Key points
Sanjuksha Nirgude develops autonomous security drones as a technical lead at Nightingale Security.
She navigated diverse robotics fields by embracing adaptability and continuous learning.
Nirgude advises young female engineers to pursue growth opportunities before feeling fully ready.
Sanjuksha Nirgude
Autonomy Technical Lead
Nightingale Security
Newark, CA
EXPERIENCE
Sanjuksha Nirgude is a robotics and automation leader specializing in autonomous systems and aerial robotics, with close to a decade of experience across simulation, mobile, and aerial robotics. Her work spans warehouse automation, space simulation, and autonomous security drones, where she builds systems that help robots perceive, navigate, and act in complex environments. She is driven by the potential of AI and robotics to solve meaningful problems. Through her work with Women in Robotics, she is committed to encouraging others to pursue their ideas, grow their confidence, and see themselves as future leaders in engineering.
What’s the most exciting part of your work?
The most exciting part of my work is being at the intersection of two fields evolving incredibly quickly: AI and robotics. There is always something new to learn, and the pace of progress makes that especially exciting. At Nightingale Security, I work on autonomous drones that can perceive and respond to real-world situations. What makes it meaningful is the purpose behind the technology; giving public safety teams better situational awareness while helping keep people out of harm’s way.
What is one major challenge you’ve faced in your career and how did you overcome it?
One major challenge in my career has been continually stepping into areas where I was not yet an expert. My work has taken me across warehouse robotics, simulation, and autonomous aerial systems, and each transition meant learning something new. I overcame this by becoming comfortable being the person who did not yet have all the <a href="https://myappsplus.com/quordle-hints-and-answers-for-tuesday-october-6-game-1716/” title=”Quordle hints and answers for Tuesday, October 6 (game #1716)”>answers, always asking questions, finding mentors, and taking on challenges before I felt completely ready. I learned that adaptability and curiosity can be just as valuable as technical expertise.
What advice do you have for young women engineers aspiring to be leaders?
Don’t wait until you feel ready. Take on opportunities that stretch you, speak up, and make your goals known. Early in my career, I sometimes felt I needed more experience before taking ownership, but I learned that confidence grows through action. Find mentors and communities that support you, and when you have the opportunity, bring others with you. Leadership is not just about advancing yourself; it is about creating opportunities for others.
