Build a community around and have a supportive network of peers, mentors, and allies to amplify success, said Paridhi Desai, Head of Technical Program Management at Muon Space during a recent online interaction with students in the city.
She began her career as a vehicle test engineer at Ford and then moved to General Motors as a Lead Design Release Engineer for infrared camera systems.She transitioned to Technical Program Management at Lyft Level 5 and Nuro to make a broader impact, overseeing complex projects from ideation to launch.
Advising students, Paridhi said, “Surround yourself with a supportive network of peers, mentors, and allies. Having a strong, positive community is essential because you spend more waking hours with your colleagues than with your family. This network provides valuable resources, diverse perspectives, and encouragement, helping you navigate challenges and amplifying your growth and success in a collaborative environment.”
Growing up, Paridhi saw her parents build a textile manufacturing company from the ground up. Tinkering with various tools and machinery prototypes in the factory sparked her passion for engineering, leading her to pursue a bachelor’s in electronics here at home and a master’s in Robotics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
“Driven to make a bigger difference, I joined Muon Space, where our mission is to provide earth intelligence for a safer, more resilient world. As the lead Technical Program Manager for our satellite programs, I led the successful launch and operations of two satellite missions in the past three years, a remarkable feat in our industry given the tight timelines and complexity involved in these programs,” said Paridhi.
As the head of the department overseeing future programs, Paridhi is leading her team in initiatives for building satellite constellations for wildfire management, and for measuring earth characteristics.
Sharing a few principles that guided her along the way, Paridhi said, “Learning from challenges is invaluable, offering new insights and skills. Each failure strengthens problem-solving abilities and builds resilience. This preparation will enable you to tackle even more complex challenges with greater confidence and expertise.”
She also asked students to embrace hands-on projects. “This active approach to learning is crucial, especially if you aim for roles with broader impact, as it enhances your problem-solving skills and adaptability in a fast-evolving field,” she concluded.
