Driving innovation with purpose: Kaushik A.’s career at Cummins Inc.

For Kaushik A., innovation has never been just about advancing technology. It’s about solving real challenges, supporting customers and helping build a more sustainable and prosperous future.

That perspective began long before his career at Cummins.

“I grew up in India in a reality constrained by insufficient energy infrastructure, lack of alternate energy sources and dependence on unpredictable rain patterns,” Kaushik said. “That background helped me understand the importance of how technology and solutions can create long-term impact beyond the end user.”

Those early experiences sparked a curiosity that continues to shape his work today.

From hands-on learning to global perspective

Kaushik’s journey into engineering was fueled by both education and real-world experience. After earning his diploma and undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering in India, he went on to complete a master’s degree at Wayne State University in Detroit.

Along the way, he built a diverse technical foundation across industries — from alternate fuel engine research to heavy-duty off-highway engine development and Engineering, Procurement and Construction work.

“Hands-on experience in automotive and truck maintenance, powerplant maintenance and tracking value chains across industries helped me look beyond my direct responsibilities,” he said. “It pushed me to think more holistically, centered around customer needs and real-world use cases.”

These experiences didn’t just build technical knowledge. They shaped how he approaches problems.

“I became curious about the bigger picture,” he added. “Understanding how everything connects is what allows you to create solutions that truly make a difference.”

Choosing Cummins and building a lasting career

Even before moving to the United States, Kaushik was familiar with Cummins’ global reputation.

“Cummins had a strong presence in India long before I ever thought about working in the U.S.,” he said. “Over time, the company’s culture and core values created a level of respect that ultimately inspired me to pursue a career here.”

Today, Kaushik is an Innovation Program Leader within the Power Systems Business in Southern Indiana, bringing more than 15 years of experience at Cummins and over 20 years in the industry.

In his role, Kaushik collaborates across teams to help drive strategic initiatives that support long-term growth and keep Cummins aligned with evolving customer and market needs.

“My day-to-day work includes supporting strategic initiatives, managing stakeholders across functions and being a good steward of resources to ensure we make meaningful progress,” he said. “It’s about ensuring continued relevance in the market while thinking ahead to what’s next.”

Finding meaning in innovation and collaboration

For Kaushik, working at Cummins is as much about people as it is about technology.

“My role provides opportunities to explore market, technology and business aspects, which helps me grow as a person and leader,” he said. “The best part is doing it with people who genuinely care and support you through ups and downs.”

That collaborative mindset becomes especially important in future-focused work.

“Dealing with ambiguity and different perspectives often leads to multiple ways to solve a problem,” he explained. “When people come together valuing those differences and staying committed to accountability, a powerful synergy happens. That’s when you get the best outcomes.”

His work directly connects to Cummins’ broader mission.

“Powering a more prosperous future with advanced technology and solutions ready when customers need them is at the core of what we do,” Kaushik said. “Helping guide customers through complex decisions makes the work especially fulfilling.”

A culture that supports growth and resilience

Kaushik describes Cummins as a place where employees are encouraged to grow while being supported through challenges.

“The work environment is challenging in a good way and encourages me to be better every day,” he said. “There are so many resources available to learn and improve along with a wide range of career paths depending on what you want to pursue.”

Throughout his career, he has continued to invest in his development, completing programs like Disruptive Strategy through Harvard Business School Online, Systems Engineering Certification and internal leadership programs.

But for Kaushik, the support system at Cummins stands out just as much as the opportunities.

“Having the right support and tools, especially during challenging moments, makes a real difference,” he said. “Cummins focuses on helping you succeed instead of creating a one-strike mentality. That allows you to show up as yourself, learn from setbacks and stay focused on creating value.”

That sense of trust and belonging has helped shape his long-term goals.

“Being able to feel like I belong and pursue what I can imagine within the Cummins ecosystem has been incredibly rewarding,” he said. “It’s helped me push myself to set bigger goals and continue growing into the best version of myself.”

Advice for building a meaningful career

Outside of work, Kaushik enjoys spending time with his family, volunteering and staying active through motorcycling, pickleball, volleyball, cricket and swimming. These moments help him recharge and stay connected to what matters most.

Reflecting on his journey, he encourages others to seek out careers that offer both purpose and growth.

“A career at Cummins has been rewarding in ways I didn’t initially think about,” he said. “It’s given me the opportunity to be my true self and challenge what I thought I could or couldn’t do.”

More importantly, it has allowed him to make an impact.

“It offers the chance to contribute to society and the world in a meaningful way while staying true to your values,” he said.

Looking ahead

As the energy landscape continues to evolve, Kaushik remains focused on helping drive innovation that meets customer needs and supports a more sustainable future.

His journey is a powerful example of how curiosity, resilience and purpose shape a meaningful career while showing that innovation at Cummins are driven by people who want to make a difference.