Frederic Lauzier is a Canadian electrical engineer with over 15 years of experience in complex systems. Based in Quebec, he has built a career solving tough engineering problems in power systems, transport, telecoms, and embedded technology. His work is known for being both practical and forward-thinking.
Frederic Lauzier began his journey in a bilingual home, where he learned to balance logic with people skills. He studied electrical engineering at university and earned a Master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering. His early research focused on power systems and real-time sensors, laying the groundwork for his future success.
He started his career in power generation, working on systems that protect the electrical grid. Over time, he moved into industrial automation, where he helped old factories adopt modern tech. He’s led projects using machine learning, IoT, and predictive maintenance to boost efficiency.
Frederic is a skilled developer of embedded systems, including firmware for microcontrollers and real-time software. He’s also an expert in signal processing, control systems, and clean energy solutions. His projects often involve solar panels, battery storage, and smart metering.
More than just a technical expert, Frederic is a team leader and mentor. He trains junior engineers, leads design reviews, and speaks at engineering events. His leadership style is clear, calm, and focused on growth.
He believes engineering should be simple, strong, and reliable. Outside work, Frederic enjoys hiking, restoring radios, and home automation. He continues to study machine learning and cybersecurity to stay ahead of the curve.
Q&A with Frederic Lauzier: Engineering Simplicity into Complex Systems
Frederic Lauzier has built a career at the intersection of power systems, embedded technology, and sustainable design. Based in Quebec, he brings over 15 years of hands-on experience across energy, telecoms, transportation, and industrial automation. In this Q&A, Frederic shares his path from curious student to seasoned engineer, offering insights into the challenges and transformations shaping modern engineering.
Q: Can you take us back to the beginning? What sparked your interest in engineering?
Frederic Lauzier:
I grew up in a bilingual household in Quebec, where curiosity was encouraged. I was always taking things apart—radios, toys, anything with a circuit. My parents didn’t always love the mess, but they supported my interest. What really drew me to engineering was the mix of creativity and logic. You’re solving real-world problems, but there’s also a kind of elegance to it—making systems work smoothly under pressure.
Q: How did your education shape your approach to engineering?
FL:
I did my Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering at a Canadian university and later earned a Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering. During my studies, I focused a lot on electromagnetics and circuit design. But what really stood out for me was control systems and sustainable energy. I ended up doing research on power optimisation and real-time sensor integration. That’s still very relevant to the projects I take on today.
Q: Your early career was in power generation and distribution. What were those first few years like?
FL:
They were challenging—in a good way. I was working on fault-tolerant systems for power grids, making sure they stayed stable during disruptions. There’s no room for error in that environment. You learn to balance safety with performance. I was lucky to work with some very experienced teams early on, which helped me grow faster.
One project I remember involved retrofitting a regional substation with improved automation. It meant coordinating with field engineers, software teams, and government regulators. That experience taught me the value of clear communication and planning.
Q: How did you transition from power systems into industrial automation and embedded technologies?
FL:
It was quite natural. Power systems gave me a strong grounding in large-scale reliability. Over time, I became interested in how local systems—like factory controls or IoT devices—could play a part in overall efficiency. I moved into roles that focused more on embedded firmware, machine learning, and real-time data capture.
A big moment for me was working with a client who had an older manufacturing site. They wanted to upgrade, but without shutting down operations. We designed a predictive maintenance system that worked in parallel with their legacy setup. It helped them avoid unplanned downtime and gave them better insight into energy usage.
Q: You’ve worked at the intersection of hardware and software. How do you manage those cross-disciplinary teams?
FL:
It’s not always easy. Hardware engineers and software developers sometimes speak very different languages. But I see myself as a bridge between them. I try to translate what one group needs in terms the other can act on.
For example, in one smart automation project, the software team wanted to collect more sensor data at higher speeds. But the hardware wasn’t designed for that. We had to find a middle ground—adjusting the firmware, refining the data capture method, and upgrading some of the analog filtering. Everyone learned from the process.
Q: What are some technologies or methods you think are changing the field right now?
FL:
The integration of machine learning into control systems is a big one. We’re seeing more systems that can adapt in real time based on past data. That’s something I’m still exploring, especially in predictive maintenance and power quality.
Also, cybersecurity is becoming essential—even in industrial settings where it was once an afterthought. I’m currently studying that area to stay ahead. You can’t separate safety and performance anymore.
Q: You’ve also been involved in mentoring. Why is that important to you?
FL:
Because no one does this alone. I had great mentors early in my career. They didn’t just show me the technical side—they taught me how to manage pressure, deal with clients, and stay curious. Now, I try to do the same. I help junior engineers with certifications, design reviews, and even soft skills like presenting their work.
I think mentorship is how we keep the field evolving. It’s also how we avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Q: What’s your personal philosophy when it comes to engineering?
FL:
I believe good engineering is simple, strong, and intuitive. A system should be easy to understand and resilient under stress. That’s harder to achieve than it sounds. But when it works, you know it immediately.
I like to think of it the same way as restoring an old radio—there’s a satisfaction in making something work better than before, without losing its character.
Q: Finally, what keeps you inspired after all these years?
FL:
The field is always moving. There’s always a new challenge. I still get excited about solving problems, especially ones that require both technical depth and creative thinking.
Outside of work, I like to hike, restore vintage electronics, and experiment with open-source home automation. That’s part of how I recharge—by staying connected to the practical side of things.
Engineering, for me, has never been just a job. It’s how I understand the world.
