A conversation with IET Member and AI Infrastructure Architect at Google, Raj Thaker
Q1. Can you tell us about your career journey so far, and what first drew you towards AI and infrastructure engineering?
For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by the "invisible plumbing" of our world - the complex, often unseen systems that keep everything running. My journey into engineering was born from that curiosity. I was drawn to AI infrastructure because it focuses on how complex systems work together. In simple terms, it’s about making sure different technologies can communicate, share data and operate seamlessly, so that some of the world’s most advanced AI models can scale safely and reliably across a global ecosystem.
Q2. What have been some of the key highlights or milestones in your career to date, and what do these recognitions mean to you professionally?
One of the most defining milestones of my career happened a decade ago at the University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technologies. It was here that I served as a key contributor to the SuperGLU framework, and seeing that research move from the lab to being adopted as a national standard by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory was a huge professional milestone for me. It taught me a lesson that I still carry today: technical excellence only really matters when it helps different systems work together effectively.
Raj Thaker
Q3. How has your involvement with professional bodies such as the IET influenced your approach to technical leadership, ethics, or career development?
My involvement with the IET has been my compass in what can be a fast-changing and demanding field. As I go through the IET Fellowship (FIET) assessment process, I’ve spent time reflecting on the emphasis placed on individual responsibility. It has deeply influenced my approach to leadership, reminding me that technical growth and ethical responsibility should always sit side by side.
Q4. What advice would you give to other engineers who are looking to grow their careers, pursue professional recognition, or contribute to the wider engineering community?
For engineers looking to grow, my advice is simple: grow by giving back. I have found immense value in supporting the work of others, whether that’s evaluating global innovations for the Globee® Awards for Artificial Intelligence or mentoring the next generation of engineers at student hackathons. Pursuing recognition through bodies such as the IET isn't just about a title; it’s about committing to high standards that help move our profession forward. As engineers, we help shape what comes next, and that’s a responsibility I take seriously.
A huge thank you to Raj for speaking with us about his career. If you’re interested in sharing your story, please get in touch at membernews@theiet.org