Michel Courchesne

About Michel Courchesne

Driving Excellence in Project Management, Leadership, and Automation Controls Engineering for Process & Machine Controls. I am an accomplished and self-driven automation and controls engineer with global experience in onshore, offshore, and harsh environments. Known for promoting teamwork and cultural competence, I excel in technical execution, team leadership, supervision, and project management. My expertise lies in the planning and execution of engineering, construction, commissioning, operations, and maintenance activities, coupled with exceptional troubleshooting and technical documentation skills.Throughout my career, I have worked on diverse and challenging projects across various fields, such as Gas Turbines and Power Generation, LNG and Gas Compression, Pipeline stations, High-Purity Water Treatment and Desalination, Aqua-Culture, Chemical and By-products Refining, Petrochemical and Combustion Reactors, Steam Generation and co-generation, and Steam Turbines and Combined Cycle Plants. I have delivered excellence in technical execution, team leadership, supervision, communication, and management, while applying cultural competence and promoting teamwork. I am passionate about solving complex engineering problems, optimizing performance and reliability, and creating value for my clients and stakeholders.Software and coding projects supplement my continuous professional development. I have a strong foundation in PLC Ladder Logic (LD), Structured Text (ST)/ Function Block Diagram (FBD)/ Sequential Function Chart (SFC) and SCADA Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), Structured Query Language (SQL) and Scripting in Python and other general-purpose languages.I maintain a keen interest in IT/OT convergence, recognizing how it improves connectivity and makes process and manufacturing data more accessible. The integration of data management systems (IT) with industrial operation systems (OT), allows for real-time data exchange allowing manufacturers can move faster, improve quality, and maximize operations efficiency.Collaborative environments are where I thrive and because I enjoy working with others towards common goals. My reward lies in solving technical challenges and continuously learning and growing in my field. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to projects, learn from my colleagues, and continue to grow.

Experience

1. Snr Staff Commissioning Engineer

   Mainspring Energy

   Jun 2024 — Present · CA, US

   As part of the innovative team at Mainspring Energy, I help manage and lead the commissioning of Linear Generator Power Projects. My role includes planning, directing, testing, and developing controls and diagnostic tools, as well as striving to provide insights from our clients\' perspectives. I enjoy mentoring junior engineers, ensuring systems operate safely and reliably, and collaborating across various teams to improve our processes and product performance.Key responsibilities:• Commissioning and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT): Plan and execute comprehensive tests to verify operational performance and fault responses, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.• HMI/SCADA Development: Lead the design of user-centric systems, applying heuristic principles to enhance clarity, consistency, and system status visibility. Develop data tables to streamline telemetry, facilitating efficient alarm rationalization, trend monitoring, and diagnostics. This approach reduces cognitive load and accelerates training, ensuring critical information is easily accessible to operators, technicians, and engineers.• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Project Delivery, Fleet Operations & Analytics (FOA), Operations & Maintenance (O&M), and engineering teams to align commissioning workflows, resolve integration challenges, and improve interdepartmental communication.• QA Documentation and Handover Processes: Develop robust workflows and templates for commissioning logs, punch lists, and QA/QC integration, ensuring transparent and efficient project transitions.

Education

• Mohawk College

  Technologist, Automation and Controls Engineering

  1981

• Dofasco

  Journeyman, Instrumentation & Controls Apprenticeship

Skills

• Power Systems
• Energy Industry
• Energy
• Valves
• Automation
• Combined Cycle
• Maintenance Management
• Steam
• Steam Turbines
• Cogeneration
• Pipelines
• Electricians
• High Voltage
• Factory
• Commissioning
• Oil/Gas
• Gas Turbines
• Modbus
• Instrumentation
• Rotating Equipment
• P&Id
• Scada
• Turbomachinery
• Power Generation
• Maintenance & Repair
• Inspection
• Engineering
• Plc
• Control Systems Design
• Air Compressors
• Compressors
• Power Plants
• Process Control
• Dcs
• Allen Bradley
• Refinery
• Fpso
• Hazop
• Petrochemical
• Electronics