The biggest challenge of any deep tech based innovation is to ensure that even complex scientific aspects are presented in a way that’s clear and accessible to non-technical audiences.
Vedha Harinath, our next pathbreaker, is Technical Sales and Marketing Manager at NXT GmbH (Germany), a firm that develops and manufactures spectrometric measurement systems for industrial and laboratory applications.
Vedha talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about always being drawn towards the creative side of technology which led her to a career in technical marketing and sales.
For students, when you identify your natural skills and interests, it is much easier to connect the dots of where you want to be !
Vedha, can you share your background with our young readers?
I grew up in Germany and later moved to Bangalore with my family during high school, where I also completed my bachelor’s degree. For my master’s studies, I returned to Germany—something I had always dreamed of, having been deeply inspired by German technology from a young age.
My father, an engineer himself, played a big role in shaping my interests. Every summer, we would build small engineering projects together, which fueled my passion for the field. On the other hand, my parents’ outgoing and social nature helped me develop strong interpersonal skills. Today, this combination of technical foundation and social skills serves me well in my role in technical sales.
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?
I did my BTech in Mechanical Engineering and Masters from FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences in Mechatronics Engineering
What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and unique career in Technical Sales?
My father was my key influencer and so were my professors at university.
I attended events at Goethe Institute science fairs & conferences which had a tremendous impact on my career.
During my bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, I became increasingly involved in robotics projects, which inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in mechatronics engineering.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Tell us about your career path
I knew I had to get practical experience to develop my career in core engineering
During my BTech, I worked as a Research Intern. I researched and implemented algorithms for the Parrot A.R Drone for Vision-based Autonomous Navigation, Object Tracking and Path Planning using OpenCv libraries and ROS.
I also interned at Bosch Rexroth (India) where I conducted experiments on real-time PLC-controlled Pneumatics and Hydraulics systems, such as PLC-controlled pneumatic conveyor systems for material handling applications in an industrial setting through ladder logic.
Getting into masters programs at German universities requires a strong resume with relevant projects, internships, or work experience. Since I began my master’s right after completing my bachelor’s, I didn’t have formal work experience—but I had worked on several technical projects with my father and completed multiple internships as I have mentioned above.
I did my masters in Mechatronics at FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences. To improve my chances of landing a job after graduation, I pursued a six-month internship at Bosch in Germany.
Here, I was involved in the Data Analysis and Visualisation of the subsea actuator.
● Conducted pump tests, temperature tests, fail-safe tests, dynamic simulations, and data analysis for the Subsea Actuator System; utilized MATLAB to develop diagnostic codes for interpreting results and visualization.
● Successfully advocated for a change in the type of oil used in actuators based on test analysis, resulting in a 20% improvement in system efficiency.
These actuators are crucial for various applications like oil and gas exploration and marine research, providing precise control for underwater machinery. They are designed for reliability and durability in deep-sea conditions, often utilizing robust materials and features
I also completed my master’s thesis at the Fraunhofer Institute. Both are well-recognized organizations, and that experience significantly boosted my job prospects.
How did you get your first break?
I was always drawn to creative technology. While I enjoyed working in the lab on R&D projects in my internships and master thesis, I realized it wasn’t quite my calling. With a strong creative side and a natural flair for communication, I began exploring roles in technical marketing and sales. I was surprised to find a strong demand—most marketing and sales teams lacked technical expertise, while R&D teams lacked outreach skills. I saw an opportunity to bridge that gap. It turned out to be the perfect fit, and I was proud to be promoted to a managerial role in my 20s.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
Challenge 1: Convincing my parents to take up mechanical rather than CS, I had to communicate to them that this was my interest and proved it to them thereafter with my grades and projects.
Challenge 2: During interviews, sometimes it was hard to remember what I studied in the first few semesters. I constantly revised the basics and the important points of subjects that were relevant to my interview/ resume.
Challenge 3: Living abroad and studying far from your parents is a challenge in itself. Along with academic pressure, I had to manage everything on my own—cooking, cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping. Over time, I found my rhythm by creating a routine that worked for me. I also sought help when needed: I asked my mom for tips to manage household tasks more efficiently and reached out to my dad—or you could even ask a professor or tutor in India—for academic support. Don’t hesitate to form study groups with classmates or email your professors, even with what may seem like “silly” questions. It’s all part of the learning process.
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
I work at NXT GmbH, where I serve as a bridge between the marketing/sales and technical teams.
NXT GmbH develops and manufactures spectrometric measurement systems for industrial and laboratory applications, which supports leading developers and manufacturers in industries ranging from production of flat-panel displays, solar wafers, precision glass, semiconductors and lithium batteries to packaging and coating for consumer products.
My role involves translating complex technical details into clear, engaging content for brochures, social media, and our website—including both written content and visual assets like product renders.
I also conduct market analysis, identify potential leads, and represent our company at conferences and exhibitions to expand our network and reach new customers. I regularly give presentations to clients and at industry events, and since I joined, we’ve seen a steady increase in sales.
What skills are needed for your role? How did you acquire the skills?
This role demands a strong technical foundation combined with excellent communication skills—both written and verbal. It’s important to clearly explain technical concepts, build strong customer relationships, create impactful presentations, and speak with confidence. Experience with optics, AutoCAD Inventor, Blender, and sensor programming has also been essential.
A typical day starts with replying to emails, planning the tasks for the day, attending customer/internal meetings and working on my tasks in the afternoon.
What I enjoy most is the chance to explore multiple industries, contribute meaningfully, and work flexibly across departments and projects.
How does your work benefit society?
The main field of my work is in renewable energy – Solar. So I am happy to contribute to the sustainable energy in the society.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
I helped transform the company’s visual identity, ensuring that even complex technical aspects are presented in a way that’s clear and accessible to non-technical audiences. At exhibitions, people often remember our conversations with me, which leaves a lasting impression and, as a result, boosts recognition and visibility for the company.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
Find your passion and the interest to delve further into it comes naturally.
Future Plans?
I’m continuously exploring new software tools and staying updated by reading technical papers. My goal is to keep expanding my skill set and progressing steadily in my career through ongoing growth and advancement.