Arshad Ahmed Shaik: My Journey from Mechanical Engineering to Technical Writing and the Road Ahead with AI

Introduction

The transition from engineering design to technical communication is not a conventional career path, yet it can be an immensely rewarding one. My professional journey stands as an example of how curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning can redefine one’s career direction. With a foundation in mechanical engineering and six years of experience in technical writing, I have come to appreciate how vital this field is in bridging technology and communication — and how emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are poised to shape its future.

Beginning the Journey

After completing my degree in Mechanical Engineering, I initially set out to pursue a career in design engineering. During my job search, I had the opportunity to interview for a Design Engineer position at KONE Elevators. It was during this interview that I was introduced to a domain I had not encountered before — Technical Documentation.

My interviewer and future manager provided an overview of technical writing, illustration, animation, and documentation management. The conversation opened my eyes to an entirely new professional landscape, one that combined engineering knowledge with communication precision. Intrigued by this intersection of technology and writing, I decided to take on the opportunity and joined KONE Elevators as a Technical Writer.

Building Expertise

As a Junior Technical Writer, my early focus was on mastering the tools, processes, and standards involved in producing high-quality documentation. At that time, our team primarily worked with Arbortext Editor and Windchill, which formed the backbone of our content management and structured authoring practices. Later, as the organization evolved, we transitioned to Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) and Adobe Illustrator, allowing for enhanced collaboration and visual communication.

Over the years, I gained experience in both technical writing and illustration, contributing to numerous documentation projects. My work involved creating precise, user-friendly content that supported product installation, maintenance, and safety. With consistent learning and performance, I advanced to the position of Technical Writer, gaining a deeper understanding of the discipline’s standards and impact on product lifecycle management. Now I also support team by trouble shooting and providing solutions to the issues generated by AEM globally.

Global Exposure and Professional Growth

A significant milestone in my career came when I was given the opportunity to travel to China to acquire product knowledge of escalators. This experience provided hands-on exposure to the technical intricacies of escalator systems and strengthened collaboration with the China documentation team.

The visit not only deepened my understanding of the products but also enhanced crosscultural communication and professional relationships. Today, alongside my colleague Karuppu, I actively support the China documentation initiatives, ensuring that our documentation remains consistent, comprehensive, and aligned with global standards. These experiences have greatly contributed to my professional growth and broadened my global perspective.

Adapting to Change — The Shift Toward AI

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across industries, and technical communication is no exception. Recognizing the potential of AI in documentation and knowledge management, I chose to pursue a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence to better understand and contribute to this evolution.

I envision a future where AI-driven solutions enhance the efficiency and accessibility of technical documentation — through automated content generation, intelligent search mechanisms, predictive assistance, and adaptive learning systems. My goal is to leverage these technologies to improve how organizations create, manage, and deliver technical information, ensuring it remains relevant, dynamic, and user-centric.

Acknowledgment and Vision Forward

My professional growth has been strongly supported by my manager and the KONE leadership, whose guidance and encouragement have been instrumental throughout my journey. Their mentorship fostered both my technical and professional development, enabling me to explore new opportunities and challenges with confidence.

Looking ahead, my focus is on integrating AI capabilities into technical writing and documentation workflows, contributing to the advancement of this discipline within the broader technological landscape. I believe that the future of technical communication lies in the seamless collaboration between human expertise and artificial intelligence — creating smarter, more efficient, and more intuitive content for users worldwide.

Conclusion

From mechanical engineering to technical writing, and now toward the domain of AI, my career path reflects a journey of continuous learning and adaptation. Technical writing has not only provided me with a platform to apply my engineering knowledge but also given me a deeper appreciation for the role of communication in technology. As I continue to evolve professionally, I remain committed to advancing this field through innovation, collaboration, and the integration of emerging technologies.