How can we power the world in a way that is not only safe, smart, and sustainable but also meets the basic needs of remote communities.

Poonam Gosar, our next pathbreaker, works as Mechanical Development Engineer (Wisconsin, United States) at a company that designs and builds large stationary gas engines that power  factories, hospitals, or remote areas where electricity isn’t always easy to  get.

Poonam talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about her work on engines that can run on a variety of fuels, including natural gas, biogas, landfill gas, and other alternative fuels, which helps customers reduce emissions and, in many cases, utilise locally available or renewable energy sources.

For students, don’t be afraid to break barriers. You might feel like you don’t have it all figured out. But that doesn’t mean you don’t belong.

Poonam,  tell us what were your growing up years like?

Hi! I grew up in India in a small town, where life was simple and family  meant everything. My dad runs a small business and my mom is a  homemaker. From them, I learned two very important things: how to work  hard and how to stay grounded.

As a kid, I was always curious about how things worked. I’d often open up  toys or gadgets (sometimes breaking them in the process!) just to see  what was inside. I also really liked math and science, especially physics.  That curiosity pushed me toward studying Mechanical Engineering.

In school and college, I wasn’t just focused on studies. I loved organizing  events, working with others, and being part of teams. I used to help plan  college festivals and mentor junior students. Looking back, those activities  taught me how to lead, communicate, and solve problems-not just in  exams, but in real life.

When I started my career, I didn’t have it all figured out. I just followed what  interested me and made sure I gave my best to each opportunity. I started  in engineering roles where I got to work on real machines and systems.  Over time, I realized that I enjoyed connecting the dots between technical  ideas and big-picture goals-so I started taking on roles where I could lead  projects and work with teams across departments.

My approach has always been to stay curious, ask questions, and not be  afraid to try-even if I didn’t have all the answers. I think the most important  thing is not having a perfect plan, but being open to learning and growing.

So if you’re unsure about your future right now, that’s okay. Keep exploring,  notice what excites you, and be open to where that might take you. You  don’t have to know everything-you just have to be willing to learn.

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

For my graduation, I studied Mechanical Engineering, where I learned how  machines, engines, and different systems work. I was always curious about  how things move and how we can make them better, so this field felt like the perfect fit.

After that, I went on to do my Master’s in Mechanical Engineering as well.  During my MS, I got to dive even deeper working on advanced topics like energy systems, engine design, and new technologies. It also gave me the  chance to do research and work closely with experienced engineers and  professors.

These years taught me not just technical skills, but also how to think  creatively, manage my time, and work with people from all over the world.  Looking back, choosing to continue my studies helped me become more  confident and prepared for real-world challenges.

What drove you to choose such an offbeat, unconventional and cool career in Mechanical Engineering?

My biggest influencers were my parents. They came from technical  backgrounds just like me, so they always encouraged me to ask questions,  stay curious, and aim high. They made me believe that I could do anything  if I put my mind to it.

In college, I had an amazing professor who made engines sound like the  coolest thing in the world. The way he taught made me realize that  engineering isn’t just about theory-it’s about solving real problems and  making life better. That inspired me to dig deeper into mechanical  engineering.

One key event was during a project competition in college. We built a  prototype of a small energy system, and although it wasn’t perfect,  explaining it to judges and seeing them impressed gave me a huge  confidence boost. It made me think, “Hey, maybe I’m actually good at this.”

A major turning point was during my master’s degree. I got to work on a  real-world engineering problem involving fuel systems. That experience  showed me how exciting it is to work at the intersection of innovation,energy, and sustainability-and it pushed me toward the career I’m in  today.

In short, it wasn’t one big decision-it was a mix of people, moments, and  interests that all came together over time. The more I explored, the clearer  the path became.

Tell us about your career path

My approach was simple: keep learning, do my best in each role, and say  yes to new challenges. I didn’t always know where each step would lead,  but I trusted that building experience would help me figure it out.

While pursuing my BTech, I worked part-time at Victor Industries which is my family’s business, and my father runs it. The company manufactures zinc–carbon batteries for consumer and industrial applications. While the connection helped me join, my work was hands-on and focused on contributing to actual projects. I began with basic design documentation and later supported production planning, performed quality checks, and helped troubleshoot issues on the shop floor.

During my two-plus years there, I also worked on improving process efficiency and coordinating with suppliers for raw material procurement. Being involved in the business gave me early, practical exposure to manufacturing operations, quality control, and supply chain management, which proved very valuable in my later engineering roles.

