Our Employee Spotlight series celebrates and highlights the EVLO team’s unique talents, achievements, and perspectives. This month we’re shining a spotlight on Mathieu Blouin, Director of Software Engineering, for all he does to advance our mission and accelerate the energy transition.
What is your professional background?
I went to university to study mechanical engineering. While I was doing my studies, I realized that I had a passion for software development and enjoyed coding and building systems, which is why I pursued software engineering. I started out developing motion and sound simulations for the pilots of defense aircraft and commercial flights. When I was 25, I was identified as one of the top talents and put on a fast track to management path where I eventually oversaw a team of engineers. I had the pleasure of leading the team as we continued to develop the simulation programs for CAE (Canadian Aviation Electronics).
What made you pursue a career in energy storage with EVLO?
Working at a large company like CAE was great experience, but I wanted to be more integrated into the overarching goals of the company. There was a lot that drew me to EVLO. On a personal level, it’s very fulfilling to have a direct, positive impact on the energy transition. When it comes to my passion for technology, joining EVLO was a fantastic opportunity to work on a new platform with the BESS technology. The team here is very interconnected, and I feel that my work is integral to our day-to-day.
What is your favorite part of your job?
One of the best feelings is completing a commissioned project, regardless of the scale. As we move through each phase, from the initial planning to implementation, it’s absolutely wonderful seeing the progress of the engineers and developers. That level of teamwork is also one of my favorite parts of the job. I really enjoy our strong team dynamic, and I work to foster that whenever possible whether it’s a team lunch or scheduling something outside the office.
What are your future goals for Software Engineering at EVLO?
I want to build on our data science and analytical capabilities. I strongly believe in the potential that these tools can bring to our organization. Having the privilege of working with our systems and innovating them every day is foundational for me, as it is right in line with my ambitions.
Can you share a proud moment from your time at EVLO?
I remember when we were revamping our EMS architecture last year, and external factors introduced some delays on the project before we could start the validation stage. By the time we were able to start making substantial progress, the holiday season was right around the corner. I’ll always remember the dedication and determination on display by the team to see it through. When it comes to team chemistry and development, I’m also proud to have proposed and participated in the launch of our ‘EvloVie’, a committee that is focused on improving our organization’s employee engagement and quality of work life however we can.
What advice do you have for software developers who want to transition out of traditional tech into clean energy tech? How about for those who are just starting out in their careers?
I recommend you try out companies of different sizes to see which one you feel most comfortable with. You can hone your skills with a large company – similar to what I did during my time with CAE. I now enjoy using that skillset and knowledge to adopt new practices here at EVLO that help the whole company. If you’re going from a smaller company and moving to a larger one, that comes with a level of agility in decision-making. Smaller companies can be a thrilling experience, and I strongly suggest technical professionals dip their toes in one at least once in their career.
