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Rishabh Shanbhag’s career epitomizes the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the modern tech landscape. From his early career in India to his current leadership role at Walmart, Rishabh has continually pushed the envelope of innovation, excelling in Data Science, Software Engineering, and Data Engineering. In this exclusive interview, Rishabh opens up about his journey, the challenges he has faced, and the insights he has gained, providing a detailed and inspiring account of his professional evolution and the lessons he has learned along the way.
Q. Can you tell us about your current role at Walmart and the impact of your work there?
A: At Walmart, I serve as a Senior Machine Learning Engineer, where I lead the development of plugins for the GenAI Assistant, which is now deployed in seven countries and has over 10,000 weekly users. My work involves building and enhancing pipelines that have boosted performance by 20% and tripled the speed of processes, and designing and developing customer-centric APIs and microservices aimed at enhancing user engagement and satisfaction. One of my notable projects was developing a summarization microservice in just one sprint, which enhanced the functionality of our Confluence plugin which integrates multiple Generative AI features to enhance live internal documents. Additionally, mentor new hires and host learning sessions on a quarterly basis to educate data scientists and ML engineers on new and upcoming technologies in Engineering and Data Science for keeping them up to date and our services robust.
Q. What were some of the key challenges you faced when transitioning to your role at Walmart?
A: One of the main challenges was adapting to the scale and complexity of Walmart’s operations. Managing and optimizing workflows for such a large, multinational company requires a deep understanding of various systems and a strategic approach to problem-solving. Additionally, ensuring seamless integration and deployment of new technologies across different regions posed significant challenges. However, these challenges also presented opportunities to innovate and drive impactful change.
Q. How did your previous experience at AWS shape your skills and prepare you for your current role?
A: At AWS, I spearheaded the development of an AI console and managed tasks across a team, which honed my leadership and project management skills. Achieving a 90% reduction in FST traversal time and integrating CI-CD into infrastructure of service deployment pipelines were key accomplishments that showcased my ability to optimize processes and enhance system performance. Designing and implementing APIs for Lex V2’s FreeFormInput slot type further solidified my technical expertise and prepared me for the complex challenges at Walmart.
Q. Can you share a project from your time at Squark that you are particularly proud of?
A: At Squark, I optimized the Python codebase, reducing redundancy by 25% and significantly enhancing performance. I also advanced model interpretability research, focusing on SHAP, which provided deeper insights into our models’ decision-making processes. Automating AWS processes was another achievement that streamlined our operations and increased efficiency. These projects not only improved our systems but also reinforced my problem-solving skills and ability to drive meaningful change.
Q. How did your role at Alkermes contribute to your development as a data engineer?
A: At Alkermes, I was instrumental in migrating from EC2 to AWS Lambda for ETL processes, achieving an 80% cost reduction. Developing the L.I.F.T (Lab Instrument File Transformation) data pipeline was a significant project that assisted scientists in lab operations, showcasing my ability to translate complex data engineering tasks into practical solutions. Creating a web application with text search capabilities for assays further demonstrated my versatility and ability to work across different technologies and platforms.
Q. What inspired you to specialize in AI/ML, and how has your education supported this journey?
A: My passion for AI/ML was ignited during my undergraduate studies at the University of Mumbai, where I pursued a BE in Electronics & Telecommunications. The courses related to software engineering and data science particularly captured my interest and laid a strong foundation. The foundational knowledge I gained there was further enhanced by my MSc in Data Science from Northeastern University. These academic experiences equipped me with the technical skills and theoretical understanding necessary to excel in AI/ML. My education provided a strong foundation, but my real-world experiences have truly shaped my expertise and passion for this field.
Q. Can you describe a pivotal moment in your career that significantly impacted your professional growth?
A: A pivotal moment in my career was leading a high-priority project at Walmart that involved building pipelines to boost performance by 20% and achieving a threefold speedup. This project not only demonstrated my technical abilities but also highlighted the importance of teamwork, strategic planning, and effective communication. Successfully delivering this project under tight deadlines reinforced my confidence and underscored the impact of leveraging AI/ML to drive business solutions.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring professionals looking to enter the field of AI/ML?
A: My advice to aspiring AI/ML professionals is to focus on continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements in the field. Building a strong foundation in programming languages like Python, understanding cloud architectures, and gaining hands-on experience through projects are crucial. Additionally, cultivating a problem-solving mindset and being open to experimentation and failure will help you navigate the complexities of AI/ML and drive innovation.
Q. How do you balance technical expertise with leadership responsibilities in your role?
A: Balancing technical expertise with leadership responsibilities requires effective time management and prioritization. I ensure that I stay updated with the latest technical advancements while also dedicating time to mentoring my team and addressing their needs. Clear communication, setting realistic goals, and fostering a collaborative environment are key to managing both aspects effectively. By empowering my team and leading by example, I strive to create a productive and innovative work culture.
Q. What are your future aspirations in the field of AI/ML, and how do you plan to achieve them?
A: My future aspirations in AI/ML include driving more impactful projects that leverage cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems. I aim to continue advancing my expertise, particularly in areas like deep learning and natural language processing. By staying curious, seeking out challenging opportunities, and continuously learning, I plan to achieve these aspirations and contribute to the broader AI/ML community. My goal is to not only innovate but also inspire others to explore the potential of AI/ML.
Rishabh Shanbhag’s evolution from a software developer intern to a senior machine learning engineer showcases the profound impact of innovation, strategic leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His substantial achievements in healthcare, software engineering, data engineering, and AI/ML demonstrate his capacity to effect meaningful change and motivate others in the tech industry. As Rishabh continues to influence the future of technology, his journey stands as a source of inspiration, urging aspiring professionals to tackle challenges head-on, cultivate innovation, and strive for unparalleled excellence.
