Nehal joined SciDev in February 2023 as an Electronics Engineer, bringing with him a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical experience. Nehal’s journey into engineering began in India, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical and Electronics Engineering from Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) University. Drawn by the opportunity to learn and explore further, he moved to Australia to complete a Master’s in Electronics Engineering at Macquarie University.  

Based out of our Western Sydney office, Nehal is now part of a growing team at the forefront of smart water treatment technologies and he’s helping to push the boundaries of what’s possible in this space. 

Adapting to the Rise of Smart Water Technologies 

As the water treatment industry evolves, so has Nehal’s role. Initially focused on electrical and control systems, he now works heavily with remote monitoring technologies, advanced sensors, telemetry systems, and data analytics. 

“Smart technologies are transforming how we monitor and manage water,” he notes. “My work now involves not just building systems but helping make sense of the data they generate to make processes more efficient.” 

Innovating in the Field: Smart Water Quality Monitoring in Regional Australia 

One standout project for Nehal has been the rollout of AquaIQ™ – a remote water quality monitoring system for a mining client in a regional Western Australia. The client needed a reliable, real-time data solution without constant site visits. 

Nehal was involved in designing the IoT-based monitoring system with a focus on the electronics and communications. After evaluating multiple low-power wide-area network options, the team selected a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) telemetry solution that provided the best performance for the remote environment. 

The AquaIQ™ system enabled continuous remote monitoring, delivered instant alerts for changes in water quality, and drastically reduced the need for travel to remote sites, saving both time and operational costs as well as making it safer all stakeholders involved.   

“There was definitely room for innovation in this project,” Nehal explains. “We weren’t just improving efficiency; we were helping the client respond faster, meet compliance requirements, and reduce environmental impact.” 

Fostering a Culture of Innovation 

Within SciDev, Nehal believes innovation starts with an open and inclusive mindset. He encourages colleagues to bring forward ideas. “When we’re faced with a problem, I encourage the team to think creatively and explore different solutions, even if it means trying something new.” he says. 

He stays current on developments in water treatment and frequently shares new insights with his team. Whether it’s participating in brainstorming sessions or exploring new sensor platforms, Nehal leads a culture where experimentation is encouraged, and progress is celebrated, no matter how big or small.  

Looking Ahead: Predictive Maintenance and Sustainable Solutions 

Looking ahead, Nehal is particularly interested in predictive maintenance, which involves using sensor data and Artificial Intelligence to anticipate equipment needs before failures occur. He sees enormous potential for SciDev to lead in this space, especially when it comes to building more sustainable and efficient water treatment systems. 

“My goal is to take on more challenging projects and contribute to SciDev’s reputation as a leader in innovative water treatment technologies” he says.  

Words of Advice for Aspiring Engineers 

For young aspiring engineers, Nehal offers some very practical advice: “stay curious and never stop learning. Engineering is a field that’s always changing, so you need to be committed to keeping your skills up to date. Find mentors who can offer guidance and build a strong network of colleagues. And most importantly, be passionate about using your skills to solve real-world problems. Engineering gives you the chance to make a real difference.” 

Beyond the Circuit Boards 

Outside of work, Nehal stays active, often hiking through national parks, playing football or badminton with friends, or unwinding with a good sci-fi novel. He’s also always ready to explore Sydney’s diverse culinary scene.  In both his personal and professional life, one thing is clear: Nehal is always exploring, always learning and always pushing for innovation!