David Johnston
Mississauga,ON
Summary
David brings proven team leadership, PMO, project management, engineering and business management skills focused on innovative clean energy systems including HVDC systems, hydrogen, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, wind, biofuels, electric vehicles and other clean energy systems. First-of-a-Kind initiatives include Tidal Power, electric vehicle drive systems, PEM Fuel Cell power generation and Green Hydrogen production facility developments in addition to his work at Masdar City. Working across the full project lifecycle from Concept to Commissioning and Hand-Over with OEMs and multi-disciplinary engineering firms, David implemented sound business practices and innovations for complex engineering organizations and programs. Proven skills include strategic partnering and business development, Project Management Office (PMO) functions, project planning and controls, risk management, OEM/vendor management, and change management. Fluent in three languages (English, French, German), David has worked internationally and established international partnerships and teams to expand company capabilities. Recently he identified the opportunity, established the team, bid, won and delivered the complete engineering, procurement, construction and permitting scope for the first-of-a-kind, utility-connected, 20Mw green hydrogen facility in Ontario, Canada bringing new clients and market opportunities. He has also recently been working with a major European OEMs to complete FEL studies and deliver sophisticated and innovative electrical systems to North American utility market clients.
Overview
46
46
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Project Manger
Tetra Tech Canada Inc.
01.2025 - Current
- Responsible for Kick-off, planning, leadership and delivery of an innovative and strategic HVDC project including review of client agreements, team management, financial and technical scope, risk and change management
- Coordinate with clients, technology OEMs, EPC Contractors, and internal and external SMEs and Stakeholders to comply with schedule, cost, quality and permitting requirements.
- Negotiate with OEMs and clients to manage change in an emerging technology sector.
- Led an SMEI team to develop and deliver the RFP process to identify potential Respondents and secure proposals from Independent Power Producers to provide an 83Mw powerplant on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis.
- Canadian Hydrogen Association
- Member of Board of Directors
- Driving development of the Canadian hydrogen industry to define and implement improved processes for technology development, large-scale industrial applications, industry promotion, resource development, project permitting and funding.
- Participated in Canadian Hydrogen Conference in 2022, 2023 and 2024 including roles on the conference governing body, strategic panelist, technical paper presentation and as an exhibitor.
Project Director
CEM Engineering
01.2019 - 01.2025
- Identified the opportunity and established a winning team and strategy to secure a unique opportunity to design Ontario’s first-of-a-kind 20MW Green Hydrogen production facility. Established and managed strong integrated teams and OEM/vendor partnerships to expand qualifications and opportunities and led the team of experts through technical development, design, permitting and approvals resulting in additional market opportunities. Coordinated with Government Agencies, the EPC Contractor and client to deliver the permitting scope and construction plan.
- Led a team of Canadian and US engineers to deliver all engineering, permitting and construction support for implementation of a hydrogen fueling system for lift truck applications at an Amazon Distribution Centre.
- Assembled the internal and vendor team to complete delivery of North America’s first-of-a-kind 100% hydrogen-fueled CHP system to Enbridge Gas.
- Assisted management to develop company expertise and improve both organizational and technical capabilities to deliver larger, more sophisticated projects.
Director PMO & New Markets
Promation Engineering Inc.
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Established an integrated Project Management Office structure (PMO) for control of multiple internal teams, sub-projects and vendors involved to complete delivery of strategic nuclear tooling and related technology projects.
- Led licensing activities for a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) nuclear power system.
- Hired and directed a new team developing specialized Additive Manufacturing capabilities using proprietary robotic and automation expertise, focused on aerospace & defense and nuclear applications.
Principal Consultant
2417196 Ontario
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Provided Leadership to an internal team at Suncor to complete acquisition of biofuels projects and technologies with investments in multiple JVs and plant facilities in Canada and the US. Provided guidance on project investment, IP, team structures, progress reporting and advised client on negotiations and implementation strategies. Assisted with management of corporate investment approval process and in negotiations with project partners and stakeholders.
- Coordinated and provided oversight of EPC contractor building the pilot demonstration facility.
