Work | Jacob Cossette


work.


For the past few years, I’ve had the privilege to work across high-impact and diverse fields — from designing fiber optic networks 4,000 feet underground in the mining industry, to developing multi-node virtualization solutions for advanced simulators at CAE.

My journey in engineering has never been just about solving technical problems. It has been about understanding complex systems and leading people through them. As President and Vice President of Finance of the ÉTS student association, I represented 11,000 members, managed a $3M annual budget, and successfully recovered over $1M in lost assets while expanding the team from 4 to 50+ active members.

Beyond governance, I co-founded a startup incubated at Centech (Top 10 globally), where I conducted a market study with 150+ potential clients, and obtained pilot projects with strategic partners.

Today, as an Analyst at Morgan Stanley, I combine this technical foundation with strategic execution under pressure, working in an environment where reliability, performance, and impact are critical.

My leadership and community contributions have been recognized nationally and provincially. I was awarded the Prix Masson – Hommage Bénévolat Québec (2024), the Médaille du lieutenant-gouverneur pour la jeunesse (2024), and became a finalist for the McCall MacBain Scholarship and Forces Avenir Personality of the Year. Over the course of my studies, I also received more than $50K in scholarships from organizations such as Morgan Stanley, Genium360, Cogeco, and Desjardins — highlighting not only my academic excellence but also my commitment to leadership, ethics, and impact.

At my core, I’m an engineer, builder, and crisis strategist — passionate about creating solutions that inspire confidence, bring people together, and make complex worlds understandable.


Engineering Work Experience

Analyst | Morgan Stanley

Jan. 2025 – Present

Website Link

CEO & Co-Founder | Aptus Tech

Feb. 2024 - Jan. 2025

• Led a market study with 150+ potential clients.
• Delivered pitches at industry events, obtaining pilot projects with key partners.
• Developed a 36-month financial plan and a 5-year strategic roadmap.
• Selected for Centech, a top-10 global tech incubator, to accelerate product development.
• Checkout this article on my experience at Centech

Centech Website

Full Stack Developer | Stingray Music – SAM

Internship Fall/Winter 2023

• Integrated and recovered assets from acquisitions using Python and Java.
• Developed Java DropWizard services, maintaining 99.8% uptime.
• Automated reporting for finance, legal, and content teams.
• Deployed production tools using Jenkins and Concourse Pipeline.

Website Link

Software Developer | CAE

Internship Fall 2021

• Developed multi-node virtualization solutions for advanced simulators.
• Enhanced system performance and reliability.
• Collaborated with engineers to deliver mission-critical software.

Website Link

Engineering Intern | Agnico Eagle Mines

Internship Summer 2020

• Plan new development, leading a $500k powerline extension in the mine shaft increasing the power availability.
• Designed and implemented fiber optic and power networks 4,000 feet underground.
• Improved network reliability and safety for mining operations.
• Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects on time.

Website Link

Education

Bachelor of Software Engineering | École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS)

2021 – 2025

• Specialization in machine learning.
• Involved in many university committees including being member of the board.
President of the student association.
• Received more than $50K in academic scholarships.
• Take a look at the class & grade completed here

University Website

University path in technology | École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS)

2020 – 2021

• Graduated with a 4.0 GPA.
• Take a look at the class & grade completed here.

University Website

Class in Electrical Engineering | Polytechnique Montréal

2017 – 2020

• Take a look at the class & grade completed here.

University Website

College Diploma in Natural Science | CÉGEP de Saint-Jérôme

2015 – 2017

University Website

Leadership & Governance

Member of the Board of Directors | ÉTS

2024 – Present

The Board of Directors (CA) is primarily responsible for ensuring the proper governance of ÉTS and ensuring compliance with its mission and values. The CA actively participates in defining the strategic orientations of the institution, adopts its policies and regulations, supervises, and supports the university's leaders in carrying out their duties.
Website

Member of the Board of Directors | CRÉIQ

2022 – 2024

Representing 23,000 engineering student members in Quebec at the provincial and national levels. Actively participating in defending student interests by collaborating with organizations such as BCAPG and OIQ. Closely supervising the work of the executive committee and ensuring the sustainability of decisions made.
Website

Member of the Board of Directors | Projet PC2

2021 – Present

Serving as treasurer to ensure financial viability and fairness in financial decisions. Ensuring the smooth execution of proposed projects and analyzing annual budgets. Participating in the selection committee.

