Curriculum Vitae
Updated: November 2009
Name: Benjamin Thomstad
Born: 2nd February 1984 in Drammen, Norway.
Nationality: Dual - British/Norwegian
Personal Qualifications
As a sociable and relaxed individual I function well in a Project environment, and find I am able to perform most roles thanks to a good ability to learn new tasks and systems. I take a great interest in the people around me and enjoy helping them reach their full potential as this benefits both the company and the working environment. I thrive when given overall responsibility for a task and maintain a good focus on achiving results, both personally and through co-operation with my co-workers.
Work experience
2008 - 2009 Lead Engineer - FMC Technologies
Assistant Lead and later Lead Engineer for Gjøa & Tyrihans. Responsible for the Work Over scope, from Lower Riser Package and Landing Strings up to the Surface Flow Tree. Responsible for coordinating Project Engineers and Designers, making sure documentation and technical issues were clarified on time for production/delivery. In contact with both customer and sub-suppliers to follow up product specification and design.
2007 - 2008 Project Engineer - FMC Technologies
Project Engineer in the System Engineering department of Completion & Workover. Was given responsibility for a section of the completion system, coordinating designers and analysts while also writing specifications and supervising testing.
2006 - 2007 Trainee Engineer - FMC Technologies
Three months rotation in each Product department, Completions & Workover, Controls and Template/Manifold & Intervention.
2003 - 2005 (Summer) Document Controller - Aker Kværner Oil & Gas
Document Control department, worked with the archive system ProArc. Document handling, database modifications, technical support.
2000 - 2001 (Summer) Sales/Spareparts - Jeco MC, Drammen
Honda Motorcycles. Equipment and spareparts sale and procurement.
Education
2002 - 2006 - University of Bath, UK
Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering - Innovation and Engineering Design.
Thesis: Conversion of a coastal fishing vessel for use in marine research activities.
Key Qualifications
Languages
I am bilingual, with Norwegian and English being my two native languages.
Organisation and planning
I have successfully completed two modules in FMC's project academy, Essential Project Management and Applied Project Management and Control in FMC Technologies. The subject of project management is one I personally find very interesting and would like to continue working with.
While working in a project oriented environment I am good at maintaining the groups focus on the tasks ahead, and although I prefer to adopt an authoritative role I work equally well together with other strong-willed individuals. I am skilled at relating individual tasks to the total scope to maintain a good overview of what needs to be done.
Networking and inter-personal relationships
Over the past years I have witnessed the value of a good network within an organisation. The key to getting work done is to know who possesses the correct expertise and to draw upon their strengths for the benefit of my project. I find this area to be one of my strengths and also one of my greatest interests professionally.
Technical Qualifications
Software / CAD
I have a very good grasp of IT systems and general computer usage gained mainly through self-education but also through the use of CAD systems at university. I learn quickly when introduced to new software or technologies, such as SAP and TCE/iMan which is in use at FMC.
Mechanical systems
Thanks to close cooperation with the FMC workshop I have gained a good understanding of what is involved in manufacturing subsea products. This, as well as an intuitive grasp of the functionality of mechanical systems (through drawings and schematics) has proved helpful when coaching inexperienced designers.
Leisure and interests
Travel and experiencing new cultures is something I enjoy a lot, in fact the opportunity for working in different parts of the world was part of the reason I chose engineering as a career. During the last year I have travelled to Africa (Ethiopia) and the Middle East (Dubai and Oman) and I value these experiences greatly.
I enjoy motorsports, in particular motorbike riding and love the physical and mental challenge of riding on track. Physical fitness is an important part of my life; I work out regularly, and find this to be an excellent way to relax.