Nikita Mishra, 32
Industry Application Engineer—NASCAR, Automotive and Battery Manufacturing Segment
ABB
“As with any career, the first step is unforgettable,” said Nikita when asked about her entrance into the industry. “I was privileged to begin mine in 2018 with ESS Metron in Denver, where I designed low and medium-voltage switchgear, switchboards, relay panels, and other custom control solutions.”
Nikita explained that, from an early age, electricity fascinated her more than any other subject. “I still remember a professor explaining the phenomenon of airplanes being struck by lightning and how their charge is safely grounded upon landing,” she said. “The science behind electrical charge and its interaction with objects stayed with me and sparked a curiosity that shaped my career path.”
As a new hire, what appealed to Nikita most was “the tangible impact of the work; designing electrical systems and solutions that directly enable communities, industries, and essential services to function reliably. I was especially drawn to the opportunities for innovation, as the industry continues to evolve with renewable integration, digitalization, and sustainable practices.”
Nikita noted that her Denver experience gave her valuable insight into the power distribution equipment landscape and the inner workings of a manufacturing environment. “In 2021, I was fortunate to join ABB as a product specialist/application engineer, focusing on protection and control solutions- specifically Relion relays and digital substation products,” she recalled. “By 2022, I advanced into the Field Application Engineering group, supporting the Midwest and Great Lakes regions.” In this role, Nikita served as a technical expert for MEP and EPC consulting engineers- providing design guidance, technical training, and project support across a wide range of sectors, including commercial, educational, residential, utility, industrial, water/wastewater, industrial, and aviation.
Nikita pursued her B.Tech in Electrical Engineering at VIT University, one of India’s top engineering institutions, where she focused on power systems during her early years. “While in school, I was selected for an internship with Tata Communications Limited, a well-known telecom giant in India, working in their Data Center Projects Division,” she explained. “There, I learned how to design entire data centers from the ground up, starting with only the server requirements. That hands-on exposure made it extremely clear that I wanted to dedicate my career to the power and energy industry, particularly as the world began moving toward sustainability and renewable integration.”
What about the industry continues to inspire Nikita today? “The challenge of addressing new demands on the grid and supporting customers through rapidly advancing technologies,” she said. “Every project is unique, and I am passionate about contributing to a legacy of reliable and sustainable electrical distribution system.”
Asked about a challenge the industry is currently facing, Nikita pointed to developing a solution for meeting the increasing demands while maintaining and strengthening the key pillars of all electrical design: Safety, sustainability, reliability and future expansion.
“As electrification accelerates across sectors like transportation, manufacturing, and infrastructure, the pressure to innovate without compromising these principles is immense,” she explained. “As a field application engineer supporting the electrification segment, I’m at the intersection of high-performance demands and cutting-edge electrical design. I help translating complex electrical requirements into practical, scalable solutions that align with evolving industry standards; promoting safety-first designs, especially in critical environments like hospitals, data centers and aviation, where electrical systems must perform flawlessly; driving sustainability by integrating energy-efficient components and advocating for design principles that help with this cause; and planning for future expansion by designing modular, adaptable systems that can evolve with emerging technologies like EV platforms, digital autonomous systems, and smart infrastructure. By collaborating closely with MEPs/EPCs engineers, and end-users, I help bridge the gap between innovation and application, ensuring that the solutions we develop today are not only high-performing but also future-ready.”
Nikita was promoted into her current role in August 2025. “I’m thrilled to begin an exciting new chapter as an industry application engineer for NASCAR and the Automotive Segment at ABB,” she said. “This role allows me to contribute to the development of reliable, sustainable, and high-performance electrical solutions that drive innovation in motorsports and the broader automotive industry.”
What would Nikita tell someone just entering the industry? “It’s an incredibly exciting time to be part of this industry,” she said. “With rapid technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainably meeting rising power demands, the path ahead is filled with opportunities to innovate, lead, and contribute to a lasting legacy.”
When she’s not at work, Nikita loves spending time with her family and friends and is passionate about dancing, reading, practicing yoga, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. “Every weekend, I grab my puppy and head out for impromptu hikes, soaking in the beauty of nature,” she added. “I also volunteer for community events when I can; mentor young girls interested in science and technology; and recently started a book club in Denver, which is an exciting venture.”
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Each year tED magazine recognizes 30 of the industry’s best and brightest under the age of 35. Please visit tEDmag.com/30Under35 for nomination information and updates about the 2026 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
Tagged with 2025 30 Under 35, 30 under 35, people
Amazing. Congratulations!!