After college, I started with an internship at Mahindra that gave me hands-on  experience working with real machines. It felt amazing to see classroom concepts come to life. It was a part-time role I took on during my studies. As a Design Intern at Mahindra, my primary focus was on identifying and resolving mechanical flaws in automotive components, particularly the differential. I researched and developed a strategic approach to address these flaws, applying nodal analysis tools within FEM and exploring concepts in fracture mechanics using ABAQUS.

I also customized the rectification method based on the material properties of the parts, ensuring effective and reliable solutions. Beyond the differential, I studied and analyzed defects in other critical systems such as the gearbox and steering system. This role gave me practical exposure to advanced simulation tools, problem-solving in real-world automotive design, and a deeper understanding of how engineering theory translates into functional product improvements.

I did not continue in a full-time role with Mahindra, as my focus at the time was completing my degree and exploring opportunities in manufacturing and product development.

Then, I worked as an engineer in India, where I got exposure to  manufacturing and design. But I wanted to deepen my knowledge, so I  decided to pursue my Master’s in Mechanical Engineering.

After my MS, I got a job working on fuel systems for large stationary gas engines – basically the kind of engines that power factories or generate electricity. I loved the mix of deep technical problem-solving and working  with cross-functional teams. Over time, I moved onto bigger projects, where I not only worked on the technology but also helped guide product  development and mentor junior engineers.

Each of my jobs has been built on the last-either by adding new technical skills or by helping  me become a better team player and leader.

My bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering were key.  They helped me understand complex systems and gave me credibility in  the field. I also kept learning on the job-asking questions, reading up on  new technologies, and learning from my teammates.

Contacts and mentors played a big role too. Some of the best advice I got was from people I worked with – professors, managers, and even senior engineers. They helped me see opportunities I might’ve missed and gave  me the confidence to go after them.

How did you get your first break?

My first break is actually a mix of hard work, planning, and a little bit of chaos!

I was doing my Master’s at MichiganTech, and we had a huge career fair on campus – around 400 companies had shown up. I knew I needed to stand out, so I made a crazy plan: I wanted to talk to at least 35 companies in 3 hours to maximize my chances of getting an interview.

But here’s the catch – there’s usually a 5 –15 minute wait just to speak to one recruiter! So, I treated it like a strategy game. I studied the fair layout, mapped out which booths I’d visit based on companies that matched my interests, and planned the most efficient walking path to hit as many as possible. I even practiced my elevator pitch so I wouldn’t waste time.

In the end, I talked to about 40 companies, got 3 interviews, and all 3 turned into internship offers!

After visiting the company and meeting the team, I chose to go with Continental as a Mechanical Development Intern. That experience gave  me my first real exposure to the industry, and it helped me build skills and  confidence that I still use today.

Moral of the story? Show up prepared, be a little bold, and don’t be afraid to go all in. Sometimes, that’s what it takes to get your foot in the door.

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

Challenge 1: Being a female Mechanical Engineer: When I chose  Mechanical Engineering in India, I was one of the very few girls in my class.  Back then, it wasn’t common, and honestly, not everyone was encouraging.  People would often say things like, “Why not choose something easier or  more ‘suitable’ for girls?”

On top of that, I wasn’t always encouraged to take part in extracurricular activities – especially technical events or leadership roles – because it was  seen as something only the boys did. But I didn’t let that stop me. I found  ways to participate anyway – sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly-and  over time, I started to build confidence. Looking back, pushing past those  doubts helped me develop a strong voice and leadership skills.

Challenge 2: Adjusting to the American education system: When I came to  the US for my Master’s, I realized the education system here is very different. It’s not just about grades – it’s also about your projects,  communication, teamwork, and how you think. I had to shift from “just  studying hard” to thinking more holistically – like building a strong resume,  joining student orgs, and practicing interviews.

At first, I was overwhelmed. But I started asking questions, attending workshops, and learning from my classmates. Slowly, I began to enjoy the freedom the US system offers – to explore, make mistakes, and grow in more ways than just academics.

Challenge 3: Building confidence in a new environment: Moving to a new  country, speaking in a second language, and trying to find your place – it  can be intimidating. I struggled at first with self-doubt. But every small win from presenting in class to landing an internship – helped me believe in myself a little more. I learned to celebrate progress, not perfection.

Where do you work now?

