6th February 2025 - Building a Career at HORIBA MIRA
Building a Career at HORIBA MIRA: Nikhil Suchak’s Graduate Journey
Starting a career in a dynamic and ever-evolving field like the automotive industry can be a daunting yet rewarding challenge. For Nikhil Suchak, Vehicle Resilience Engineer and Development Team Lead, HORIBA MIRA’s graduate scheme proved to be the ideal start for his professional journey. Here, Nikhil shares his experiences and insights, offering a glimpse into what it’s like to work at HORIBA MIRA.
A Diverse and Comprehensive Start
When Nikhil graduated with a Master’s Degree in Engineering Physics, his focus wasn’t initially on the automotive industry. However, a passion for cars and a desire to work at a company with cutting-edge technology led him to apply for a graduate role at HORIBA MIRA.
“The graduate scheme allowed me to rotate across multiple departments, which really helped me to learn where I wanted to go in the future.” Nikhil explains. “From working with the Connected Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) team to exploring engine emissions and vehicle resilience, I gained hands-on experience across various aspects of the industry.”
These rotations were pivotal in shaping Nikhil’s career path. His exposure to diverse fields within the company ultimately led him to a permanent role in the Vehicle Resilience (VRES) department, where he now specialises in automotive cybersecurity.
Thriving in a Rapidly Evolving Industry
“The pace of change in the automotive sector is incredible,” Nikhil notes. “Since I joined in 2019, the industry has seen significant advancements in electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and autonomous driving technologies.”
For Nikhil, this dynamic environment keeps every day exciting. “The variety of projects and the opportunity to solve meaningful challenges ensure that no two days are the same. It’s rewarding to see the real-world impact of the work we do, making journeys safer, cleaner, and smarter on a global scale.”
Support and Growth at HORIBA MIRA
One of the standout aspects of HORIBA MIRA’s graduate scheme, according to Nikhil, is the culture of inclusivity and mentorship.
“The people here are fantastic,” he says. “From colleagues to mentors, everyone is approachable and willing to support your development. Now, as a team lead, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring new graduates and apprentices, helping them grow into their roles. Watching their development is just as rewarding as the technical challenges I tackle.”
In addition to his role, Nikhil actively supports Graduate and Apprentice Assessment Centres and mentors graduates and apprentices through the MIRA Graduate Network, which he co-founded and co-leads. He is also committed to engaging with the wider community, regularly supporting STEM events such as TeenTech, Speed Networking, and Cyber Pathways.
With the support of HORIBA MIRA, Nikhil’s dedication to continuous development has led to several key milestones in his career. In 2023, he achieved Chartered Engineer status after completing the four-year Monitored Professional Development Scheme with the IMechE. Additionally, in November 2024, he completed a Level 3 Diploma in Leadership and Management, achieving a Distinction and gaining “fCMgr” status. Nikhil has also undertaken a year-long secondment in Project Management, where he was selected due to his complementary skill set and willingness to support different areas of the business.
Advice for Aspiring Graduates
For those considering applying for HORIBA MIRA’s graduate placements, Nikhil has clear advice: “Go for it! The programme offers unmatched opportunities to gain deep and varied industry experience. Take the time to do your research into what the company does and where it is heading in the future. Whether through reading, participating in STEM events, or building practical skills, proactive preparation can make all the difference.”
Nikhil also emphasises the importance of looking for opportunities to develop and saying ‘yes’ to any that come your way, even if it may not feel directly relevant to your career aspirations in the moment – you never know what you will enjoy doing.
A Meaningful Career Path
Reflecting on his journey, Nikhil attributes much of his success to the foundation laid by HORIBA MIRA’s graduate scheme. From his initial rotations to his current leadership role as a VRES Development Team Lead, he continues to grow both personally and professionally.
“The work we do here has a purpose,” Nikhil says. “It’s fulfilling to know that we’re driving progress in the industry while also creating safer and more sustainable solutions for society.”
Interested in joining HORIBA MIRA’s graduate programme? Explore our latest opportunities and take the first step towards a career in the automotive industry: https://careers.horiba-mira.com/key-teams/graduates
