No Two Days Are Ever the Same: A Day in the Life of a Lead Software Engineer at UKG

Diksha D. is a Lead Software Engineer at UKG, where she has made significant strides in her career over the past couple years. As she reflects on her experiences, she shares insights into her role, the projects she is proud of, and the valuable lessons learned along the way — all of which provide a glimpse into our Engineering, Product, Innovation, and Cloud (EPIC) division.

Tell us about your career journey at UKG?

My job title is Lead Software Engineer, and I’ve been fortunate to be part of UKG for nearly two and a half years. The journey has been incredibly rewarding, filled with learning opportunities and a chance to contribute meaningfully to impactful projects.

With more than seven years of experience in the software engineering field, I joined UKG eager to further refine my technical skills and contribute to innovative projects. At UKG, I’ve had the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.

Over time, I’ve taken on increasingly complex responsibilities — ranging from designing and implementing features to optimizing systems and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. As a U Krewer, I see myself constantly evolving into a better version of the engineer I was yesterday, and I’m excited to continue growing with the company. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities, which keeps me motivated and passionate about the work I do.

Describe a typical day in your role.

No two days are ever the same in my role, which keeps things both exciting and challenging. My day typically involves working on complex technical tasks that require deep problem-solving and innovative thinking. I enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from delivering high-quality solutions.

While some days are more straightforward, others may present unique challenges, but I always prioritize connecting with my colleagues. These interactions help me better understand their challenges and foster a collaborative, supportive environment. Ultimately, I strive to end each day feeling fulfilled — knowing I’ve contributed to the success of both my team and the broader organization.

What problems are you solving?

As a software engineer, my primary focus is to provide effective and innovative technical solutions. Currently, I’m working on a critical project aimed at decommissioning an existing on-premises database and replacing it with a cloud-based solution. This transition is designed to drive significant cost savings. Throughout this project, we’re leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as GCP Composer, Dataproc, and Spark batch processing systems.

One of the key challenges we face is ensuring a seamless migration with zero downtime for our customers. It’s a complex task, but with the talented team I’m working alongside, I’m confident that we will successfully meet our goals and deliver a solution that provides immense value to the company and our clients.

What have you already built, and what’s next?

As a software engineer within the Data Platform team, I’ve had the opportunity to work on various projects. One of my favorite projects allowed me to dive into many technical challenges, such as live and offline data migration, process orchestration, and handling live production deployments. I also had the privilege of collaborating with colleagues across different platforms and domains, which not only enriched my technical skills but also made the experience more fulfilling on a personal level. I built lasting relationships with many talented individuals, learning from their expertise along the way. Looking ahead, I’m excited to tackle even more complex challenges and continue building scalable and efficient solutions that drive innovation within our team.

What is your favorite part of your job?

While the daily challenges and the inevitable pressure of tackling new problems never truly go away, what keeps me motivated is the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes from delivering world-class, high-quality solutions. This feeling of success drives me to constantly strive for excellence and to refine my skills as an engineer. With every project, I become a better version of myself, and it’s this continuous learning and growth that makes my work incredibly rewarding.

What project are you most proud of working on?

The project I’m most proud of working on at UKG was a highly impactful initiative that involved tackling complex challenges, such as live and offline data migration, process orchestration, and managing live production deployments. The technical intricacies of the project were both challenging and rewarding, but what truly made it stand out was the opportunity to collaborate with such a talented group of colleagues across various platforms and domains. 

Not only did I gain valuable technical knowledge, but I also built meaningful relationships that continue to enrich my work. The project’s success is something I look back on with pride, as it showcased both the technical depth and teamwork that drive innovation at UKG.

What three skills are essential to your role at UKG?

As a Lead Software Engineer at UKG, there are three key skills that really help me thrive in my role: technical expertise, collaboration, and problem-solving. 

Having a strong foundation in software architecture and cloud technologies allows me to design and improve solutions that make a real impact. Collaboration is also essential, as I work closely with my team and colleagues across different areas to bring ideas to life. And of course, problem-solving is something I do every day — whether it's tackling a technical challenge or finding new ways to improve our systems. These skills come together to make my job rewarding and help me contribute to UKG’s continued success.

How has UKG helped you develop as an employee?

UKG has played a pivotal role in my professional development by offering a supportive and dynamic environment where continuous learning is encouraged. Through access to cutting-edge technologies, challenging projects, and cross-functional collaborations, I’ve been able to broaden my skill set and take on more complex responsibilities. UKG’s commitment to personal and professional growth has empowered me to push boundaries, innovate, and continuously strive to be a better engineer.

How easy is it to gain access to managers and leadership?

Gaining access to managers and leadership at UKG is incredibly easy. They are always approachable, attentive, and genuinely invested in providing the right guidance. Whether it’s for brainstorming new ideas, addressing challenges, or seeking career advice, leadership is always open to having conversations and offering valuable insights. I feel empowered to share my thoughts and seek direction when needed. It truly fosters a culture of growth and open communication.

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