Driving Data Quality and Innovation: Mayank M.'s Journey at Cummins

As a Data Quality Index Manager, Mayank reviews machine learning and analytical model data and develops Business Integration (BI) visualization tools. Throughout his 15 years at Cummins, he has scoped projects, defined timelines and developed solution concepts. Now he coaches and trains others to do the same. He’s working toward a leadership position — a senior data-level role within the Quality organization — and he’s certain Cummins will help him get there.

“Quality is one function where things are never calm,” he says with a smile. “There’s always a challenge somewhere. There’s no place to put your seat back and lie down for two minutes, and that’s the kind of environment I like because it’s always new, fast paced and on the edge. It keeps me fully occupied, and the fun is there.”

Originally from India, Mayank has always loved a challenge. After completing his undergraduate degree in marine engineering, he moved to the U.K. — where he knew no one — and applied for a graduate scheme program with Cummins. Through the program, he and 18 other students from the U.S., India, China, South Africa, and the U.K. worked their way through various business units to gain experience in different job functions and to get a feel for the company. 

“Our teams work together irrespective of which background we came from,” he says. “That is a key pleasure. When I talk to these people at work, we’re all equal. And Cummins not only values but promotes that diversity.”

Mayank was so impressed by the workplace diversity and flexibility of the program, that he accepted a position as a Reliability engineer at Cummins. As an added challenge, he simultaneously completed his master's degree in mechanical engineering as he worked his way through his first “real” job after university. It wasn’t easy, but Cummins helped him every step of the way. 

“Cummins tries to give you as many opportunities and experiences as possible,” he says. From helping with his work visa application to sponsoring his master’s degree at the beginning of his career, the company ensured Mayank felt supported. And they continue to do so today. Now, Cummins is sponsoring his continued education at Purdue University and helping him grow into new roles. 

“I don't know many companies that would put in that effort and time for the betterment of their employees,” Mayank says. “I know ultimately it’s for the betterment of Cummins as well, and that's why a company taking care of its employees should be the default.”

Mayank models Cummins in this respect, supporting his team in any way he can. “My teams are brilliant people, full of ideas,” he says. “No matter how outlandish an idea might sound, our teams find a way to make it a workable solution. We joke that we are all overachievers. We will find a solution, no matter what.” 

Currently, his team is developing multiple machine learning models and deploying power BI -dashboards, setting the standard for what reporting should look like. As he continues to innovate with his team, he’s reminded of just how far he’s come. 

On the wall behind his desk are five framed certificates. He shares that within Six Sigma he has completed 10 different black belt projects over the course of three years, five of which received Business Impact Awards. 

“As an employee, it gives me pleasure to be able to say I'm making an impact in the business somewhere down the line,” he says. Because his work is data-based, it touches all Cummins power systems. “The work we do is analytics, so it doesn’t matter if we’re looking at diesel-powered engines, hydrogen-powered engines, or electric engines. The data is the data, and studying that data helps us understand how the business overall is evolving towards zero emission.” 

Tackling a challenge like climate change — and being part of the solution — is exactly the kind of work that inspires Mayank and makes him adamant that Cummins is the best company. Period.

“Because of the culture, the values, and the employee engagement - this is a company I would like to work for, for life,” he says.