Powering projects in North and South America at Mott MacDonald in Bengaluru

We spoke to Vignesh about his role in advancing clean energy transitions and grid modernization for solar and wind projects. He also shares how our employee-owned environment encourages continuous learning and collaboration.

Tell us about your role and where you are based

I am a senior electrical engineer based in our Bengaluru office in India. I am involved in power projects in North and South America, focusing on systems and strategies used to monitor, safeguard and manage electrical power networks.

My work involves detecting faults, isolating affected areas to prevent damage and ensuring safe, reliable operation of equipment, such as transformers, circuit breakers and substations. It also includes automation, relay coordination and communication protocols to maintain grid stability and performance.

Power and energy projects directly support global sustainability goals by enabling clean energy transitions, improving grid reliability and reducing carbon emissions - aligning with our mission to deliver innovative, resilient and impactful infrastructure solutions worldwide.

Currently, I am working on substation projects, including solar and wind projects. My role involves designing and implementing the protection and control systems. To deliver excellence, I focus on meticulous planning and thorough testing. I collaborate closely with my team to ensure all technical specifications and potential issues are proactively addressed.

Why did you choose you career path? Why Mott MacDonald?

I chose a career in protection and control because it sits at the heart of power system reliability and safety. The idea of designing systems that detect faults and isolate them to prevent widespread outages has always fascinated me.

It’s a field that combines deep technical knowledge with real-time decision making and I enjoy the challenge of ensuring stability in increasingly complex and dynamic power networks.

With the growing integration of renewables and smart grid technologies, effective approaches to protection and control are more critical than ever, and I’m excited to be part of that evolution.

Our reputation for delivering innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions is what drew me in.

Our work in the energy sector – especially in grid modernisation, renewable integration and digital substations aligns perfectly with my interests.

I’m particularly inspired by the company-wide commitment to decarbonisation and resilience and I value the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary, employee-owned environment that encourages continuous learning and collaboration.

I see Mott MacDonald as a place where I can grow technically while contributing to projects that have a real-world impact.

What does it mean to you to be trusted to do brilliant things at Mott MacDonald?

Being trusted to do brilliant things means being empowered to take ownership of meaningful work that contributes to real-world impact. It reflects a culture where my skills, ideas and decisions are valued. It also means having the freedom to innovate, collaborate, and grow – knowing that I’m supported by a team that believes in my potential.

When we talk about 'brilliant things', we don’t just mean technical excellence; we’re also talking about making a difference through sustainable, inclusive and forward-thinking solutions.

That trust motivates me to bring my best every day.

How does Mott MacDonald’s trust in its people influence your approach to your work?

Knowing that the organisation believes in my capabilities encourages me to push boundaries, seek innovative solutions and continuously improve. It also fosters a sense of accountability - I’m motivated to deliver high-quality results because I know my contributions matter.

This trust creates a collaborative environment where I feel confident sharing ideas, asking questions and learning from others. Ultimately, it helps me grow technically and professionally while staying aligned with the company’s values of integrity, sustainability and excellence.

Interested in BIM roles in India?

Are you interested in joining Mott MacDonald or have you previously worked for us and would love to return?

We are proud to be part of an ever-changing global industry, delivering transformative work that’s defining our future. It’s our people who power that performance.

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What does a typical day look like for you at Mott MacDonald, and how do you find opportunities to excel in your role?

A typical day involves a mix of technical design, collaboration and problem solving. In my role within protection and control, I usually start by reviewing project requirements or client feedback, followed by protection schemes or layout.

I find opportunities to excel by staying proactive - whether it’s volunteering for challenging tasks, learning new tools or contributing to knowledge-sharing sessions. Our open and supportive culture encourages continuous learning, so I take advantage of internal training, mentorship and feedback to grow technically and professionally. Every project is a chance to innovate and improve, and that’s what keeps me motivated.

What does being part of a global team mean to you, and how does it influence your work?

Being part of a global team means I get to collaborate with, and learn from, diverse professionals who bring unique perspectives, experiences and expertise to the table. It broadens my understanding of how engineering challenges are approached in different regions and helps me develop more adaptable, inclusive and innovative solutions.

Working across time zones and cultures also teaches me to communicate clearly, respect different working styles and be more flexible. It’s incredibly motivating to know that the work I do contributes to projects that have a global impact.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their career at Mott MacDonald?

My advice would be to stay curious, be proactive and embrace the collaborative culture. Mott MacDonald values people who are eager to learn and contribute, so don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek feedback and take initiative. Build strong relationships with your colleagues - they’re not just teammates, but mentors and sources of inspiration.

Also, take full advantage of the learning resources and development programs available. Whether it’s technical training, soft skills or leadership development, there’s always an opportunity to grow. Most importantly, align yourself with the company’s values - integrity, sustainability and inclusion - and you’ll find your work both meaningful and rewarding.

How does Mott MacDonald create an environment where you feel empowered and supported?

From day one, I’ve felt encouraged to take ownership of my work and contribute ideas, knowing that my input is valued regardless of my level of experience. Open communication channels make it easy to connect with colleagues and mentors across disciplines and geographies.

I also appreciate the strong emphasis on professional development - through internal training, technical communities and support for chartership. The focus on wellbeing, inclusion and flexible working further reinforces that I’m part of an organisation that genuinely cares about its people. All of this gives me the confidence to grow, take initiative, and deliver my best work.