 3V3, Canada
Phone: +1 (613) 744-5794 x2210
Phone: +1 (438) 483-8082
E-mail: Jean-Luc.Dicaire@mdsaero.com

Qing Li
Chief Technical Support Engineer – Asia
MDS Aero Support Corporation, Suite 200, 1220 Old Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 3V3, Canada
Phone: +1 (613) 744-5794 x2284
E-mail: Qing.Li@mdsaero.com

Robert Schroeder
Chief Software Engineer
MDS Aero Support Corporation, Suite 200, 1220 Old Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 3V3, Canada
Phone: +1 (613) 744-5794 x2477
E-mail: Robert.Schroeder@mdsaero.com

William Corbett
Technical Director
MDS Aero Support Corporation, Suite 200, 1220 Old Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 3V3, Canada
Phone: +1 (613) 299-2968
E-mail: William.Corbett@mdsaero.com

Patrick Mullington
Systems Engineer
MDS Aero Support Corporation, Suite 200, 1220 Old Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 3V3, Canada
Phone: +1 (613) 744-5794 x2493
E-mail: Patrick.Mullington@mdsaero.com

Denis Stang
Test Systems Site Integrator
MDS Aero Support Corporation, Suite 200, 1220 Old Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 3V3, Canada
Phone: +1 (613) 744-5794 x2014
E-mail: Denis.Stang@mdsaero.com

Aleksander Wisniewski
Gas Turbine Applications Engineer
MDS Aero Support Corporation, Suite 200, 1220 Old Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 3V3, Canada
Phone: +1 (514) 707-0724
E-mail: Aleksander.Wisniewski@mdsaero.com

Dionne Barwise
Director of Measurement Engineering
MDS Aero Support Corporation, Suite 200, 1220 Old Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 3V3, Canada
Phone: +1 (613) 744-5794 x2230
E-mail: Dionne.Barwise@mdsaero.com

Michael Ambacher
Flight Simulator Test Specialist
CAE Inc., 8585 Chem. de la Côte-de-Liesse, Saint-Laurent, QC H4T 1G6
Phone: +1 (514) 627-9005

Mina Youssef
Test Engineer
Nova Bus - Volvo, 1000 Bd Industriel, Saint-Eustache, QC J7R 5A5, Canada
Phone: +1 (514) 967-4100

Dr. Alain de Champlain
Director & Professor, Head of Combustion Research Laboratory.
Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Laval University, 1065 Avenue de la Médecine, Quebec City, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
Phone: +1 (438) 656-2131 x2198
E-mail: alain.dechamplain@gmc.ulaval.ca

Bernard Paquet
Research Engineer, Supervisor of Combustion Research Laboratory.
Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Laval University, 1065 Avenue de la Médecine, Quebec City, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
Phone: +1 (438) 656-2131 x6809
E-mail: bernard.paquet@gmc.ulaval.ca

Dr. Robert Gordon
Combustion Specialist, Team Leader of Research & Technology division.
Rolls-Royce Canada, 9500 Côte de Liesse, Montreal, Quebec, H8T 1A2, Canada
Phone: +1 (514) 636-0964 x7316
E-mail: robert.gordon2@rolls-royce.com

Dr. Yan Grasselli
Academic Head of Bachelor programs and Head of the Environmental and Marine Sciences Bachelor department.
SKEMA Business School, 60 rue Dostoïevski, 06902 Sophia Antipolis, France
Phone: +33 (0) 4 93 95 44 03
E-mail: yan.grasselli@skema.edu

Personal references are available upon request.

online version available on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joachimagou/

updated March 2023 Joachim Agou