Published Thu 20th Feb 2025
Celebrating Women in Engineering: A Conversation with Jessica Sunkari for International Women’s Day 2025
This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on Jessica Sunkari, one of Senceive’s talented engineers making an impact in the world of wireless condition monitoring. As a New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer, Jessica plays a key role in ensuring Senceive’s innovative solutions meet the highest quality standards.
In this Q&A, Jessica shares her journey - from pursuing aeronautical engineering, to working on interesting projects at Senceive. Her story is one of resilience, and she offers valuable advice for young women aspiring for careers in STEM.
Read on to hear Jessica’s insights on her path in engineering, and what excites her most about her role at Senceive.
Please tell us a bit about your education/studies and why did you decide to pursue the career you chose?
I have always been passionate about engineering and STEM, which led me to pursue one of the most challenging fields—Aeronautical Engineering—for my bachelor's degree. I was fortunate to secure a scholarship, and during my studies, I gained a strong foundation in complex mathematics, physics, and aerodynamics.
As part of my bachelor's research, I conducted an extensive study on hail impact on composite structures. This research was later presented at a conference in Dubai, giving me valuable exposure to the world of academic research and innovation.
After successfully completing my bachelor's degree, I pursued a master's in Advanced Design and Manufacturing, once again earning a scholarship. This program further strengthened my expertise in design and manufacturing, equipping me with hands-on experience in industry-standard tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, ANSYS, and HyperMesh, as well as methodologies like lean and digital manufacturing.
This academic journey has provided me with a well-rounded skill set, enabling me to contribute effectively to the engineering industry.
Did you face any challenges as a woman engineer?
Stepping into Engineering and STEM as a woman comes with its own set of challenges, and I was well aware of the discouragement I might face. During my bachelor's studies, I remember my schoolmates advising me not to pursue aeronautical engineering, saying it wasn’t a place for women. Even some relatives approached my parents, suggesting I choose a "more suitable" career.
Despite these opinions, I remained determined. In my bachelor's program, out of 60 students, only five were women. During my master's, I was the only woman in a class of 30. However, I never saw this as a disadvantage. Instead, I viewed it as an opportunity to break stereotypes and prove that women don’t need to be confined to specific industries.
I firmly believe that women possess the strength—physically, mentally, emotionally, and ethically—to excel in any field. My journey, from education to the corporate world, has reinforced this belief, and I hope to inspire more women to pursue careers in STEM with confidence and resilience.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter this industry?
My advice to young women aspiring to enter this industry is to cultivate a strong mindset and remain resilient in the face of challenges. There will always be opinions, doubts, and even discouragement from others, but that should never make you question your place in STEM. Every woman, at some point, will face these hurdles—but it doesn’t mean you don’t belong here.
The industry and the world need us to drive innovation and progress. Women are not less than men in this field—we are equals. Our perspectives, skills, and determination bring immense value, and it’s important to embrace that with confidence. Stay focused, believe in yourself, and never let external voices define your potential.
Why did you decide to work for Senceive?
I decided to work for Senceive because of its cutting-edge sensor technology that enhances safety and efficiency in industries like rail, mining, and construction. Senceive’s focus on precision monitoring, IoT solutions, and predictive maintenance perfectly aligns with my background in Quality Engineering and New Product Introduction (NPI). The company’s commitment to delivering high-performance, reliable solutions fits my passion for continuous improvement and process optimization.
From day one, I felt truly welcomed at Senceive, with supportive colleagues who are always willing to help. The guidance and mentorship I’ve received from my managers have been invaluable, providing me with clear direction as I collaborate with various teams across the company. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m excited to contribute to Senceive’s mission while growing in such a dynamic and inclusive environment.
What is your current role and what projects have you been involved with so far at Senceive? What have you been the most proud of so far?
Currently, I am working as a Quality Engineer at Senceive, where I focus on New Product Introduction (NPI) to ensure our products meet market demands and exceed quality standards. I’ve had the privilege of working on exciting projects like GeoWAN 2.0, Rockfall, and other upcoming initiatives, all centered around the development of advanced sensor technology for precision monitoring across industries such as rail, mining, and construction.
One of the projects I’m most proud of is streamlining our quality assurance processes for new product releases. By collaborating with cross-functional teams, I’ve helped ensure that our products are not only manufacturable at scale but also meet the high-performance standards we set. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness the direct impact of these improvements on both product reliability and customer satisfaction.
The chance to work on innovative, high-tech solutions at Senceive, coupled with the opportunity to collaborate with such a talented and supportive team, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career so far.
