Success is a journey , It’s not a destination

Abhijit's Blog

Transforming Engineers to Technology Leaders

About Me

Hi, I’m Abhijit Jana — a technologist with over 18 years of experience contributing to business growth through software engineering leadership, AI & GenAI innovation, automation and enterprise architecture.

I’ve had the privilege of building and guiding future-ready technology organizations that deliver with speed, reliability, and real-world impact. Working at the intersection of deep tech and business strategy, I enjoy solving complex business challenges and turning them into scalable, outcome-driven technology solutions—across Enterprise UX, cloud platforms, intelligent automation, AI platform and data-led transformation.

Currently, I serve as the Senior Director of Engineering & Robotics at West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc here I lead the convergence of software engineering, AI/ML, and robotics R&D to architect intelligent automation systems—powering scalable digital platforms, real-time enterprise AI solutions and advanced manufacturing ecosystems.

🧠 My Core Belief

Technology, when thoughtfully applied, can solve real-world problems at scale. My work focuses on bringing that vision to life—by bridging deep technical systems with human-centric solutions, and leading with clarity, collaboration, and purpose.

💼 Career Journey in Tech & Leadership

🚀 At West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc

Since joining West in 2018, as Director of Technology, I’ve led the transformation of core technology capabilities by:

  • Built and manage a global engineering team of 250+, driving enterprise solutions across cloud platforms, software product development, and core platform engineering
  • Architected and delivered cloud-native platforms with full-stack development, security, and scalability.
  • Established a dedicated Robotics and Automation R&D unit from the ground up
  • Driving initiatives across Computer Vision, AI/ML, Edge Computing, and Intelligent Automation
  • Spearheaded digital transformation and AI/ML integration across the enterprise—aligning product vision with execution
  • Led the end-to-end setup of the West Global Technology Center, overseeing facility selection, bidding, fit-out execution, and a seamless team transition

Recognized as a Distinguished Scientist, Technologist, and Engineer (DSTE), I worked closely with the Office of the CTO to align strategic vision with engineering execution. My team and I focus on taking bold ideas from concept to production—turning innovations into real-world systems.

🧱 At Microsoft

Before West, I spent nearly 9 years at Microsoft, where I held diverse roles in development, consulting, delivery, and pre-sales. I worked as a frontrunnering of several emerging tech such as:

  • Delivered enterprise-scale technology solutions across Azure, IoT, UWP/ Xamarin / Mobility , and cross-platform app ecosystems, combining deep technical execution with customer impact.
  • Built and led delivery teams for Azure App Management, cloud modernization, and scalable service delivery
  • Delivered high-impact solutions in Custom Line of Business Solution, AI, IoT, and Connected Systems, with multiple Top Box CSAT recognitions
  • Incubated emerging tech initiatives (e.g., HoloLens, Chatbots, Kinect) and drove early adoption
  • Recognized as a Worldwide SME, internal community leader, and recipient of Microsoft’s GPGP and NIJAM Award for technical excellence and client success

I incubated teams, delivered enterprise-scale cloud solutions, and led the development of high-impact projects that were featured in official Microsoft case studies. I was a recognized SME and community leader, known for innovation and engineering excellence.

🛠️ Early Career & Foundations

Before joining Microsoft, I worked at Sapient Corporation and began my career as a campus hire at HCL Technologies Ltd, where I laid the foundation for my journey in software engineering and enterprise technology. These early experiences shaped my approach to engineering excellence, delivery, and cross-functional collaboration—principles I continue to carry throughout my journey.

💻 Technical Strengths

I’m deeply hands-on and stay close to the code, systems, and architecture. My expertise spans:

  • Software Engineering Leadership – System design, platform design, full-stack engineering, DevOps
  • Cloud Platforms – Azure, cloud-native systems, cloud architecture scalability, observability
  • AI & GenAI – AI/ML in Enterprise, computer vision, NLP, and GenAI-based custom solutions,
  • Robotics & Automation Systems – Manufacturing automation using robotics, vision, and control systems
  • Enterprise Architecture – Scalable architecture patterns, modernization strategies, API-first design, Enterprise AI Architecture
  • Innovation Execution – From prototype to production across R&D, platform teams, and business units
  • GTM Strategy – From zero-to-one product thinking to production deployment and lifecycle scaling

Alongside my technical background, I’ve been fortunate to develop leadership strengths that support effective team building, strategic execution, and collaborative growth—aligned with the evolving role of today’s technology leaders.

