As Senior Engineer – Design at Caterpillar Inc., Sowmya Nagesh leads machine system validation for CAT Electronics and works with process partners to develop specifications for desired machine functionality. She has spent six years at the company designing electrical/electronic systems, developing software and testing new systems integrations to ensure a quality product release.
An Agile Certified Practitioner and Six Sigma Green Belt, Nagesh has contributed to Caterpillar initiatives on a global scale, working on emissions engine applications from concept to production and leading engine application testing with a global team in the UK, India and China. In addition to her daily responsibilities, she is active in the Caterpillar Asian Indian Community and the Women’s Initiative Network, having held leadership positions with both groups.
An executive board member and president-elect of the Central Illinois Section of the Society of Women Engineers, Nagesh also serves SWE at the national level on the Outreach and Program Development Grant committees. She takes mentoring of the next generation to heart, inviting students to job-shadow her and working hard to promote STEM and engineering education through a range of outreach efforts, including the Adopt-a-School program at Lindbergh Middle School, college guidance and field trips, a career conversation series at Quest High School, a 3D printing workshop at Quest Middle School and a STEM boot camp for high school girls.
For her efforts, Nagesh received the Distinguished Member Award from the SWE Central Illinois Section in 2014, and the Young Philanthropist Award from the Young Professionals of Caterpillar group earlier this year. She is actively engaged in the National Society of Black Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the Heart of Illinois United Way, in addition to volunteering for the Rebuilding Together initiative. With a proven track record for beating the odds, her leadership is marked by her innate ability to blaze trails and bring people along with her in the journey. iBi
