Peek into the everyday life of software developers from the AMC Bridge India team, Shantanu Pagar and Darshana Khichi as they share the most exciting parts of their professional journeys. Their experiences provide a broader understanding of the balance between personal growth, professional commitments, and maintaining a dynamic work environment in the evolving tech world.

Building CAD software to apply our geometry, mathematical, and mechanical knowledge is exceptionally rewarding.

Shantanu Pagar, Software Development Engineer

I am a mechanical engineer specializing in computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). I have over twelve years of experience in CAD and software development, specializing in CATIA® and NX development.

Exploring the intersection of mechanical engineering and software development: a journey through CAD, CAM, C++, and cloud technologies

Throughout my career, my favorite technology or programming language has been C++. It’s faster than most other programming languages, it is closer to hardware which makes it very useful for 3D software. Some of the projects I am most proud of include an automatic component placement system based on shape and geometry and a scatter algorithm for easier assembly creation. I realized that building CAD software to apply our geometry, mathematical, and mechanical knowledge is exceptionally rewarding.

I had the privilege of working on numerous interesting projects. The most notable one was centered around migrating a CAD application or module to the cloud. This project enabled me to explore and understand newer technologies and use my pre-existing knowledge to create services that cater to small functionalities individually. It was indeed a fascinating learning experience and gave me insights into organizing, distributing, and independently operating those functionalities.

Global teamwork and rapid development: a perspective on engineering projects at AMC Bridge

Working on a project with my current team at AMC Bridge was a remarkably positive experience. The communication was seamless, and the task and assignment objectives were clear and straightforward. We had constructive discussions regarding design and algorithm methodologies and collectively decided on the best approach. In my current role, I observe some differences from my previous company. The development process here is fast-paced, focusing primarily on customer satisfaction. Overall, projects can differ significantly from one another due to business domains, timelines, technical requirements, and available recourses. It is always about trade-offs. In contrast, my previous company placed greater emphasis on user interactions and long-term maintenance, which resulted in a slower development pace.

My knowledge of CAD, geometry, mechanical terminologies, the overall software development process, and C++ is immensely helpful in the current project. 3D development is particularly exciting; it offers a tangible element to the process, making it feel like constructing something in real life.

I find no significant challenges in communicating within international teams, including representatives from China, the US, and the UK, although sometimes deciphering the emotional tone or nuances could be challenging. For example, the same phrase in English could have different meanings, interpretations, and perceptions by people from different cultures.

At AMC Bridge, I managed to establish excellent communication with my immediate superior and team leader. Together, we can communicate and explain any issue or complicated solution to our teammates and the client if necessary. So everything is totally crisp; no issues there.

Blending personal interests with professional growth: a technologist's exploration in self-learning and global teamwork

I enjoy discovering new things and trying out new technologies. That's why I spend a lot of my free time on learning and self-development. YouTube videos are an excellent resource for learning new concepts or technologies due to their accessibility and cheapness. I have also enrolled in a paid course focused on cloud technologies. Here are some links to the channels I find particularly interesting and helpful:

• 3Blue1Brown—has a great visual explanation of the core concepts of linear algebra and related topics.
• Numberphile—a channel created by a math enthusiast that covers many great topics I find exciting.
• The Cherno—a C++ channel about making your own game engine.
• Node.js—an example of a simple-to-follow tutorial video anyone can find on YouTube for most topics.

Geometry has always been my personal interest, even outside my professional life. Also, I enjoy driving, traveling, and watching Netflix. I am an avid sports enthusiast, particularly cricket, it is a highly engaging sport, and our national team performs well.

AMC Bridge continues to grow as a global company, and encouraging cross-team communication through informal conversations on different topics is a great way to understand team members from different countries better. In my opinion, the company will benefit from the talent available in India in the long run. And AMC Bridge is definitely a great place to be.

Being a part of software creation, from an idea through development to delivery, excites me the most.

Darshana Khichi, Software Development Engineer

An inspiring start: navigating onboarding at AMC Bridge with openness and collaboration

Having embarked on my journey at AMC Bridge, I discovered a positive work environment that prioritizes open communication and continuous learning. During my recruitment and onboarding, I engaged with two HR representatives, both demonstrating exceptional professionalism and a welcoming demeanor. They helped to negate any challenges posed by the time difference and guided me through the whole process. Their approach was not only professional but also personable, making the interaction highly pleasant. The technical team demonstrated the same level of professionalism and kindness, resulting in a truly enjoyable experience. Throughout my technical interviews, there was a sense of collaboration rather than a typical interview process. The conversations were filled with humor and laughter, and there was an atmosphere of mutual cooperation similar to working together on a real-time project. The remarkable experience, which instilled a strong good feeling, served as an excellent beginning to our professional relationship.

Fostering cross-cultural communication in a diverse tech environment

When comparing AMC Bridge and my previous places of work, it's evident that AMC Bridge stands out. The blend of a people-friendly attitude and a cutting-edge technological focus distinguishes it from my past experiences. The company's software development processes and engineering practices follow the industry best standards, and cross-cultural communication enriches our diverse and creative team dynamics.

Effective communication is paramount in a team environment, particularly at our global company. My previous experiences with Indian and US-based companies introduced me to diverse working cultures. However, working in our current team presents unique dynamics, where humor and casual conversations coexist with professionalism. Given the significant time we spend together, understanding each other's communication styles is crucial. Misinterpretations could lead to unintended offenses. Therefore, fostering better interpersonal knowledge would simplify our work interactions and create a more relaxed atmosphere. The significance of effective communication within a team cannot be overrated.

Staying relevant in a rapidly changing industry: a software engineer's journey from mobile apps to JavaScript development

Throughout my career, my primary focus has been on creating and delivering user-friendly products. I found my strength not in verbal communication but in developing software. I saw the immense potential in the vast number of apps and digital tools people use daily, which initially prompted me to delve into mobile application development. This path proved rewarding, yet over time, I wanted greater complexity. It led me to make a transition into JavaScript for its vast capabilities in web development and potential to work on large-scale projects. The reason I've stayed within this field, especially focusing on JavaScript, TypeScript, and Angular, is the profound sense of fulfillment and purpose it gives. It's not just a job but a field that genuinely resonates with me. One project that still brings a proud smile to my face is a dating app I developed using Ionic and Angular.

My knowledge of JavaScript is the most important technical skill for my career at AMC Bridge, in my opinion. However, there are many areas I'd still like to improve. I'm continuously learning, particularly in managing projects and implementing new features from development to delivery. These skills could greatly benefit my career and the company in the future.

I believe in staying abreast of the latest industry trends and advancements. There is an abundance of resources for software engineering learning, and it seems new ones appear daily. For me, some stand out for their constant relevance and updates:

• Blogs on Medium have always been my personal favorite due to their insightful perspectives.
• The DEV Community developer platform also provides a wealth of updated content that I find highly beneficial.
• TechCrunch is another resource I frequently use due to its tech industry insights.
• Furthermore, I leverage Google Alerts, specifically for topics like JavaScript and Women in Tech. While it may seem old-fashioned to someone, it's an effective method to stay informed of the latest developments, with Google doing the heavy lifting.

These resources collectively help me stay up to date with the constantly evolving software engineering field.