Michael Watson
Summary
A commercially aware engineering professional with over a decade of experience delivering technical solutions, managing customer relationships and leading complex inspection projects across the energy sector. After completing a year‑long project management assignment—overseeing key MSAs and delivering high‑value international projects including an $800k campaign in Sub‑Saharan Africa, having returned to Customer Applications Engineering, bringing enhanced commercial, contractual and leadership capability back into the team.
Earning a career that spans field operations, applications engineering and project delivery, giving a well rounded understanding of how technical, commercial and customer needs intersect. I’m confident translating complex engineering detail into clear, practical solutions, producing high‑quality documentation and working closely with cross‑functional teams to resolve issues and support customers end‑to‑end.
Currently studying for a Bachelor of Engineering in Energy & Sustainability, I’m motivated by the UK’s transition to low‑carbon technologies and keen to bring my customer‑facing skills, sound judgement and engineering experience into a role where I can help shape future connection solutions.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
2033
2033
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Customer Applications Engineer
Baker Hughes
Cramlington, Northumberland
2022.02 - Current
- Design and delivered bespoke inspection solutions, integrating technical specifications, risk assessments, and customer needs into workable plans.
- Develop project documentation including Inspection Management Plans (IMPs) and client-facing technical packages.
- Conduct failure investigations (FIT) and root cause analysis (RCA), presenting findings and recommendations to clients both internal and external.
- Support the sales team through technical consultations during the inquiry to-order phase to secure viable, cost-effective contracts.
Lead Project Manager (Assignment)
Baker Hughes
Cramlington, Northumberland
2024.12 - 2025.11
- Accountable for full-cycle project delivery across multiple pipeline inspection contracts, aligning project execution with client needs, regulatory frameworks, and internal standards.
- Supported internal cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, HSE, logistics, finance, data analysis) and external subcontractors to meet technical and commercial goals.
- Serve as primary liaison with clients, communicating inspection results, managing inquiries, and participating in pre-job and close-out meetings.
- Ensure accurate, high-quality project documentation and client reporting while managing project costs and optimizing execution strategies.
- Collaborate in technical meetings to scope unique or challenging inspection projects and support business development with engineering insights.
- Assisted in generating upsells amounting to £150,000 from various projects.
- Contributed to achieving £50,000 in variable cost productivity (VCP) during the assignment.
- Supported project teams in meeting financial targets effectively.
Operations Field Specialist
Baker Hughes
Cramlington, Northumberland
2014.08 - 2022.02
- Delivered pipeline inspection campaigns across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, operating in diverse environments and adapting quickly to different customer, regulatory and cultural requirements.
- Acted as field lead for global inspection projects, overseeing commissioning, deployment and troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical for the inspection tools.
- Coordinated subcontractors, ensuring safe, compliant and efficient project execution in line with local standards and Baker Hughes procedures.
- Reviewed and validated data quality on‑site, authorising tool demobilisation and ensuring customers received accurate, reliable inspection results.
- Built strong, trust‑based relationships with customers through professional communication in challenging field environments and high‑pressure situations.
- Developed strong resilience, problem‑solving capability and cultural awareness through extensive global travel and remote site work.
Apprentice
Baker Hughes
Cramlington, Northumberland
2011.08 - 2014.07
- Assisted senior staff members for better project execution.
- Worked diligently to meet customer needs, resulting in increased satisfaction levels.
- Developed practical skills for enhanced productivity through hands-on training.
- Gained proficiency in industry-specific software tools with rigorous practice sessions.
Apprentice
Rolls Royce North East Training Centre
Newcastle upon Tyne
2010.10 - 2011.07
- Participated in hands-on engineering training alongside academic coursework under a block-release system.
Education
Bachelor of Engineering - Energy and sustainability
The Open University
Newcastle upon TyneHNC - Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Tyne Metropolitan college
Newcastle upon Tyne 2012.10 - 2014.06
Advance Apprenticeship - Engineering
Rolls Royce North East training Centre
Newcastle upon Tyne 2010.10 - 2014.08
Skills
- Strong customer communication – Able to explain technical details clearly and build trust with customers at all levels
- Commercially minded – Comfortable balancing technical options with cost, risk and what’s best for the customer
- Technical problem‑solving – Experienced interpreting engineering information and turning it into practical, workable solutions
- Clear documentation – Produce accurate, well‑structured reports, quotations and project documents
- Cross‑team collaboration – Able to work cross functionally both internally and globally
- Confident decision‑maker – Used to making calls under pressure using sound judgement and real‑world experience
- Project governance awareness – Understand budgets, approvals, commercial checks and closing out projects properly
Affiliations
- Rock climbing, golf, and coaching a youth football team.
Timeline
Lead Project Manager (Assignment)
Baker Hughes
2024.12 - 2025.11
Customer Applications Engineer
Baker Hughes
2022.02 - Current
Operations Field Specialist
Baker Hughes
2014.08 - 2022.02
HNC - Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Tyne Metropolitan college
2012.10 - 2014.06
Apprentice
Baker Hughes
2011.08 - 2014.07
Apprentice
Rolls Royce North East Training Centre
2010.10 - 2011.07
Advance Apprenticeship - Engineering
Rolls Royce North East training Centre
2010.10 - 2014.08
Bachelor of Engineering - Energy and sustainability
The Open University