PMO Oversight
Bruce Power/VA Business Solutions
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Evaluated project delivery planning and performance. Project controls and risk review and advisory services for Bruce Power’s $13B Major Component Rehabilitation (MCR) Program, outage execution and other capital project needs.
- Provided team-based evaluations and recommendations on project planning, control, risk management, and outage execution performance with best-practices recommendations for the world’s largest operating nuclear generating facility. Project scope up to $750M in Unit 6 MCR program.
- Site-based at Bruce Power, Canada
Project/Site Manager
HB White
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Provided site-based construction management and commissioning leadership to a team of multiple unionized trades people and company staff to complete a $18M grid-connected 10Mw solar farm EPC project on-time, on-budget, with a flawless safety record, excellent project quality and labour relations. Neither the company nor the customer had ever had a project of this type delivered on time.
- Site-based
Manager of Projects
AMEC Power & Process
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Brought hands-on leadership and focus to the Project Management group leading 12 Project Managers and engineering teams delivering $200M of FEL studies and major projects annually.
- Developed and led teams of engineering professionals to bid and deliver complex projects including renewable energy, waste-to-energy, industrial and innovative engineering projects. Projects frequently included integration and management of teams from other corporate offices, and major equipment vendors as needed. These were executed on an EPC basis, in an Owners’ Engineer or Engineer-of-Record role.
- Collaborate internally to define Project Planning tools adopted by the Global Project Management Team.
Director
Agrosphere Biofuels
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Developed and led the internal team in development of a government funding proposal for an innovative $40M private gasification-based biofuels project using agricultural feedstock.
Deputy Technology Manager
CH2M Hill, Masdar City
Abu Dhabi, UAE
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Based at project site in Abu Dhabi, UAE, led an internal team of 16 international specialists, and global OEM suppliers, to provide Program Management services and leadership to define and integrate all energy, water and waste needs at Masdar City, the world’s first carbon-neutral sustainable city, a $24B project.
- Site-based in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Chief Operating Officer
Woodland Biofuels
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Defined technology needs, project development, engineering and market requirements and delivery team for this gasification-based biofuels project.
- Negotiated partnership and IP issues with the major U.S. ethanol producer to build $500M in projects.
- Secured supply of feedstock using waste materials through negotiations with strong local partners.
- Completed proposal for financing and hosting of the first commercial installation ($70M).
- Prepared investment dossiers and negotiated funding application to secure investment of $23M.
Principal Consultant
Integrated Action Inc.
01.2001 - 01.2008
- Advised the Board of Directors of Sustainable Technologies Development Canada (SDTC) fund providing investment recommendations on 24 sustainable energy project proposals valued at over $140M.
- Led international negotiations and procurement of $20M of high efficiency power generation equipment for a private developer, reducing costs by 18%.
- Prepared study for the Newfoundland Provincial Government evaluating R&D funding policies and structures in 5 jurisdictions globally and recommended best practices.
- Strengthened manufacturing and marketing in an international solar energy business bringing new approaches to supply chain, partnering and budgets. Reduced sales and distribution costs by up to 30%.
President
Technologies M4
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Secured $12M in innovative international investments, partnerships and new market opportunities for this company, a subsidiary of Hydro-Quebec.
- Selected and led 55 technical and commercial specialists to change the focus of this electric vehicle drive systems company from technology development to commercialization for innovative AC/DC inverter/rectifier technology.
- Worked closely with SKF technical teams on IP issues related to new methodologies included.
- Established partnerships and worked closely with strategic teams at Michelin and FIAT for technology integration.
- Delivered 2 prototype electric vehicles with innovative 100Kw wheel-motor technology with European partners.
Vice-President
Ballard Power Systems
01.1995 - 01.1998
- Built and led a team of 50 technical specialists to develop and deliver an innovative 250Kw PEM fuel cell stationary generator system with an operating budget of $7.6M.
- Secured $35M in government funding (Technology Partnerships Canada) for business and technology development.
- Secured $100M in investment from European, Japanese and US industrial partners through Morgan Stanley.
