W. Austin Fleak

Experience

• 

  BP

  May 2007 - Aug 2007

  Engineering Intern

  Worked as a facilities engineering intern in the Wamsutter Business Unit (Greater Green River Basin, WY) on the Base Engineering Team to improve the surface facilities cold weather protection.

• 

  University of Wyoming

  Jan 2008 - May 2008

  Research Assistant

  Construct a matched index of refraction tank to obtain Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) data for a flow field in a sodium iodide salt solution. Run synthetic jet test case and obtain PIV data for near-field of jet flow.

• 

  BP

  Jun 2008 - Aug 2018

  Led a team of Operations field staff focused on optimizing production and automating daily prioritization of work for ~1,000 unconventional wells in the Wamsutter, WY field. Developed several data analytics tools in PowerBI for field Operations and engineering staff. Implemented algorithm to prioritize down wells off well level cash flow that was quickly incorporated into the company wide prioritization tool. Bridged several data sources into a PowerBI engineering report that resulted in engineers quickly identifying unrealized uplift opportunities and restoring over 5 mmcfd. Show less Led a multidisciplinary team consisting of production engineers, facilities engineers, and well site leaders to optimize ~1,000 unconventional wells in Wyoming with $8 million invested delivering $11.3 million NPV, 66% IRR, and reducing annual base decline to 5%. Accountable for safely optimizing base production by implementing compression, artificial lift (rod pump and gas lift), and well work overs including recompletions. Aggressively rebid rig services resulting in $1.8 million savings for the business; enabling 19% more jobs for 12% less spend YoY. Leveraged data analytics to identify defects in the company’s production deferment system resulting in 6 mmcfd of production restored. Show less Engineer supporting the Rockies region (over 5,000 unconventional wells) to track deferred production and implement 5 Whys RCFA methodology to identify and eliminate defects. Led dozens of RCFA investigations on failures ranging from compressors to artificial lift systems to gathering pipelines to downhole wellbore issues. RCFA on production liners packed off with coal fines in San Juan resulted in successfully restoring 3 mmcfd gross production from 8 wells where previous attempts had failed. Developed and led training session for BP Lower48 Leaders on 5 Whys Incident Investigations. Led a program with 35 individuals from all Lower 48 businesses to overhaul the company engineering standards to be in-line with industry standards and fit for an onshore oil & gas company. Show less Operations engineer responsible for 263 unconventional wells and 110 mmcfd of production in the Jonah field. Accelerated the use of micro-turbine technology for remote power from a three site pilot to full operation of 13 turbines in 19 months resulting in 40% less emissions and $1 million increase in annual revenue. Saved $0.5 million on project cost by optimizing kit design and installation through a turnkey skid mount design. Other projects included well site facility debottlenecking, ASME Section VIII Div 1 code vessel replacement, RCFAs on rotating equipment failures, and implementing an engine oil sampling program to increase generator reliability and reduced maintenance costs at produced water disposal wells. Show less

  • Production Operations Team Lead

    Dec 2017 - Aug 2018

  • Production Engineering Team Lead

    Mar 2015 - Dec 2017

  • Reliability Engineer

    Jul 2012 - Mar 2015

  • Operations Engineer

    Sept 2009 - Jun 2012

  • Facilities Engineer

    Jun 2008 - Sept 2009
• 

  Silverbrook Energy LLC

  Sept 2018 - Sept 2019

  Managing Partner

  Founding partner of Houston based oil & gas E&P focused on value growth in proven Texas basins.

• 

  Shell

  Sept 2019 - now

  I currently manage a funnel of emerging digital & CCUS technologies that enable our customers to maximize performance of Shell Technology through the energy transition. This includes project management for a multiyear, multimillion dollar third-party technology collaboration to deliver the technical and commercial objectives for a novel wireless sensor technology program. Additionally, I manage business opportunities in CCUS and deliver technology licensing deals as an accredited Dealmaker. Responsible for identifying and leading the development and commercialization of new, innovative digital technologies for Shell Catalysts & Technologies (SC&T) global business and leading a team to develop and recommend the SC&T Digitalization Strategy to the leadership team. Delivered CatCheck Connect, a B2B digital application connecting third-party catalyst customers through real-time data, innovative machine learning algorithms, and an intuitive dashboard.

  • Senior Business Development Manager

    Nov 2024 - now

  • Business Development Manager

    Aug 2021 - Nov 2024

  • Digital Strategy Manager, New Business Development

    Sept 2019 - Jul 2021