A rewarding career path

Sonali Mulay, Director Tools Production unit, has some advice for women considering a career in engineering: “Be courageous, be willing to go the extra mile, and most importantly, believe in yourself.”

Mulay’s own passion for mechanical engineering was ignited early on by her father, who had a career in manufacturing. But it was after graduating in mechanical engineering from India’s Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, and starting to work in a core manufacturing environment, that she realized just how well the field aligned with her interests and aspirations. “Over time, it evolved into a passionate and fulfilling career path,” she says.

Evolving roles and leadership at Sandvik

Mulay began her journey with Sandvik in 2011, taking on a role in Technology Management. Over the years, her career has evolved, culminating in her current leadership position since 2022. In this multifaceted role, she is responsible for managing a team of over 200 employees; driving both strategic and operational excellence; planning and monitoring all production activities; analyzing production, quality and maintenance to identify problems and recommend solutions; and budgeting, among other tasks.

“I’m genuinely pleased with how my career has progressed at Sandvik. What began as a role rooted in technology management evolved into a fulfilling leadership role, allowing me to bridge technical expertise with strategic leadership. Along the way, I’ve benefited from a culture that encourages continuous learning, mentorship, and innovation. I’ve had the privilege to lead diverse teams, drive impactful projects, and contribute to initiatives that promote inclusion and empower women in engineering.”

How engineering shaped her leadership style

Mulay adds that her engineering background has been instrumental in shaping her leadership style. “It’s given me a structured approach to problem-solving, a deep understanding of technology, and the ability to make data-driven decisions. It also helps me connect with teams on the ground in manufacturing, because I understand the technical language and challenges they face.”

Engineering has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of continuous improvement – all of which are essential in a leadership role.

More women in manufacturing

With more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing, including international experience working in Ottawa, Canada, Mulay has witnessed many changes, particularly for women. “Today, there are significantly more women entering the field than when I began my journey. What’s even more inspiring is seeing women actively contributing on the shop floor, including working in shifts – something that was once rare. This progress reflects a broader, positive change towards inclusivity and diversity in engineering workplaces.”

Women currently account for about 30 percent of the global manufacturing workforce according to the World Manufacturing Foundation. 'There has never been a better time for women to pursue such a career,' Mulay adds.

“With the advent of the digital transformation and Industry 4.0, new avenues are constantly emerging, reshaping the landscape of manufacturing and opening doors to innovation and growth. Importantly, the industry is increasingly recognizing the value and potential of women across all facets of manufacturing. This shift is not just encouraging; it’s empowering.”

And in a sector that can still lag behind when it comes to flexibility related to childcare, Sandvik offers various solutions, including longer parental leave and daycare centers. “In a previous role, I faced a significant challenge: frequent travel while raising young children. It was emotionally taxing and logistically difficult,” says Mulay. “However, I learned that such challenges can be managed with the right support system. Sandvik is committed to supporting working parents by providing a state-of-the-art daycare center within its premises.”

Women with a passion for learning, curiosity, and the ability to think both analytically and logically can achieve a successful career in engineering, Mulay says. “These traits not only form the foundation of engineering excellence but also drive innovation and problem-solving in real-world applications.”