Erik Sullivan, 35
Engineering & Maintenance Manager, Renewables
Tidewater Midstream and Infrastructure Ltd.
Prince George, BC, Canada
What Makes Erik an Engineering Leader
Erik leads with a rare combination of technical competence, humility, and professionalism. Known for his ability to listen carefully, analyze challenges, and build consensus, he creates an environment where team members feel encouraged to contribute. He admits what he does not know, values input from others, and makes decisive calls once analysis is complete. His blend of personality and technical expertise sets him apart as an effective and respected engineering leader.
Achievements, Advancements & Career-related Industry Contributions
Erik’s career began in a conventional refinery, where he earned a reputation for organizing complex projects, solving technical problems, and consistently meeting departmental KPIs and continuous improvement goals. One example was his success in improving the reliability of pumps and reciprocating compressors by identifying recurring failures through root-cause analysis and implementing reliability-centered maintenance procedures.
As a hands-on leader, Erik takes a lead-from-the-front approach that simplifies difficult projects. For instance, he directed a large-scale refinery turnaround that achieved all three primary objectives: on-time completion, on-budget performance, and zero lost-time accidents.
Most notably, Erik led the commissioning of Canada’s first renewable diesel plant. Despite numerous design and start-up challenges, he and his team resolved them quickly and achieved a safe, efficient start-up without lost-time incidents.
Beyond operations, Erik also contributes to his company’s long-term strategic initiatives, including labor negotiations, contracts and procurement, and capital project planning, engineering, and execution.
Non-work-related Activities & Hobbies
Outside of work, Erik enjoys home renovations and vehicle projects, often using 3D printing to repair and improve components. His creativity and hands-on approach carry over from his professional life into personal pursuits.
He is also an avid runner and hiker, participating in four to six races per year. Balancing work, family, and training, Erik applies his engineering mindset to achieve his race time goals through detailed planning and discipline.
Interesting Details
Erik’s first job was as a field engineer for an international oil services company. His role took him across South America, where he set up repair shops in more than nine countries. Navigating language and cultural barriers deepened his appreciation for global diversity and cultural sensitivities.
During his master’s studies, Erik designed a sensor to measure the energy of wildland forest fires without requiring water cooling. To test the sensor, he conducted a controlled forest fire in Northern Canada—an unforgettable engineering and personal experience.
Why Erik Chose This Career
From an early age, Erik was fascinated by machinery. He began by repairing vehicles and even built a dune buggy from Volkswagen Beetle parts, developing mechanical aptitude through hands-on experience. With a natural affinity for physics, he pursued mechanical engineering at university, where his curiosity for systems and problem-solving flourished.
After graduation, roles in field and facilities engineering allowed him to apply his education while exploring, troubleshooting, and redesigning complex systems. Today, Erik is living his passion, doing the work he has always loved.
