Hina Gandhi’s Journey in Cloud and Data Engineering

Hina Gandhi’s career exemplifies the dynamic evolution of cloud technology and data engineering. With a foundation in Computer Science from Jaypee University of IT and a Master’s in Information Systems from Northeastern University, she has carved a niche in building scalable and efficient systems. Reflecting on her journey, Hina says, “I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can solve real-world problems. The shift from traditional systems to cloud-native solutions has been a significant milestone in my career.”

Her role at Cisco Systems has been a blend of innovation and problem-solving, particularly in transforming monolithic systems into cloud-based microservices. Speaking about her work in vulnerability management, she explains, “Modernizing legacy systems isn’t just about upgrading technology—it’s about understanding the core business needs these systems fulfill and ensuring that the transition is smooth and impactful.”

Hina’s tenure at VMware was another pivotal chapter. She engineered an OLAP cube data pipeline that achieved a tenfold improvement in processing speed and scalability. “That project was a breakthrough. It demonstrated how we can reimagine critical systems to meet the growing demands of cloud infrastructure,” she recalls. The project not only enhanced technical performance but also underscored her ability to align technical innovation with organizational goals.

A recurring theme in her career has been performance optimization. From working with Spark-based services to tuning system resources, Hina has consistently demonstrated her expertise. “Reducing processing times from days to seconds isn’t just about speed—it’s about unlocking new possibilities for what the system can achieve,” she shares. Her deep understanding of system architecture and resource allocation has led to transformative results in various projects.

Security has been another cornerstone of her work. Her contributions include developing a configurable CIS policy violation detection engine and creating Azure Reserved Instance recommendation systems. “Security is an integral part of any system. It’s not just about preventing risks but also about ensuring that the system performs efficiently under all conditions,” she emphasizes.

Hina’s technical expertise spans a diverse range of tools and platforms, including Kubernetes, AWS, Spark, and programming languages like Scala, Java, and Ruby. “Technology is always evolving, and I believe in continuously learning and adapting. Each tool in my arsenal represents a step towards more robust and efficient solutions,” she says.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. She has received several accolades, including VMware’s "Accelerate Our Best" and "Elevate Our Best" awards. “These recognitions are a reminder of the collaborative effort it takes to achieve great results. They fuel my passion for pushing boundaries in technology,” she reflects.

As a Senior Software Engineer at Cisco Systems, based in Jersey City, NJ, Hina continues to make her mark in cloud technologies, data processing, and system optimization. Summing up her philosophy, she says, “The technology landscape is ever-changing. Staying ahead requires not just technical skills but also the ability to align those skills with real-world needs. That’s what drives me.”

Through her journey, Hina Gandhi remains a beacon of excellence, showcasing how technical innovation and strategic thinking can transform industries.