President | ÉTS Student Association (AÉÉTS)

2022 – 2023

• Represented 11,000 members and managed a $3M annual budget.
• Led the recovery of $1M in lost assets.
• Expanded the executive team from 4 to 50+ active members.
• Advocated for students at the institutional and provincial level.
• Learn more about my thought on leadership and the importance of a balanced university journey in this article (FR) .

Association Website

Vice President Finance | ÉTS Student Association (AÉÉTS)

2021 – 2022

• Oversaw financial operations and budget planning for +$3M operation.
• Implemented new financial controls and transparency measures.
• Supported major student initiatives and events.
• Learn more about my tools for budgeting in this article .

Association Website

Volunteer & Community

Involvement in l'École de Technologie Supérieure

2021 – 2025

ÉTS Academic Studies Commission (2022 – 2024)
Under the authority of the Board of Directors (CA), the Academic Studies Commission (CE) is the main body responsible for the development and coordination of activities related to teaching and research. Managed the creation and modification of programs offered by ÉTS. Supervised the commission's subcommittees. Issued recommendations for the ÉTS Board of Directors.

Institutional Academic Offense Committee (2021 – 2023)
Student representative on the committee responsible for evaluating academic offenses.

Selection Jury Committee for the ÉTS Board Award (2023)

Exclusion Appeal Committee (2021 – 2022)

Undergraduate General Regulations Review Committee (2022)

Language Policy Review Committee (2022)

Sub-Commission on Student Experience (2022)

PHR-EDI Committee (2022)

Website

Awards & Distinctions

Prix Masson – Hommage Bénévolat Québec

2024

Awarded by the Ministry of Employment of Québec. This prize recognizes individuals for their significant efforts and positive impact in their community.

Official Website

Lieutenant Governor's Medal for Youth

2024

University recognition by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Québec. Recognizes volunteer commitment, determination, and self-improvement of Quebecers who have had a positive influence in their community or the province.

More about the Medal

Forces AVENIR Personality of the Year Finalist

2024

Forces AVENIR aims to recognize, honor, and promote student engagement. Finalist for Personality of the Year.

More about Forces AVENIR

McCall MacBain Scholarship Finalist

2024

National finalist for the McCall MacBain Scholarship, recognizing leadership and academic excellence.

More about McCall MacBain Scholarship

Génie +

2023

Special mention for outstanding participation and exceptional contribution to university life.

More about Génie +

Major Scholarships

2021 – 2025

• Morgan Stanley – Social and Environmental Engagement Scholarship
• Genium360 – Social and Environmental Engagement Scholarship
• Cogeco – Social and Environmental Engagement Scholarship
• Desjardins Scholarship
• FOIQ Stantec – FOIQ Next Generation Scholarships 2023-2024


Skills

  • Programming: Python, Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, SQL, C/C++
  • Web: Svelte, Node.js, HTML/CSS, Tailwind, Bootstrap
  • DevOps: Jenkins, Docker, Git, Concourse, CI/CD
  • Networking: Fiber optics, TCP/IP, network design
  • Project Management: Agile, Scrum, financial planning, team leadership

Certifications

Governance Certifications

  • Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Criteria: Completed training provided by the Collège des administrateurs de société, focusing on integrating ESG principles into governance practices.
  • Collective Governance Training: Participated in a comprehensive governance program by the Collège des administrateurs de société, emphasizing strategic decision-making and board dynamics.
  • Ethical Leadership in Governance: Completed training on ethical leadership in governance contexts, offered by the Collège des administrateurs de société, highlighting the importance of integrity and ethical decision-making in leadership roles.
  • Reputation Risk Management – The Role of the Board: Specialized training by the Collège des administrateurs de sociétés of Université Laval, focusing on identifying, assessing, and mitigating reputation risks at the board level.

Other Certifications

  • CNESST Certification: Acquired the CNESST card, ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety standards in Quebec.
  • WHMIS and Mining Modules: Completed WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) training and Mining Modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 7, ensuring safety and compliance in mining operations.

Languages

  • French: Native
  • English: Fluent