We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Matt Howard to the inGauge Energy team in our Adelaide office. With years of hands-on experience in completions, drilling, and decommissioning, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge, a can-do attitude, and a passion for problem-solving. We sat down with him to learn more about his journey, lessons learned, and what he’s most looking forward to at inGauge.
From fracking to completions
Matt’s career kicked off with a Chemical Engineering degree from Adelaide University, leading him straight into the field with Halliburton. There, he worked in fracking and coil tubing, gaining firsthand experience in Australia’s Cooper Basin, New Zealand, PNG, and completing training and fieldwork in Oklahoma, Texas and Calgary.
Matt moved to Santos, where he spent 17 years in a variety of technical and leadership roles. His experience spanned petroleum engineering, completions, workovers, and drilling across major Australian energy regions. From supervising offshore ESP recompletions in Western Australia to leading drilling and completions projects in the Cooper Basin and the Northern Territory, Matt gained deep insights into well integrity, intervention strategies, and field operations.
Matt pivoted into a lead completions role, ensuring the efficient operation of wells across the Cooper Basin and later transitioned into decommissioning, overseeing the planning of end-of-life well management. This role sharpened his expertise in asset retirement obligations, risk management, and long-term well integrity—skills that are increasingly critical in today’s energy sector.
Experience in lifecycle project delivery
Matt’s experience spans the entire well lifecycle—from well engineering, drilling, and completions through to integrity management and decommissioning. He thrives in complex, high-pressure environments and is known for his calm approach to problem-solving, bringing together different perspectives to find the best solution. His skills will see his involvement in:
Well integrity – Ongoing monitoring and risk assessment for aging wells.
Completions and drilling support – Helping clients navigate technical challenges in well design and execution.
Decommissioning expertise – Supporting clients with compliance, cost-efficient strategies, and regulatory approvals.
Mentorship and leadership – Drawing on years of experience to support the next generation of engineers.
A safety-first mindset
For Matt, safety is non-negotiable. “The oil and gas industry leads the way in safety, and it’s something I take seriously,” he says. “At the end of the day, it’s all about making sure everyone gets home safe. There’s always a way to do something right—cutting corners isn’t worth it.”
Why inGauge?
Matt is excited about our commitment to delivering full project solutions, prioritising ownership, accountability, and innovation.
“I’ve always admired the work they do and have known the leadership team for years. Add to that the variety of projects and the chance to be part of something dynamic, I’m excited to have the opportunity to tackle unconventional issues hands-on,” said Matt
Home and family
While Matt has built an impressive career, his top priority is always family. Living in the Adelaide Hills with his wife and two daughters, he values the balance between work and home life. “At the end of the day, my family keeps me grounded. No matter what happens at work, when I walk through the door, it’s all about what my kids did at school and what’s next on the list of activities.” This perspective keeps Matt focused on what truly matters—getting the job done safely and making it home to his loved ones.
Top 3 lessons from the field
1 – Give things a go – “You never know what you’re capable of until you try. Sometimes you’re thrown in the deep end, and that’s where the best learning happens.”
- Ask questions – “People might be busy, but asking the right questions can spark great conversations and learning opportunities. I’ve had great mentors over the years who took the time to share their knowledge.”
- Find balance – “There’s a time to work hard but switching off and enjoying life is just as important. I try not to be someone who stresses—at the end of the day, work should support life, not the other way around.”
The future
Matt sees environmental approvals as a growing area of importance. “What inGauge is doing in this space is fantastic. By getting approvals right from the start, we can prevent issues down the track and ensure projects meet strict environmental and regulatory standards.”
Welcome to the family, Matt! We’re so glad to have you on board.
#TeaminGauge #EnergyIndustry #WellIntegrity #Completions #Drilling #Decommissioning #Leadership #Mentorship
