Introducing Stein Ivar Haukelid, our Technical Business Development Manager.

With a background in Petroleum Engineering and graduate of the University of Bergen, Stein Ivar now plays a vital role at HydraWell within tech development, sales, and operations.

We sat down with Stein Ivar to learn more about his inspiring career journey and discover more about how he spends his time outside of work.

How long have you been part of the HydraWell team?

Since 2012.

What’s your career background?

I completed my BSc Petroleum Engineering at the University of Bergen and was immediately offered a job in Peak Well Solutions (later Archer Oil Tools) in 2008. On my way home from a trip offshore I was contacted by the guys in HydraWell. I knew several of them from before as I had worked with them when I was a summer intern at Baker Oil Tools, fishing during my university years. Working for HydraWell sounded very interesting and exciting, so I joined the team shortly after I was offered the position. In 2016 I moved to Abu Dhabi where I was HydraWell's Operations Manager for the Middle East. After returning to Norway, I became Operations Manager for what we call 'Rest of the World' (all regions except UK and Norway). In January 2022 I transitioned to a more technical role as HydraWell's Technical Business Development Manager. 

What does a typical day look like for you?

My tasks can vary. I look at my role as a link between technology development, sales, and operations. A workday might therefore include work related to all the departments, whether that be writing technical documentation for tenders, working on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) projects for technology development, or ensuring that planned operations are designed within the technical boundaries required to secure a quality plug for our clients.

What do you most enjoy about the work you do?

Solving technical challenges has always been enjoyable to me. Every well and application is unique. Some applications are quite similar, but the huge variation of well designs we encounter around the world very often requires bespoke engineering and problem solving. I obviously enjoy working together with all my colleagues and the relaxed atmosphere and friendly banter we have in the workplace.

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

I think if I was going back to school, I would have chosen to study to become a dentist…or a to become watch maker, if I was brave enough.

Growing up, my dream was to become a fighter pilot, but a medical instance in my late teens put an end to those ambitions. Getting through the eye of that needle is tough though, so I wouldn’t necessarily have been a pilot today, but who knows.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

Skiing, golfing, ice hockey and most recently running. As a father of two young kids, time for sports and other time-consuming activities is scarce, hence why running has become a bigger part of my pastime. Travelling, spending time with family and friends, and semi-regular pub quizzes are also things I enjoy when not working.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?  

The ability to fly. As a former skydiver, I’ve experienced hints of what it must feel like.

What is your favourite life quote?  

There are so many great ones. I’m not sure if I can pick a favourite. A good one from one of my favourite scientists is: “An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field.” – Niels Bohr