Callum Owen

Callum Owen

Creative Technologist · MSc Human-Computer Interaction

A versatile, collaborative, creative technologist with six years rapidly designing, prototyping, and building full-stack web applications in multidisciplinary teams across world-class media organisations and research labs. Experienced taking ambiguous briefs from idea to functional system promptly, conducting user testing and co-design workshops, and iterating software solutions. Adept at commissioning, supporting, and evaluating systems with stakeholders; combining specialism in Human-Computer Interaction with engineering pragmatism to inform architecture decisions within context, emphasising a product mindset and social impact purpose.

London, UK

callumowen@outlook.comLinkedInPortfolio

Competencies and Skills

Fullstack Web Development · Rapid Prototyping Methods · Multidisciplinary Systems Thinking · User Research, Testing, and Iteration · Interaction and UX Design · Agile, Cross-Functional Collaboration · Cloud Architecture Solutions Engineering · Technical Leadership and Initiative · Secure Software Service Integration

Technologies and Tools

JavaScript (React, Next.js, Node.js) · TypeScript, Python (Django), Java · HTML, CSS, Tailwind, shadcn, Chakra · AWS, Google Cloud, Azure · PostgreSQL, Firebase, MongoDB · Vercel, Netlify · Git/GitHub, CI/CD, Docker, Terraform · Linux, Bash · Cursor, v0, Claude, Llama

Professional and Academic Experience

  • Newcastle University

    September 2025 – August 2026

    MSc Human-Computer Interaction (Projected: Distinction)

    • Led technical development of AI product applications built using React, Node.js, and local LLMs integrated on Linux hardware; designed bespoke, high-fidelity 3D-printed enclosure; conducted co-design, user testing, and iterative design within a multidisciplinary team; individually conducted full-stack software development accelerated by Cursor AI coding tools
    • Designed and facilitated workshops and co-design sessions on Personal Data Stores and Open Data for community engagement applications; analysed and synthesised qualitative data into UX design implications for data stewardship; rapidly developed semi-functional prototypes with Next.js to test service concepts, presented poster at Solid Symposium 2026
    • Led prototype design addressing algorithmic transparency, explainability, and control as part of co-authored paper: “From Opaque Algorithms to User Control”; designed and led focus groups; rapidly implemented improvements for iterative design
    • Applied Responsible Research and Innovation framework and systems thinking within user-centred design processes; utilised UX and Interaction Design techniques including persona and scenario building, storyboarding, and user journey mapping
    • Developed advanced skills in Object-Oriented Programming with Java; implemented unit tests; produced clear documentation

  • Warner Bros. Discovery, London

    September 2022 – June 2025

    Contribution Engineer

    • Led proof-of-concept prototyping and engineering builds for the Paris 2024 Olympics, UEFA Champions League, and Premier League; architected, integrated, and delivered digital production systems for TNT Sports and Eurosport across EMEA
    • Developed full-stack automation tooling with Next.js, Python, and PostgreSQL to streamline mass-configuration of software compression systems across distributed data centres, significantly reduced operational load and accelerated integration sign-off
    • Designed and managed full-stack production-critical software; led engineering lifecycle collaborating within agile, hybrid, global teams through requirements, stakeholder management, solution justification; produced design systems, documentation, training material and internal presentations
    • Conducted data-driven testing of AWS cloud architecture latency and uptime testing, produced Terraform scripts to automate cloud encoder configuration, Linux/Windows Virtual Machine systems administration and collaborative troubleshooting
    • Provided friendly, expert consulting regarding SRT and SMPTE 2110/NMOS software-defined network and cloud infrastructure

  • British Broadcasting Corporation, London

    September 2019 – August 2022

    Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

    • Research Engineer, BBC R&D

      January 2022 – August 2022

      Conducted design-led exploration sponsored by BBC R&D’s Public Service Internet project; rapidly developed full-stack progressive web applications built on interoperable data layer to facilitate user testing and expert interviews to inform iteration; conducted research, identified appropriate software tooling, and produced functional systems within tight timeframes; produced live demonstrations and internal training; rapidly implemented experimental data interactions within established frameworks

    • Software Engineer, Broadcast Systems Development

      June 2021 – September 2021

      Designed and developed full-stack web applications to streamline graphics database management; implemented Node.js API to mediate requests between React frontend and MongoDB storage; integrated BBC Login endpoints; automated CI/CD deployment pipeline to enterprise network via GitHub, Docker, AWS, and Jenkins

    • Systems Engineer, Operations Engineering

      December 2020 – March 2021

      Managed project lifecycle for delivery and installation of IP-based studio infrastructure in New Broadcasting House

    • Systems Engineer, CNN

      January 2020 – August 2020

      Installed, configured, and tested critical network infrastructure across data centres, collaborating with international engineers; provided technical support and troubleshooting throughout integration and launch of CNN’s new SMPTE 2110-based European headquarters; developed rapid prototypes and proof-of-concepts with React, Node.js, Firebase underpinning cloud-based broadcast in response to Covid-19 pandemic; configured Linux hardware to automate graphics engine deployment

  • Birmingham City University

    September 2019 – August 2022

    BEng (Hons) Broadcast and Telecommunications Engineering First Class

    Integrated into BBC Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. Notable modules: Engineering Mathematics (99), Computer Programming for Engineers (86), Computer Systems (85), Database Technology (85), Broadcast Communications (84), Individual Project (81)

    • Cisco-certified CCNA syllabus: Computer Networks and IP Distribution 1 & 2, Quality of Service (75)

  • Skills England (formerly Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education)

    Issued July 2022

    Level 6 Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer Degree Apprenticeship

  • Shrewsbury Colleges Group

    September 2017 – August 2019

    A-Levels

    Mathematics (A*), Further Mathematics (A*), Physics (A*), Computer Science (A)

Additional Experience

  • Freelance, Remote

    September 2020 – Present

    Fullstack Developer

    • Designing and developing professional web applications for clients across graphic design and financial sectors; selecting appropriate technologies for frontend (React, Next.js, Vite) and fullstack (Node.js, Django, Python), including no- and low-code tools (WebFlow, WordPress, ReadyMag) and managing hosting platforms (Vercel, Netlify, GitHub)
    • Developing social impact proof-of-concepts, including a universal, interoperable streaming service search engine and an apprenticeship recruitment and discovery platform prototype presented to BBC directors and the Department for Education
    • Building creative proof-of-concepts using three.js and 3D rendering; JavaScript- and CSS-based animation (GSAP)

  • British Broadcasting Corporation, London

    September 2021 – August 2022

    Young Talent Network, Steering Group Member

    • Contributed to decision-making processes within one of the BBC’s staff networks championing diversity and inclusion, emphasising topics such as career development, networking, wellbeing and representation of under 35s to senior leaders

  • Microsoft

    Issued April 2021

    Azure AI Fundamentals Certification

  • Cisco

    Issued June 2021

    CCNA: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation

  • Lakelands Academy

    September 2015 – June 2016

    Head Boy