🧭 Leadership Strengths

  • Proven track record in building and scaling high-performing engineering and R&D teams
  • Strong expertise in technology strategy, product roadmap execution, and enterprise transformation
  • Hands-on experience in vendor and partner management, contract negotiations, and collaboration frameworks
  • Trusted advisor to the C-suite and executive leadership, aligning technology with business goals
  • Skilled in managing multi-million-dollar portfolios, delivering outcomes with speed and precision
  • Deep experience in driving agile adoption, engineering excellence, and DevOps culture
  • Led M&A technology integration, digital capability incubation, and innovation pipelines
  • Advocate for security, scalability, and compliance in regulated enterprise environments
  • Proven success in hiring management, including campus hiring, talent strategy, retention, and career path planning to build strong, motivated teams
  • Experienced in fostering a culture of innovation, ownership, and continuous improvement

🎤 Author • Speaker • Mentor

I’m passionate about sharing knowledge and mentoring the next generation of engineers and leaders. Over the years, I’ve:

  • Spoken at premier Microsoft conferences like TechED, TechReady, Azure Camps, DevDays, Web Camps, also presenter seminar across different IIT’s. Refer here for all my speacking engagement
  • Authored books like:
  • Built Daily .NET Tips – a community site focused on real-world developer productivity
  • Been honored with multiple MVP (Most Valuable Professional) awards (Microsoft & CodeProject), and recognized for thought leadership in developer communities
  • Professionally mentored over 150+ engineers globally through structured 1:1 mentoring programs, focusing on career growth, technical excellence, and leadership development

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

I’m grateful to have received several honors for my contributions over the years, including:

  • Best Engineering Champion Leader of the Year – DevOps 2.0 Confex 2025
  • Distinguished Scientist, Technologist, Engineer (DSTE) – West, Year 2023
  • By Your Side Awards – West, Year 2022
  • Scientist, Technologist, Engineer (STE) Awards – West, Year 2022
  • William S. West Excellence Award, Year 2021
  • By Your Side Awards – West, Year 2021
  • Best Mentor – Microsoft, Year 2018
  • Director Special Appreciation – Microsoft, Year 2016
  • Best Development Lead – Microsoft, Year 2015
  • GPGP (Great People Great Performance) – Microsoft, Year 2014
  • Director Special Team Award – Microsoft, Year 2014
  • Best Consultant – Microsoft, Year 2013
  • Star Award – Microsoft, Year 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
  • Spot Award – Microsoft, Year 2011
  • Outstanding Community Contributor – Microsoft, Year 2012, 2013
  • Nijam Award – Emirates Airline, Year 2013
  • “BRAVO” Award – HCL Technologies Ltd, Year 2007, 2008
  • “Silver Club Member” By HCL Technologies Ltd on Sept 2008
  • “Gold Club Member” By HCL Technologies on June 2009
  • Prize winner “Best ASP.NET article of March 2011”
  • Best Blogger of the Year 2010 – KolkataNET
  • Visual Studio 2010 Extension Development Contest Winner
  • Code Project MVP for 2011
  • Code Project MVP for 2010
  • Code Project MVP for 2009
  • Microsoft MVP – ASP/ASP.NET
  • Prize winner “Best ASP.NET article of Sept 2009”
  • Prize winner “Best ASP.NET article of July 2009”
  • Prize winner “Best ASP.NET article of June 2009”
  • Prize winner “Best ASP.NET article of January 2009”
  • Prize winner “Best ASP.NET article of October 2008”
  • Prize winner “Best ASP.NET article of November 2008”

🎓Education & Qualifications

  • Executive Program in Sr. Leadership – IIM-Lucknow
  • MCA [ Master in Computer Application] – From Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata, India
  • BCA (Hons) [ Bachelor Of Computer Application ] – From The University of Burdwan, WB, India

👨‍👩‍👧 Personal

I’m originally from Kolkata, and currently based in Bangalore, India, where I live with my wife Ananya and our daughter Nilova. During my time at Microsoft, I spent several enriching years in Hyderabad, which became a key chapter in my professional and personal growth.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to travel across the globe, collaborate with diverse teams, and engage with technology leaders across cultures and industries—experiences that have deeply shaped my worldview and approach to leadership.

Outside of work, I enjoy writing, mentoring, and exploring the intersections between technology, simplicity, and lifelong learning.

🙌 Let’s Connect

If you’re passionate about building transformative technology, scaling high-impact teams, or simply love talking software, AI, or robotics—I’d love to connect.

Disclaimer : The opinions expressed here are my personal and do not represent my employer’s view in any way.