Podcast Link : Aerospace Engineer Podcast

A career in Aerospace is a rarity in India because of the sheer complexity and scale that this industry demands !

Shawlini G, our next pathbreaker, works as Engineering Manager at Tata Advanced Systems Ltd., the strategic Aerospace and Defence arm of the TATA Group, and one of the largest private aerospace manufacturers in India with Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in Assembly, Composites, Metallics & Aero-Engines.

Shawlini talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about joining Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) in the Tools Engineering department, and making the move to Production as she was interested in building aircrafts hands-on.

For students, never shy away from pursuing your key desires. It’s crucial to push through and stay committed to your aspirations.

Shawlini, can you explain your background to our young readers? 

Born and raised in Hyderabad, I’m the only child to my loving parents. My dad worked for the Indian Railways while my mom was a homemaker and my bestie. My dad always gave me the freedom to make my own choices and pursue my passions. His trust in me, made me give my best always. While my mom disciplined me with a meticulously crafted schedule. She enrolled me to learn Carnatic classical vocal at the age of 4. She encouraged me to look for the stars (Quite literally, as she was passionate about aerospace) and I grew up looking at her collections (Newspaper cuttings of NASA, ISRO and so on). Growing up under their guidance, I learned to strike a balance between academics and extracurricular activities, shaping me into the individual I am today.

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

With my love for math and a dream to touch the skies, I embarked on a journey to pursue Aeronautical Engineering, from IARE (Institute of Aeronautical Engineering) Hyderabad and I’ve done my BTech internship from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore (Maintenance & Overhaul Division). I also had the privilege of serving at the National Cadet Corps in Air Squadron, Secunderabad. That taught me the value of discipline, leadership and courage, which propelled me to soar higher.

I later completed my masters in Business Management from XLRI, Jamshedpur sponsored by TATA Advanced Systems Limited, as part of their fast track programme called ASPIRE.

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and uncommon career in Aircraft Manufacturing?

With unwavering determination, I pursued a career in Aerospace, driven by a passion that was ignited by my mother’s inspiration. Despite being offered multiple seats in Computer Science and IT, I relinquished them all to follow my heart and enroll in Aeronautical Engineering. At a time when women in manufacturing were a rarity in India, with a staggering ratio of 1:8, my mom was reluctant to let me join Aeronautical Engineering. I had to persuade her to support my aspirations.

I was recruited by TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) through campus placements, and again, I chose to decline offers from other IT giants to embrace my true calling. This deliberate choice proved to be the turning point in my career, as TASL nurtured me from a shy and naive individual into a confident and bold leader.

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path

I always had a clear end goal in my mind, believing in making it a reality. Visualizing myself reaching it, made me take the right steps. However, I didn’t have a stringent plan, as such.

I knew Maths and Physics would get me there, and I used to spend countless hours in the library delving into advanced mathematics, fueled by my deep seated love for the subject.

My desire for adventure led me to join NCC, where I cherished moments like marching, sweating, and stargazing on the airstrips in the Vayusainik Camp. These experiences not only built my resilience but also deepened my connection with the aerospace world.

I knew fun was on the shop floor at TASL building airplanes and I volunteered to get my hands dirty and didn’t shy away from the not so women friendly environment.

How did you get your first break?

I joined TATA Lockheed Martin as a Graduate Engineer Trainee in the Tools Engineering department handling Tooling Configuration. Within months, I volunteered to move to Production as I was interested in building aircrafts hands on. My decision was well supported by TLMAL making me the first female shop supervisor. Since then, there was no looking back.

Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), is a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Lockheed Martin to produce the Empennage of Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules. The empennage is the tail of the airplane and consists of a horizontal stabilizer, a vertical stabilizer, elevators and rudders.

TLMAL currently produces 24 C-130 empennages annually. TLMAL-built empennages have been installed on C-130Js delivered by Lockheed Martin to its global customers, including the Indian Air Force. More than 400 C-130Js have been delivered to operators in 18 nations around the world. TLMAL also has a metal-to-metal bonding facility, a new cutting-edge capability which can be used across TASL’s manufacturing programs for complex aero-structures manufacturing and increased indigenization, which directly supports the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

I did get opportunities to work with terrific men who taught me a lot. I admired them for what they did and how they did it. Mentors whom I could turn to when I ran into any problem, who taught me how to think and gave me perspectives & insights that I wouldn’t have thought of.

