I'm working with a startup in Canada, and we're at about the 18 month mark where we get to do our final sales demo. Everything has gone great so far, and we've grown the company from 2 employees to 20, plus the CEO.
Because of the nature of our work (software security), we had to have two Professional Engineers on staff. It's mainly because it's easier to have ethical, trained people with professional licenses (and liability insurance) to sign off on various forms relating to privacy, guaranteeing our employees don't have hidden criminal records (background checks miss a lot, actually), etc.
The CEO of the company, just days before this final demo (which would yield a lot of cash for the company), did something that basically angered all the technical employees: did a stock split (I have no idea why? Why would this be a tactical advantage?), and awarded stock to the senior employees entitled to equity, but with conditions (stock must be held for 4 months, and can't be sold until the CEO sells his portions).
- The first P.Eng., "Ted", simply walked out the front door, and said we'd be hearing from his lawyer, and smashed his company phone on the floor. I can't find the SIM or SD card from the remains either. He won't answer any calls.
- The second (junior) P.Eng., "Federico", is still checking into work, but indicated that he doesn't feel confident on signing off on Ted's work in his absence, and won't answer a single question straight (dodges the issue or gives a textbook answer).
How can I get a Professional Engineer on short notice? Are there any that will learn a product and sign off on it on short notice? It's not the sort of thing I can find in the Yellow Pages easily. Also, does their licensing body, "APEG", have any means to force a worker back to work if they are screwing over a company?
Also, why would the CEO do a stock split? How does that help anyone? Can it impact my own bonus/equity?