Right now, I work as a Mechanical Development Engineer at a company that designs and builds large stationary gas engines-the kind that power  factories, hospitals, or remote areas where electricity isn’t always easy to  get.

Yes, INNIO Group is the parent company, and I work in the Waukesha Gas Engines division. We design and manufacture large stationary gas engines used primarily for power generation and mechanical drive applications. Our engines can run on a variety of fuels, including natural gas, biogas, landfill gas, and other alternative fuels, which helps customers reduce emissions and, in many cases, utilize locally available or renewable energy sources. So while not all fuels are strictly “clean energy” in the zero-emissions sense, many are lower-carbon or renewable compared to traditional fossil fuels.

What problems do I solve?

My job is to design and improve fuel systems – basically how fuel gets delivered and mixed with air so the engine runs cleanly and efficiently. I  work on making sure our engines produce less pollution, and stay reliable  in tough conditions.

I also help lead new projects – from early ideas to building and testing the  real thing. So, I get to solve technical problems and help manage the  project timeline.

What skills are needed for your role? How did you acquire them?

To do this job, I need:

Engineering knowledge (from my bachelor’s and master’s degrees)

Problem-solving skills

Teamwork and communication (since I work with people from many  departments)

Project management (planning and organizing tasks)

I built these skills through a mix of classroom learning, internships, on-the job experience, and always being open to feedback and learning.

What’s a typical day like?

No two days are the same, and that’s what I love!

Some days I’m in meetings planning future engine designs. Other days, I’m  reviewing test data from the lab or working with technicians to solve  issues. I also spend time writing reports, creating design documents, or reviewing 3D models of engine parts.

It’s a mix of technical deep thinking, team discussions, and hands-on work.

What do you love about your job?

I love that I get to work on real-world problems that have an impact – like  reducing emissions or exploring cleaner fuel options. I also love being in a  role where I can combine my technical skills with leadership and creativity.  Every day, I learn something new and get to work with passionate people  who care about solving big challenges.

How does your work benefit society?

The engines I work on are used in places that need reliable power, like  hospitals, factories, farms, and even remote villages. My job is to make sure  these engines run cleaner, more efficiently, and explore using alternative  fuels like hydrogen that are better for the environment.

By improving how fuel is used and reducing emissions, my work helps:

Protect the environment

Make energy more sustainable

Support communities that rely on these engines for electricity and basic  needs. So even though I’m working on machines, I’m always thinking about the  bigger picture – how can we power the world in a way that’s safe, smart, and sustainable for the future.

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

One project that really stayed with me was when I helped redesign the fuel system layout for a new engine platform. We had very limited space on the engine, and a lot of components needed to fit perfectly to make the system work safely and efficiently. It was like trying to solve a giant, 3D puzzle where the pieces kept changing!

What made this project memorable was not just the complexity, but how collaborative it was. I worked closely with designers, test engineers, suppliers, and even the technicians on the shop floor. There were moments  of frustration, long discussions, and creative problem-solving.

In the end, we developed a clean, functional design that worked – and that  engine is now being tested for real-world use. What makes me proud is  knowing that something I designed on my computer is now powering a real engine – and that every improvement we make helps move us closer to a cleaner, more reliable energy future.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

Don’t be afraid to break barriers.

You might be the only girl in the room. You might come from a small town. You might feel like you don’t have it all figured out. But that doesn’t mean you don’t belong.

Take that first step, even if it feels scary. Ask questions, try new things, and  don’t wait for permission to chase what excites you. Your background, your story – that’s your strength.

I didn’t have a perfect plan, but I stayed curious, worked hard, and kept saying yes to opportunities – even when I wasn’t 100% ready. And every time I  pushed past doubt, I grew stronger.

So dream big, stay hungry to learn, and most importantly – believe in  yourself, even when others don’t.

Future Plans?

I’ve always believed in growing – not just in my career, but as a person. In  the future, I plan to take on bigger leadership roles where I can guide teams, drive innovation, and work on solutions that help the planet.

I’m also planning to pursue an Executive MBA, so I can strengthen my business and leadership skills. My goal is to be someone who not only understands technology, but also helps shape the strategy behind it.

Beyond that, I want to continue mentoring students and young  professionals, especially those who come from non-traditional  backgrounds like I did. I know how much a little guidance can help, and I want to give back however I can.

So in short: I’m still learning, still dreaming, and still building – and I hope to  inspire others to do the same.