Professionals in CFD with Judy Susan Jose

In this edition of Professionals in CFD, we have the privilege of speaking with Judy Susan Jose, a lead configuration management engineer for the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) team. With a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and a master’s in automotive embedded systems, Judy has carved an impressive career path. Beyond her technical expertise, her multicultural experiences—living in Dubai, India, France, and now Brussels—add a rich and unique perspective to her work and life. In this interview with Cadence marketing writer Veena Parthan, explore Judy’s fascinating career journey, her experiences navigating diverse cultures, and her valuable insights on mixed representation in technical domains.

Veena Parthan: Tell us something about yourself.

Judy Susan Jose: I was born and raised in Dubai, but my roots trace back to India. After completing my bachelor's degree in computer engineering from Muthoot Institute of Technology and Science in India, I decided to broaden my horizons by moving to Europe. There, I pursued and completed my master’s degree in automotive embedded systems at École Supérieure d'Ingénieurs en Génie Électrique (ESIGELEC) in France. This journey has shaped my educational background and sparked my interest in technology and engineering.

Veena Parthan: Did you always plan to move to Europe for higher studies after completing your undergraduate degree?

Judy Susan Jose: I’ve always been eager to step beyond my comfort zone and embrace new experiences. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I began exploring opportunities to study abroad and discovered the master’s program offered by ESIGELEC in France. During this program, I had the privilege of interning at Continental AG in Germany, where I worked on IoT and digital innovation projects, gaining hands-on experience with various tools and technologies. This internship marked my first professional experience overseas and opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me.

Veena Parthan: Fascinating! And what led you to your current role?

Judy Susan Jose: After completing my internship, I returned to France to finish my studies, and shortly after, I secured a job in Belgium. I joined NUMECA, now part of Cadence, in May 2021. My first role was as a release management engineer, where I facilitated smooth software releases and acted as a bridge between developers, support teams, and clients. I recently transitioned to a lead configuration management engineer role.

Judy at her work desk

Veena Parthan: Congratulations on the new role! What does your day-to-day work look like in your current role?

Judy Susan Jose: Thank you! It’s a complex yet exciting role. With the help of my team, I manage Jenkins scripts and pipelines to ensure seamless product delivery to our customers. My core expertise lies in integrating and managing the licensing systems within our software.

Veena Parthan: Does your role necessitate knowledge of CFD?

Judy Susan Jose: Not directly, although I interact with CFD-related products often. My background in computer science was key to securing this role, but understanding basic simulations and meshing concepts has been vital for collaborating effectively within the team.

Veena Parthan: That’s an inspiring career path!

Judy Susan Jose: Yes, my career path wasn’t pre-planned, but it has been highly rewarding. I think a mix of computer science and automotive expertise opened doors for me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

Veena Parthan: How do you find working at Cadence and living in Belgium?

Judy Susan Jose: It’s been great overall! I enjoy balancing work with hobbies like yoga, walking, and even shopping—I’m a bit of a shopaholic! (laughs) Living in Belgium has also been a pleasant surprise. The people here are incredibly welcoming, and English is widely spoken, which made settling in easier.

Being able to connect with professionals from diverse parts of the world is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. For example, attending the Cadence Voices EMEA conference in Munich allowed me to network with colleagues from across EMEA and industry experts.

Judy at the Cadence Voices EMEA Conference

Veena Parthan: How have you observed the representation of people evolving in technical fields throughout your career?

Judy Susan Jose: I have had a variety of experiences. During my undergraduate years in Kerala, India, certain fields, such as computer science, had a more even representation compared to others, like mechanical engineering. In my current team, however, we still have some progress to make in this regard. Nonetheless, I see the industry gradually moving toward a broader mix, even though we continue to face challenges with retaining talent.

Veena Parthan: That’s an interesting observation. What do you think could help improve broader representation?

Judy Susan Jose: Providing guidance and fostering a supportive workplace can significantly impact individuals' experiences. Cultivating a sense of belonging and challenging conventional stereotypes are essential steps toward creating a more welcoming environment.

Veena Parthan: Well said. Thank you for sharing your experiences, Judy. It’s inspiring to hear about your career path and your insights into the industry!

Judy Susan Jose: Thank you, Veena! It was great to talk and reflect on my journey. I hope it resonates with readers considering a career in engineering or computational fields.

Read our previous Professionals in CFD blogs here