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Throughout history, many individuals have been considered trailblazers and change-makers in their respective fields, bringing innovation and improvements whenever needed. One such individual is Kaushal Saraf, a Lead Engineer at Atomus. Saraf is known for his exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to use engineering to make a difference in the world. With a master’s degree in computer science and a background in small businesses, Saraf is a unique and accomplished individual in the field of engineering. He understands how to use his skills to simplify and improve business processes for companies of all sizes. His passion for problem-solving and dedication to finding solutions that make life easier and simpler for small business owners sets him apart from his peers. Saraf’s experience and education make him an expert in his field. His ability to provide valuable solutions to real-world problems has earned him recognition and respect from those in the industry.
Saraf’s passion for problem-solving began in junior high when he built a desktop application for a local pharmacy that improved the store’s billing process and disrupted the hours spent by patients waiting in distress. It clicked, technology was the tool. When college hit, he and some friends invented a popular mobile app called EventBuzz that listed hundreds of student club activities in one place, registering and building a student audience of over 5k students across 28 colleges. During that time, he also built and architected a web platform for payment and registration for over 15k participants, a scalable solution leading to removal of the previous manual and error-prone process.
Saraf’s notable career highlights are a testament to his hard work and dedication to problem-solving. He has achieved several significant accomplishments that set him apart in engineering. One of his proudest moments was winning a nation-wide competition out of 225 startups building innovative products and platforms, which further solidified his reputation as a successful entrepreneur. Furthermore, he was selected as one of the Eight engineers of 2020 at the prestigious Viterbi School of Engineering which made him stand out among thousands of engineers. This recognition speaks to the high level of skill and expertise he brings to his work. He was also featured in the 20 in their 20s LA Business Journal, highlighting young professionals making an impact in their respective fields. Lastly, Saraf was awarded a contract by the United States Air Force worth $750K as Key Technical Personnel, demonstrating his ability to provide valuable solutions to real-world problems and his reputation as a leading expert in his field.
Despite his many successes, Saraf has also faced challenges in his career. It was a challenge when an existing legacy infrastructure limitation forced the team at Atomus to rethink the basics and first principles of how digital assets interact securely. This was an opportunity in disguise for Saraf as this was the chance to build something that not only moves the needle on engineering and innovation, but creates immediate direct impact across small businesses by providing them accessible industry-standard cybersecurity and bringing Atomus’ product and platform to life.
Saraf’s wisdom for others is to have the right mindset. For example, he believes that if one is passionate about a problem, one should not give up on finding a solution. He also stresses the importance of being open-minded and willing to learn from others, as well as the importance of perseverance and determination.”I like to think of engineering/computer science/my degrees/my studies as my sharpest arsenal of tools to solve problems I see around me. Being able to make lives easier meaningfully wins hearts, but puts innovation and engineering in a place of use rather than being buzzwords.” Saraf said.
Saraf’s story is one of determination and problem-solving, and his experience and success in the field of engineering can serve as an inspiration to others. He has a unique background in small businesses and a passion for making lives more accessible and straightforward, which sets him apart from others in his field. His wisdom and lessons can be valuable for anyone looking to pursue a career in engineering or to overcome challenges in their own life or career.
