In this week’s Women in Tech feature, we spotlight Sujatha Mukunthan, Vice President and Head of Research & Predevelopment at Siemens Technology & Services. With over two decades of experience across embedded systems, automotive technology, sensors, and cybersecurity, Sujatha exemplifies the rare combination of deep technical acumen and strong leadership.
A Journey That Came Full Circle
Sujatha’s story with Siemens began as an intern back in 2000. Little did she know that her career would come full circle, leading her back to Siemens in a key leadership role, heading a premier research team in India.
Before rejoining Siemens in 2023, she held various impactful roles at Bosch, including software development, project management, and business excellence. Her wide-ranging experience helped her evolve into what she calls an “M-shaped engineer”—someone with deep expertise across multiple verticals rather than just one.
Influences That Shaped Her Path
Growing up in Chennai, Sujatha was inspired by her father, a physics professor, and her sister, who pursued medicine. Her upbringing emphasized the value of education and dedication. She completed her engineering degree from Mysore University (now VIT) and pursued a Master’s in Embedded Systems from the University of Stuttgart, Germany.
After landing her first full-time role at Siemens R&D, she worked on fire safety systems. But balancing a long-distance marriage led her to shift locations and roles—transitioning to software development at Bosch in Germany and later in India.
Growing Through Every Challenge
At Bosch, she made deliberate decisions to shift roles every few years to widen her scope. From embedded software to product development and even business strategy, Sujatha constantly sought growth. One of her most transformational roles was as a Business Excellence Leader, where she worked closely with senior management to craft and refine long-term strategies.
Yet, her passion for technology drew her back to research—bringing her back to Siemens where she now leads a team of over 180 researchers. Her unit focuses on predevelopment work that directly supports Siemens’ vast range of industries, from switchgears to steel and locomotives.
Leading Research That Matters
Today, Sujatha is a crucial part of Siemens’ global research arm, heading the Indian division that works on emerging technologies to solve real-world industrial challenges. The team includes top talent from premier Indian and global institutions and maintains close ties with academia through internship and mentorship initiatives.
Addressing Gender Gaps in Tech
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Sujatha has faced her share of hurdles—unconscious bias, unrealistic expectations, and favoritism. These experiences have shaped her into a compassionate and aware leader who makes it a point to recognize and reward talent fairly.
She believes that many women stall mid-career due to a mix of family responsibilities and lack of institutional support. But she also emphasizes that women must take initiative, seek growth, and ask for support when needed.
At Siemens, she actively leads diversity forums, mentoring programs, and supports educational initiatives like the Siemens Scholarship Program, helping students from rural backgrounds pursue engineering and STEM fields. With HR collaboration, Siemens also offers women employees the opportunity to pursue higher education—many are now enrolled in master’s or PhD programs. Sujatha herself is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at Golden Gate University.
A Balanced Life and Vision for the Future
Despite her high-powered role, Sujatha prioritizes her health and personal life. She practices yoga, takes regular walks, and even takes online music classes to maintain work-life balance.
Looking ahead, her goal is clear—to drive innovation in research and leave a meaningful mark in every role she takes. “I want every position I hold to reflect that I contributed something significant—that I made a difference,” she says.
Final
Sujatha Mukunthan’s story is one of grit, growth, and grace. Her ability to navigate complex challenges, take bold career shifts, and uplift others along the way makes her a true inspiration for women in technology across the globe.
