Recruitment
“Joining the rail industry in July 2022, Smital Dhake rapidly applied her Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) expertise and has solely made an enormous impact already in a highly professional manner. In just 14 months, Smital has established collaborative relationships, achieved IRSE competence and delivered safety related works in record time. Alongside helping to develop team members, attract the next generation of engineers and create a more inclusive working environment.
Alstom's first and currently only data scientist in UK signalling division, Smital joined the railway specifically to work on the innovative Modular Advanced Route Setting (M-ARS) System. The UK railway's first M-ARS system with machine learning techniques (reinforcement learning) are applied to use real-time data to predict future events to enable quicker decision-making to resolve conflicting train movements and thereby increasing the efficiency of the railway.
But with no previous rail industry knowledge, Smital had to undergo extensive as well as intensive knowledge transfer process in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the rail sector and signalling systems. Unphased, Smital embraced the opportunity. Studying, learning from, and collaborating with experienced colleagues, Smital quickly developed her railway and signalling knowledge, equal to that of someone with many more years’ experience and advanced in their career.
Rapidly gaining an in-depth understanding of the AI module, Smital was tasked with reviewing and analysing the M-ARS engine's machine learning algorithms using her expert data science techniques. This involved documenting the intellectual knowledge needed to apply M-ARS to the rail industry and tailoring it according to geographical area, during which she identified improvements to the design tools using AI and software automation.
Smital achieved these business-critical objectives in under six months, a task which would normally be expected to take up to three years.
In a generation where AI is integral to innovation, Smital’s railway systems knowledge coupled with her data science skill set is making a significant impact. Smital has contributed to production of numerous technical manuals which supports NR asset management and machine learning components of the ARS engine developed by Alstom.
The M-ARS system is currently undergoing Network Rail product approval and Smital is instrumental to the process. Once approved, M-ARS will be delivered on a number of high-profile projects including Ashford, Cambridge, East West Rail Phase 2 and Victoria Phase 5.
Alongside the M-ARS development and with just a few months experience, Smital also independently designed the Core Valley Lines and Glasgow Barrhead electrification project control systems application data, which have been successfully commissioned. Engaging and collaborating with the on-site and testing team, Smital spent time on site during the commissionings.
With a unique ability to balance learning and deliver safety related works, in the same period, Smital achieved her IRSE designer licence, another significant accomplishment as this usually takes a minimum of three years to attain.
“Well done on your efforts in getting both IRSE assessments (Designer License) completed successfully in very short time space. A truly remarkable effort.”
As the M-ARS team has grown – globally, Smital has stepped up to lead and upskill colleagues technically, sharing the intellectual and process-related knowledge she has gained.
“The team and I wanted express our sincere thanks for all the hard work you have put in to support others as well as successfully deliver your own critical project commitments in a timely manner. Your contribution is highly valued and truly appreciated."
A passionate STEM ambassador, Smital has already visited schools to talk to students and parents about STEM careers in rail and beyond.
Using her own experience, Smital restructured Alstom's STEM Engineering Work Experience programme to incorporate online as well as an in-person interactive experience. Leading the week-long programme, which was successfully delivered in July and attended by eight male and eight female school pupils, Smital also delivered practical sessions on AI, data science and the railway, which received great feedback.
“I really enjoyed my week at Alstom and learned so much, especially the AI and Data Science session has actually influenced what career I want to do.”
“Thank you so much for the work experience opportunity. I have really enjoyed my week at Alstom, and I hope to be able to return someday!”
“It was a very informative and enjoyable week, I got to learn a lot about engineering and different types of jobs within the company and what they do. Also, now that AI is being used in every industry, I learnt the working of AI and how it is being incorporated into the railway. This week has been very useful for me. Thank you.”
An Equality, Diversity and Inclusion champion, Smital is an active member of Alstom's Voices of Women (VoW) staff network. Smital is helping to raise awareness of female workplace challenges, champion greater access to opportunity, challenge the representation of women at senior levels and encourage learning, sharing of ideas, networking and celebrating success.
Working with her VoW colleagues and supply chain, Smital has campaigned for and facilitating the introduction of PPE in women's sizes and is one of the inspirational role models showcased on the Women @ Alstom Spotlight series launched by the staff network.“
“The railway can be a black art at times, and I have been impressed with how well Smital has dealt with the tsunami of information and concepts that she has been required to assimilate.
That ability to assimilate and apply unfamiliar information to a high standard is rare. To then have the strength of character to hold oneself accountable for one’s duties and learn from mistakes is rarer still.
These are some of the exceptional qualities that have led to Smital gaining a solid reputation as someone who can be counted on to deliver outstanding work consistently“
“Smital is a fast learner who always finds ways to seek knowledge and grow herself in an exponential manner. She regularly takes on much more complex tasks above her role and delivers them with full commitment and with a high level of accuracy. Her meticulous approach to problem-solving and critical thinking on design have made Smital an asset to Alstom and the wider railway industry where innovation and sustainability are key to growth.
Smital is also an enormous inspiration to young women who are thinking of pursuing a career in engineering or the STEM category. Smital has used her own time to visit numerous schools promoting careers in engineering and sustainability.“
“Smital has been an inspiration to the team since she joined through her positive attitude, quick grasp of the technical aspects of design, her interaction with other sections like the test and product teams and willingness to take on challenging tasks.
I am very proud that Smital is part of the Control Systems Design team.“
“I have been very impressed with Smital’s openness, commitment, and proactive nature. Her desire to identify process improvements opportunities is clearly evident and this will benefit both the business and her career.“
“As a new starter, Smital has made a huge impact in so many areas. She works hard and deserves this award.“
“The event was fab, and both myself and Isabelle thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!”
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