- Delivered a 250-kW PEM fuel cell generator to provide electrical power and heat for commercial use globally.
- Established new manufacturing facilities to produce and test fuel cell power generation products for market delivery.
- Implemented processes and systems for certification to ISO9002 Quality Assurance program.
- Worked closely with governments, agencies and industry associations to define policy needs, providing criteria for future development and broad deployment.
President
Sulzer Hydro
01.1991 - 01.1994
- Defined and negotiated the first-of-a-kind $400M SHARP Alliance partnership with Ontario Hydro.
- Planned and led corporate turn-around resulting in 35% cost reduction for Shareholders.
- Profitably engineered and delivered 2400Mw of hydroelectric projects in China, Pakistan, USA and Canada.
- Significant work in China, Pakistan and USA
Manager of Project Management
Sulzer Escher Wyss
Zurich, Switzerland
01.1987 - 01.1990
- Implemented a PMO process for the global group of companies, respecting existing processes and increasing project margins by 8% in the first 2 years.
- Led a European consortium to deliver complex scope of equipment and services valued at $28M for a $250M hydroelectric project in California, USA. Identified and sold project upgrades valued at $9M. Spent 4 months at site leading the Commissioning program.
Industrial Development Specialist
Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel
01.1986 - 01.1987
- Identified, negotiated and secured a successful $12M Joint-Industry Research Program for the offshore oil industry
- Significant international Business Development activities
Project Engineer, Project Manager
Dominion Bridge-Sulzer
01.1980 - 01.1984
- Designed, manufactured and installed North America’s first-of-a-kind 20Mw tidal power project on Bay of Fundy.
- Sold, designed and manufactured 5.6m diameter butterfly valves for Hydro-Quebec using innovative manufacturing processes and techniques.
- Site work at La Baie James Hydroelectric Station
Education
MBA - Master of Business Administration -
Ivey School of Business
01.1986
B.Eng.Sc. - Mechanical Engineering
University of Western Ontario
01.1979
Skills
- Project Leadership
- Team Leadership
- EPC Leadership
- FOAK – First-of-a-Kind Technology Development
- Contract Negotiations
- International Project Delivery
- Project Controls
- Engineering Change Control
- Risk Management
- Project Lifecycle Experience
- Strategic Alliances
- Renewable Energy Systems
- Hydrogen Systems
LANGUAGES
English – Fluent
French – Near-Fluent
German – Working Knowledge
Affiliations
- P.Eng. - Professional Engineers of Ontario
- Ing. - Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec
- PMP - Project Management Institute
Timeline
Senior Project Manger
Tetra Tech Canada Inc.
01.2025 - Current
Project Director
CEM Engineering
01.2019 - 01.2025
Director PMO & New Markets
Promation Engineering Inc.
01.2017 - 01.2019
Principal Consultant
2417196 Ontario
01.2017 - 01.2019
PMO Oversight
Bruce Power/VA Business Solutions
01.2015 - 01.2017
Project/Site Manager
HB White
01.2014 - 01.2015
Manager of Projects
AMEC Power & Process
01.2011 - 01.2013
Director
Agrosphere Biofuels
01.2009 - 01.2010
Deputy Technology Manager
CH2M Hill, Masdar City
01.2008 - 01.2009
Chief Operating Officer
Woodland Biofuels
01.2006 - 01.2008
Principal Consultant
Integrated Action Inc.
01.2001 - 01.2008
President
Technologies M4
01.1998 - 01.2001
Vice-President
Ballard Power Systems
01.1995 - 01.1998
President
Sulzer Hydro
01.1991 - 01.1994
Manager of Project Management
Sulzer Escher Wyss
01.1987 - 01.1990
Industrial Development Specialist
Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel
01.1986 - 01.1987
Project Engineer, Project Manager
Dominion Bridge-Sulzer
01.1980 - 01.1984
B.Eng.Sc. - Mechanical Engineering
University of Western Ontario
MBA - Master of Business Administration -
Ivey School of Business
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
40+ Years