I was lucky to work with sponsors who actively thought about my career and growth plan, who recognized my strengths and weaknesses, pushed me to do my best, challenged me constantly, supported me always and believed in my capabilities.

There were countless allies who supported me every step of the way. When you have that kind of support base, it gives you confidence to keep going and to keep aspiring.

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

At the age of 22, when I volunteered to move to shop, breaking into a male-dominated domain, I initially faced acceptance challenges as the technicians were experienced and have never worked with a female lead. Well not just the shop, I was the only woman in all meetings and at all official parties. It wasn’t easy. However, I persevered, focusing on delivering value and earning respect. Through determination and hard work, I navigated the obstacles and won over my colleagues, paving the way for a successful and fulfilling career. My journey kicked off with a team of 16 technicians reaching more than 150, handling an entire bay.

As a female employee, I faced a significant obstacle when factory rules prohibited me from staying in the office beyond 7:30 pm, hindering my ability to address non-conformances during night shifts. Despite my repeated requests, management prioritized safety and refused to budge. Undeterred, I redirected my focus towards process improvements, implementing clear instructions, skill-based task assignments, and eliminating my dependency in the night shifts. Our product became the first to attain zero defects, boasting the best takt time across the production line.

Takt time is the maximum time allowed to produce a unit to meet customer demand. It’s calculated by dividing the available production time by the number of units required.

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

I feel privileged to have joined TASL when it was still in its early stages, and to have been a part of its journey as it grew into India’s largest private aerospace manufacturer.

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is the strategic Aerospace and Defence arm of the TATA Group. Tata A&D offers a full range of integrated solutions across Aerostructures & Aero-Engines, Airborne Platforms & Systems, Defence & Security and Land Mobility. Aerostructures & Aero-Engines has Centres of Excellence (CoEs) – Assembly, Composites, Metallics & Aero-Engines spanned across Hyderabad, Bangalore and Nagpur.

I’ve enjoyed working at TASL’s Assembly CoE for 13 years and 4 months with OEMs such as Lockheed Martin, Pilatus, Rolls Royce, Boeing and Airbus. I’ve maneuvered through various functions in both technical and managerial roles. In my latest role, I am heading the Fuselage team in Manufacturing Engineering for Airbus C295 program in the industrialization phase.

In aerospace, when a new program kicks off, it’s the rubber-hits-the-road moment, where all legacy challenges surface. My typical day consists of handling customers, driving the team, handling inter departmental conflicts, and resolving technical challenges. It requires core technical skills, hands-on shop experience and leadership skills such as building trust, building teams, negotiation, adaptability, quick decision making and so on.

I am incentivized by new challenges, thrilled to resolve bottlenecks, enjoy the fast paced industrialization phase and love proving first articles.

A First Article Inspection (FAI) is a production validation process for verifying that a new or modified production process produces conforming parts that meet the manufacturing specification detailed in technical or engineering drawings.

How does your work benefit society?

The TATA Group has made, and continues to make, a remarkable contribution to Indian history. We are all aware of TASL’s efforts under the “Make in India” initiative. It fills me with immense pride to be part of that journey and to be part of Indian history.

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

Early in my career, I realized people are the most important assets in any company. As a people person, I’ve always been passionate about unlocking the full potential of those around me. Under the guidance of my mentor (my boss at the time), I learned the art of identifying and cultivating the strengths of each individual, helping them reach new heights. The joy I derive from coaching and witnessing others achieve success is immense. Seeing someone I’ve mentored flourish and excel in their role is a truly rewarding experience that never gets old.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

To students, I say:

1. Set a clear end goal. You may not know the exact route now, but a clear destination will direct your steps. Without it, others may steer you off course. It’s perfectly fine to adjust your path and set new goals, but remember to keep the reins in your own hands. Take ownership of your life.

2. Never give up. Stay curious and stay stubborn to achieve what you want. Persistence is key to overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals. When faced with challenges, it’s easy to feel discouraged, but it’s crucial to push through and stay committed to your aspirations. Remember, every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back – keep moving forward, and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

3. Do not compare yourself with others. Focus on your own journey and progress, rather than measuring yourself against someone else’s standards. Success is not a contest, but a personal triumph.

Future Plans?

Looking ahead, I plan to ignite the potential in others as a coach, mentor, and a thought leader. I aspire to create a lasting impact, where my stories and experiences inspire a ripple effect of positive change.