Introduction
Greetings, fellow mechanical engineering enthusiasts. I am Satyam Shukla, a mechanical engineer for Revterra Corp. I have had a fun ride throughout my career and learned a lot from that experience, finally leading me to where I am today.</span></p><p><span>Originally from India, I wanted to be a fighter pilot, and mechanical engineering was the best way to enter that domain. Right before training, I found out that due to my eyesight, I couldn’t fly. Heartbroken and ready to start afresh, I found refuge in Mechanical Engineering. So I left everything and came to Boulder, Colorado, to pursue engineering further and completed my MS from CU Boulder.
At CU, I had the opportunity to work on some terrific labs and projects, which led me to develop new technologies and register some patents. After graduation, I co-founded a construction tech company and took a deep dive into the startup world. It was a fight to keep a new venture alive during COVID-19, and I had to part ways. My journey has led me to work in different industries as a mechanical and manufacturing engineer, including biotech, pharmaceuticals, food and service, home products, construction tech and automation, and renewable energy.
Revterra is building a high-efficiency steel battery energy storage system to revolutionize high-powered energy storage solutions. My daily tasks include designing system parts using CAD software, conducting structural and thermal analyses, and collaborating with the team to manufacture prototypes. Working in a startup means being adaptable and proactive. At Revterra, I am involved in engineering and contribute to facilities maintenance, networking with potential partners, and troubleshooting unexpected challenges. Startup life offers the excitement of innovation and rapid growth but also requires resilience and time management.
Mechanical Engineering Fellow
career options
Mechanical engineering is the evergreen branch of engineering. Mixing up your different interests and creating something exciting is a great subject matter. If you like music, you can go into acoustics; if you are fascinated by nature, you can go into biomechanical engineering. Here are a few options I interacted with the most.
Mechanical Engineering Fellow
skills
What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
CAD is the bread and butter of a design engineer. I use CAD to create, develop, and communicate designs. Once approved and agreed upon, I use it to create engineering drawings.
Design for Manufacturability (DFM) ensures a design is created for easy assembly and manufacturing. It is a cerebral skill, and I switch my mind to consider the consequences of my design on fabrication, assembly, and cost.
It is critical to Know the avenues that can be followed to make a part and how to reduce cost and time. The best approach is to prototype a product effectively and understand the nuances of function before moving it to fabrication.
Data analysis skills are crucial in biotechnology and biomedical engineering, allowing for interpreting and extracting insights from complex datasets. Proficiency in statistical analysis, knowledge of data analysis techniques, and familiarity with software and statistical packages commonly used in these fields are essential for effective data analysis.
What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
As a design engineer, you never work in a vacuum. In addition to my design team, I must communicate my ideas with my CEO, simulation engineers, electrical engineers, and fabricators. For example, a good rule of thumb in a relationship is that overcommunication is better than undercommunication.
Piggybacking from the previous point, as a design engineer, I need input and support from various teams and people. Understanding people and inviting them to collaborate to create the most effective product is crucial.
As a design engineer in a startup, I run through multiple ideas a week that go nowhere. These are the ideas in which I put time and effort. It is crucial to let go and beware of the sunk cost fallacy.
Though not discussed enough as a skill, a positive attitude can be learned. As a design engineer, you must bring energy daily as you work collaboratively and see challenges and failures. This helps pump creative energy and attack problems better.
Satyam
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
Mechanical Engineering Fellow
:
As I mentioned in the intro, I dreamed of being a fighter pilot. Heartbroken after rejection, I did what any cliched hallmark protagonist does—try to restart from scratch. Imagine Ryan Gosling in the middle of The Notebook but with lousy hair. The spot to restart was CU Boulder's Mechanical Engineering department. I met some excellent people in my journey, from professors to professionals, but I learned the most from my fellow students. I got a chance to work with different professors in their labs, getting my hands dirty. I attended various networking events whenever I got a minute from homework, working as a line cook, finishing a lab project, or binge-watching Friends for the 80th time.
Before graduation, I got bit by the startup bug and decided to start my own company in construction tech. And then hit COVID-19. We persevered and raised a seed round, but with my immigration status and difference in approach, I had to part ways after that. Landing a fulfilling job has been a journey of perseverance, self-growth, and resilience. After my time at CU Boulder, my job search was filled with ups and downs. I faced rejections and setbacks but treated each as a learning opportunity. I relied heavily on platforms like LinkedIn, AngelList, and referrals from my professional network. My approach involved refining my resume, customizing cover letters, and consistently practicing for technical interviews. I applied to dozens of positions before I received my first offer, and while it was exhausting, I stayed focused on industries I was passionate about.
When I interviewed at Revterra, I was drawn to their innovative approach to energy storage and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The interview process was thorough and collaborative, and I felt aligned with their mission. My experience taught me that the right job may not come immediately, but perseverance, strategic networking, and self-belief can open doors to incredible opportunities. Remember, every "no" is a step closer to the right "yes."
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
If I could speak to my younger self, I would say, "Be patient, stay curious, and don’t let setbacks define your journey." Life rarely follows a straight path, and that’s okay. What matters most is your ability to adapt and persevere when things don’t go as planned. I would remind myself that success isn’t always instant and that resilience is built in moments of uncertainty and challenge.
I would also embrace every opportunity for growth, even if it seems unrelated to my long-term goals. Each experience, no matter how small, adds a valuable piece to your skill set. Whether learning to communicate with cross-functional teams or troubleshooting a prototype that won’t work, these moments will shape you into a stronger, more versatile engineer.
Another thing I wish I’d known earlier is that asking for help is not a weakness but a strength. Seek mentors, surround yourself with people who challenge you to improve, and never underestimate the power of collaboration. You don’t have to navigate your career alone, and some of your best ideas and opportunities will come from teamwork and mentorship.
Final thoughts & tips
In conclusion, your journey as a mechanical engineer will be filled with twists, challenges, and victories that will shape your career and character. Embrace the unpredictability of the path and understand that every experience, good or bad, contributes to your growth. Your setbacks are not failures but stepping stones that prepare you for more significant opportunities.
Remember, engineering is about solving problems, and often, the most significant innovations come from persistence and creative thinking. Stay curious, be adaptable, and never stop asking questions. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and seek out mentors who can guide you through uncharted territory.
Above all, believe in your potential. You’ve chosen a field that makes a tangible impact on the world—whether you’re designing renewable energy solutions or creating life-changing products. Keep pushing forward, and trust that your dedication and resilience will lead to a fulfilling and meaningful career.
Resources to dig in more
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Career Resources
The ASME website offers valuable resources for mechanical engineers, including career advice, job listings, and professional development opportunities. Their webinars and technical articles inform you about the latest industry trends, making it an excellent platform for building your knowledge and professional network.
Engineering.com Career Blog
This blog provides articles on career growth, resume tips, and advice for mechanical engineers at all stages of their careers. It also features success stories, which can inspire students and early-career professionals as they navigate their path in engineering.
LinkedIn Jobs and Industry Groups
LinkedIn is not just a job portal but also a powerful tool for networking and industry insights. Join mechanical engineering groups, follow key companies in the energy and technology sectors, and stay updated on job openings and industry discussions.
DOE Energy Storage Grand Challenge
This resource from the U.S. Department of Energy provides insights into the latest energy storage initiatives, reports, and funding opportunities. It’s an excellent platform for staying informed about renewable energy and storage technology advancements, which is especially relevant for students interested in energy systems and sustainability.
