Milan Repac, Lead Engineer for Oil and Gas Production Technology

Hi Milan, tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Milan Repac and I’m a petroleum engineering graduate with a master’s degree in oil and gas engineering. I have more than nine years of experience in analyzing, optimizing and managing production processes in oil and gas. At NIS I’ve had the opportunity to work on challenging projects — from production optimization to developing algorithms for solving well-related problems. What drives me is the combination of technical precision and creative thinking.

What does your job currently involve?

After moving into the role of Lead Engineer for Oil and Gas Production Technology at the beginning of 2025, my focus shifted toward improving measurement systems in production — especially digitalizing processes, improving data accuracy and developing solutions that enable more reliable monitoring of well performance. My work is based on solving technical challenges, precision, systematic thinking and continuous learning, as well as applying everything I’ve learned so far in analytics, mechanical lifting methods, and modeling of fluids, wells and production systems.

Where did you study, and did your studies prepare you for what you do now?

I graduated from the Faculty of Mining and Geology, University of Belgrade, majoring in Petroleum Engineering. After a longer break focused on work and professional development, I completed my master’s degree in oil and gas engineering in 2025 at the University of Tuzla, Faculty of Mining, Geology, and Civil Engineering.

As part of my bachelor’s I learned the fundamentals of geology and rock formation, oil and gas production, mechanical lifting methods, well performance analysis, and the basics of well and reservoir modeling. Later, through my master’s studies, I deepened that knowledge, focusing on modern technologies and digitalization of processes.

Although I developed most of my practical skills through hands-on experience in the industry, my education gave me a solid foundation for understanding the systems and problems I deal with today.

What made you apply to NIS?

NIS is the first and only company I’ve worked for. Even when choosing my major and enrolling in university, my goal was to work here one day after graduation. The field I studied doesn’t leave many options if you want to stay and work in Serbia, so NIS was the logical choice – one of the most promising and stable employers for petroleum engineers.

What would you say to someone in your field who is unsure about applying?

Not to be unsure and to apply. To do the interview, understand the company’s operations and the area they’re applying for, prepare for the technical questions relevant to their experience, but also relax and be themselves. And if they get the job, they’ll have the chance to work in a great team and plenty of room to grow professionally.

How did your career progress at NIS?

I joined NIS in 2017 through the youth program, which allowed me to gain my first professional experience in the field. I had the opportunity to work with experienced colleagues, learn about real production processes and gradually take on responsibilities. That was an important step — not only as an entry into the industry but also as a chance to connect theoretical knowledge with practice and to grow in an environment that encourages learning and teamwork.

Through the program I started as a junior engineer, and after completing the trainee period i moved into the role of specialist for oil and gas production in 2019. My efforts were recognized by my manager, so between 2020 and 2021 i advanced first to senior specialist and then to team lead. This was followed by a company-wide reorganization in 2022, when i moved to the position of product manager. i remained in that position until early 2025, when i transferred to the role of lead engineer for oil and gas production technology – in search of a change in dynamics, environment and new professional challenges.

What do you like most about your job?

The freedom to express myself professionally and choose the type of work I do. I also enjoy the dynamic environment, which doesn’t allow me to get too comfortable – I constantly have to learn new skills and keep a high level of expertise, keeping up with the company’s fast-paced technological and digital development.

What from your career do you think is worth mentioning and might be interesting to someone considering applying to NIS?

You should always have your own opinion, but never in an arrogant way. Don’t let others shape you to fit their mold; instead, through continuous learning, make sure people accept you as you are. And draw confidence from your knowledge, because that is the only real security.