Podcast Link : Data Engineer Podcast

Data Science is disrupting every industry through innovative solutions whether it is in adhering to quality standards, reducing costs, promoting sustainability or enhancing production processes.

Avinash Singh, our next pathbreaker, R&D Engineer at Mercedes Benz, works on improving manufacturing efficiency and quality through Data Science and Data Engineering.

Avinash talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his final year MTech project where he worked on developing AI models which are especially helpful for patients in managing multiple medications.

For students, do what you love and love what you do! Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. It’s your life—make it large!

Avinash, can you share your background with our young readers?

I come from Siliguri, a small town in West Bengal. My mother is a homemaker, and my father runs a small shop. We also have cattle, and selling milk helped finance my education. When I was around two and a half, I would secretly watch my elder brother’s tuition classes, eager to learn. Soon after, I was enrolled in school and started attending with him.

Throughout my studies, I consistently ranked in the top 3 in primary school and the top 10 in middle school. I scored 88% in both my tenth(CISCE) and twelth(AISSCE) board exams. My love for Physics and Mathematics in eleventh grade led me to prepare for the JEE. Though I wanted proper coaching for JEE, financial constraints pushed me towards self-study. Eventually, I enrolled in BTech in Computer Science at Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology in Kolkata.

What did you do for Graduation and Post-Graduation?

I did my BTech in Computer Science from Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology in Kolkata and MTech in Mathematics and Computing from IIT Patna.

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional and rare career in Applied Mathematics?

Coming from a humble background, I’ve witnessed my parents’ relentless efforts to provide me with a better education. Their struggles ignited my motivation to strive for excellence and achieve my goals.

Determined to study at a top institute, I shifted my focus to GATE and started preparing in my second year. Cracking GATE became my sole priority, and I followed a disciplined plan. I joined a coaching institute in Kolkata and traveled long hours on weekends. The preparation was enjoyable, I created a whatsapp group and connected with over 200 serious aspirants across India and used to solve problems and help each other. In 2020, I successfully cracked GATE and secured admission in the Mathematics and Computing program at IIT Patna, fulfilling my dream. Many from my group also achieved admission to prestigious institutes like IITs/NITs/IIITs/BITs. 

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam has always been my role model. His life exemplifies what can be accomplished through dedication, hard work, and simplicity. His book, Wings of Fire, has been a constant source of inspiration during my challenging times.

Tell us about your career path.

In my final year, I secured an internship at Novartis in Hyderabad, working with their Global Drug Development Innovation and Strategy team on computer vision challenges. During my work on the IRIS project, I focused on developing AI models for pill feature extraction. This technology allows apps to identify pills by analyzing their shape, color, and size, which is especially helpful for patients in managing multiple medications. For instance, an elderly person can take a photo of a pill, and the app will ensure they take the correct one, reducing the risk of mix-ups. Additionally, this process aids manufacturers in maintaining quality control during production by verifying each pill’s features.

This experience was incredibly enriching and marked my first foray into the industry.

How did you get your first break?

While I received a pre-placement offer from Novartis, I also successfully interviewed for a position at Mercedes Benz R&D in Bangalore. Ultimately, I chose to join Mercedes Benz, starting my career there on August 9, 2022.

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

I often found myself among the students waiting in line for clearance to take exams due to outstanding fees, which would delay our start. In eleventh grade, I was asked to leave a Physics class for not clearing my coaching fees. These experiences deeply impacted me, serving as a powerful motivator. I reflect on those moments with gratitude, as they strengthened my resolve and work ethic.

Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?

I am currently an R&D Engineer at Mercedes Benz Research and Development India, where I work on improving manufacturing efficiency and quality through Data Science and Data Engineering. With a background in Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence, I am passionate about applying AI in the automotive sector. My role involves optimizing processes, enhancing product development, and implementing innovative solutions. While I appreciate your interest in our projects, I must adhere to data compliance and integrity guidelines, which prevent me from sharing specific details. Maintaining confidentiality and security is our top priority.

What is a typical day like?

Every day at Mercedes Benz is filled with excitement for me. I enjoy tackling problems that significantly impact the business. The work environment is fun and engaging. My day typically begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 6:00 PM, with flexible hours. At Mercedes, we prioritize quality over quantity in our work. I often have my meals—breakfast, lunch, snacks, and sometimes dinner—at the office, and we’re treated to free, delicious meals!

How does your work benefit society?

By optimizing production efficiency and quality, we help reduce costs, which can lead to more affordable vehicles. Implementing innovative solutions can also improve vehicle safety and reliability, ultimately benefiting consumers. Additionally, our focus on data-driven decision-making promotes sustainability by minimizing waste and resource consumption, aligning with broader environmental goals. Overall, these advancements contribute to better products and a more sustainable future for the automotive industry.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

I strive to make every project memorable by giving my all. The dedication and challenges I face in my work are what truly make it stand out.

One moment which is very close to me is my first day in IIT Patna !

Your advice to students?

Here are five principles I’ve always lived by:

Stay humble and grateful.

Never stop learning.

Do what you love and love what you do!

Expect the best, but prepare for the worst.

It’s your life—make it large!

Future Plans? 

Keep hustling !