Professional routes in the tech sector are as varied and dynamic as the technologies themselves, given how quickly the industry is changing. The journey of Ankur Mahida, from a dedicated Java Developer to a leading Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) in the banking sector, is a testament to this fluidity. His story is one of continuous learning, adaptation, and relentless pursuit of excellence, navigating through various roles that have shaped his expertise. This narrative explores significant milestones in his career, highlighting the skills, experiences, and contributions that have defined his path and led him to his current role.
Ankur Mahida’s professional journey is rooted in a solid academic foundation. His academic pursuits began in Vadodara, India, where he graduated with a perfect GPA of 4.00 from Babaria Institute of Technology in 2011, earning a Bachelor of Engineering degree. Building on this, he specialized in VLSI and embedded systems, achieving another perfect GPA at the Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Pune, India. To gain international exposure, he pursued a Master of Computer Science from the New York Institute of Technology, graduating in 2017 with a GPA of 3.74. These academic achievements provided him with a comprehensive understanding of engineering and computer science, equipping him with the skills needed for the tech industry.
Mahida began his professional journey in January 2019 as a Java Developer at Barclays, NJ, USA. In order to ensure the stability and effectiveness of Barclays’ financial systems, he created and managed Java-based apps in this capacity. His responsibilities included designing, coding, testing, and debugging software applications, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to deliver effortless and reliable solutions. His problem-solving abilities and deep understanding of software development principles quickly made him a valuable asset to his team, earning his recognition within the organization.
In August 2020, Ankur was promoted to the position of Subject Matter Expert (SME) due to his potential and dedication. As an SME, he provided technical guidance and support, focusing on enhancing system reliability and performance. He played a crucial role in optimizing application performance, identifying and resolving bottlenecks, and implementing best practices for scalability and solidity. His proactive approach to security, collaborating with the security team to implement robust measures, further displayed his contributions to Barclays’ financial systems.
In September 2023, Ankur transitioned to the role of a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE). His background in development, system optimization, and performance engineering provided a strong foundation for this role. As an SRE, his primary focus shifted to ensuring system availability, performance, and reliability at an enterprise level. He set up comprehensive monitoring systems, defined key performance indicators, and implemented proactive measures to ensure seamless operations. By integrating SRE principles with advanced observability techniques, he created a comprehensive framework that provided end-to-end visibility into the system, reducing mean time to resolution and improving overall system reliability.
Throughout Mahida’s career, innovation and leadership have been essential. At Barclays, he oversaw multiple projects that combined security measures and SRE principles, significantly enhancing system security and reliability. His expertise in advanced observability techniques and proactive incident management set new benchmarks in the industry. Ankur’s role also involved mentoring junior developers, building a culture of continuous learning and improvement, and promoting a culture of innovation within the organization.
Apart from his career accomplishments, Ankur has authored multiple highly acclaimed papers in reputable journals. His research focuses on advanced observability techniques, enhanced site reliability, and cybersecurity in the financial technology sector. These publications have contributed to the academic community and influenced industry practices, establishing him as a thought leader in the field.
Ankur Mahida’s journey from being a developer to leading banking SRE is a remarkable narrative of growth, innovation, and leadership. His academic excellence, professional dedication, and continuous drive for improvement have made him a leading figure in the financial technology industry. His journey serves as an inspiring example for aspiring professionals in the tech and finance sectors, illustrating how passion, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence can lead to remarkable success and a lasting impact in their chosen field.