Ralph has over forty years of experience in the design and project management of commercial and industrial buildings and bridges, Building Sciences, accident investigation, litigation support, welding inspection, design, testing and certification of mobile & tower cranes and elevating platforms; including seven years as an Engineering Consultant with the Ministry of Labour. Ralph assisted in writing the regulatory requirements for a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review and was a member of the PEO committee on establishing standards for Engineers. A leader in his field he is a member of the following CSA standards technical committees: CSA Z150 (Mobile Cranes), CSA C225 (Aerial Devices), CSA Z271 (Powered Platforms), CSA B354 (Aerial Platforms), CSA Z91-02 (H &S Code for Suspended Equipment Operations) and CSA Z248 (Tower Cranes). Ralph is authorized to carry the (restricted) title of Consulting Engineer from the PEO.
Nolan Piette is a professional engineer and Certified Machinery Safety Expert (CMSE®) with over nine years of experience in mechanical design, risk assessment, and safety engineering. At HITE Engineering, he leads the Industrial Department, overseeing projects related to Pre-Start Health & Safety Reviews, regulatory compliance assessments, and turnkey industrial safeguarding support in accordance with Ontario regulations and technical safety standards. His expertise spans industrial safeguarding, Hazardous Classified Locations, fire and life safety, and forensic accident investigations. Nolan is also trained as a HAZOP facilitator and experienced in multiple risk assessment methodologies. He holds a B.A.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto.
Adam Balbaa holds a degree from Wilfred Laurier University (2007-2011) and a post graduate diploma from Seneca College (2011-2013). He is the Acting Manager of the Construction Group at HITE Engineering Corporation, with over a decade of expertise in fall arrest, travel restraint, and fall protection systems. He represents HITE as a member of the CSA Z91 Committee for Suspended Access Equipment, contributing to industry standards and safety practices. Beyond engineering, Adam has played key roles in numerous startups across consumer goods and health tech, focusing on business development and growth strategy. This unique blend of technical leadership and entrepreneurial experience allows him to deliver innovative, practical solutions for clients and partners.
Dave holds an electrical engineering degree from the University of Toronto and has over 40 years of experience in electrical engineering. He has a wide variety of experience in Industrial Control including programmable controller systems and motor control. He has designed and commissioned machine control systems. He has specified electrical apparatus for hazardous area locations, and has worked in related mechanical fields including drives, pneumatics, hydraulics, combustion systems, cooling towers and HVAC/refrigeration. Dave’s experience includes safety controls for power presses in accordance with CSA standard Z142 and general machine guarding in accordance with CSA Z432.
Zach holds an Electrical Engineering degree from the Memorial University of Newfoundland (2019) specializing in electrical communications and automation. Prior to joining HITE, Zach worked as a project manager and electrical designer for one of the largest international tire manufacturers. He lends his industrial automation, programmable controller, and pneumatics experience as a project manager within the industrial group at HITE Engineering.
Ashik holds a Structural Engineering degree from City University, London, UK. He is an engineer with a systematic approach to engineering problems ensuring that the structure is designed as a functional, economic and integrated part of the entire facility. Ashik has worked for design and build consultants prior to joining HITE and possesses valuable experience within various industry sectors such as residential, commercial, industrial, and pharmaceutical and refurbishment. He possesses excellent command over analysis and engineering software such as STAAD-Pro, Tekla TEDDS. He supports HITE's Industrial and Construction Groups with analysis and design for structural projects.
Alex holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from McMaster University (2014). A member of HITE’s industrial group, he specializes in machinery safety, fire safety, finite element analysis, and mobile elevated work platforms. He is also a member of the ULC S600A Standards Committee for storage containers for flammable and combustible liquids. Prior to joining HITE, Alex worked in the manufacturing sector as both a project manager and production manager. This provided five years of experience managing industrial health and safety projects, as well as serving as the management co-chair on a joint health and safety committee.
Jacob Holds and Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Mohawk College (2018) as well as a Mechanical Engineering degree from IT Carlow (now the South Eastern Technical University), Carlow, Ireland. Jacob’s background includes experience in linear infrastructure design, manufacturing in the automotive industry, implementing Lock-Out Tag-Out programs in accordance with CSA Z460, and portable metrology consulting within the manufacturing industry.
Tom has over 20 years of experience as an electrical engineer. In addition, he has a diploma in electrical engineering technology and holds an industrial electrician's license. Prior to joining HITE, Tom worked for 10 years as a private engineering consultant doing Pre-Start Health and Safety reviews. During his extensive career, he has worked in industrial field service; medium voltage engineering design and system startup and medium voltage drive marketing. In addition, he has spent 5 years working at the Bruce Nuclear Power station in Tiverton Ontario. His skill set includes Product Support, Project Engineering Design, Marketing, Field service and Project Management.
Josip Smolcic holds a diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology (2005) from Sheridan College. He has over 5 years of experience in the custom fabrication field as well as several years in façade access systems design. Josip is HITE’S Design and Field Inspection Specialist.
Jonathan has a bachelor’s degree in industrial design. He joins HITE with some experience in the fabrication and safety industries working on projects that range from one off prototypes to integrating safety systems to existing foundations to meet industry standards.
Catherine Bowman holds a Bachelors of Education from Western University. She is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers. She has several years of Human Resources experience with a major telecommunications company. As the Administrative Coordinator, she monitors HITE’s administrative projects.
Stephanie Cicero holds an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration Human Resources from Sheridan College as well as a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Nipissing University. As the Office Assistant, she supports the HITE team with daily administration functions.
