With over 14 years of experience in software engineering and a passion for technology, Michael has worked on software projects across the oil and gas sector, exploring cutting-edge technologies like digital twins and AI. His expertise has helped to shape his role as a leader in the energy technology space and we are thrilled he’s joining us as Head of Software Engineering.
In this Q&A, he shares insights into his background, his excitement about joining the Elementz team, and his thoughts on the future of software engineering.
Can you describe your background and how it led you to a career in software engineering?
I’ve always been interested in technology, which inspired me to do a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computing for Internet and Multimedia at RGU. Over the past 14 years, I’ve built a career in software engineering, much of it within the Aker group.
My journey began at Aker Solutions, where I worked on in-house software critical to delivering Oil and Gas MMO projects worldwide. During that time, I honed my skillset in integrity management and worked extensively on Coabis, a tool that played a significant role in our projects.
Later, I transitioned to ix3 and Aize, where I progressed from Principal Engineer to Engineering Manager. In these roles, I led multiple application teams and oversaw several software projects. My career has also given me the privilege of working internationally, collaborating with customers and developers across the globe, and gaining valuable perspectives from diverse teams.
What excites you most about joining the Elementz team?
Having worked with Coabis during my time at Aize, I’m really excited to dive back in and reconnect with familiar customers. I’m also looking forward to getting hands-on with the product again, tackling customer challenges, and strengthening the client relationships we’ve built over the years. It’s great to be part of a smaller, close-knit team where I can work alongside familiar faces and get to know the rest of the group.
What role does international collaboration play in your work, and how has it influenced your perspective?
When I was part of Aize, I had the opportunity to be the first person in Aberdeen to collaborate with the Norwegian side of the team. It was such a rewarding experience – building relationships with the engineers, travelling to Norway, and seeing how they work. Later, I got to work on projects in Australia with Ian and meet clients there. Experiencing different cultures and seeing competitors come together to discuss the product and share insights was a real eye-opener. It felt incredibly collaborative and inspiring.
I’ve also worked on projects in Canada, where I had the chance to speak directly with end users, something that’s pretty rare as a software engineer. It was a great experience to hear their perspectives firsthand and use that feedback to make the software more effective and deliver real value to the clients.
How do you see software engineering evolving in the next five years, especially in the energy sector?
Over the last 4-5 years, I’ve been working on digital twins technology, and it’s been fascinating to see how much it’s transformed the way we work. In the past, everything was paper-based – writing, printing, scanning – but now, with digital twins, we can create 3D models and fully digitise processes. It’s about making things both easier and smarter. I can see this technology continuing to grow significantly in the coming years.
And then there’s AI. When I started out, everyone was talking about cloud computing, and now the focus has shifted to AI. It’s a tool that, like anything, can be misused, but when used right, it’s incredibly powerful. For engineers, it can act like a coach – helping improve security, readability, and efficiency. As the industry grows, AI will have an even bigger impact.
Who is Michael outside of work?
My passion for technology continues to drive me and I’m fortunate to be able to turn my passion into a career. Outside of work, I enjoy playing football whenever I get the chance as it’s been a big part of my life ever since school, where like most boys, I dreamed of becoming a footballer.
These days, I also enjoy DIY projects at home. Living with my partner, I’ve found myself taking on all sorts of small tasks and home improvements. It keeps me busy!
If you could swap jobs with anyone in the world for a day, who would it be?
Probably a Manchester United player. What better way to live out my childhood dream than by stepping onto the pitch at Old Trafford!
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