Archana Gharpuray started her career at Hughesnet over 35 years ago as a software engineer. Today, she leads the software development teams for the Hughesnet JUPITER satellite ground systems. Her team of around 100 engineers collaborates with experts worldwide to create cutting-edge satellite ground technology.
What sparked your interest in a STEM Career? What training/education did you participate in to pursue this career path?
Growing up, I was the kid who always asked why. Why does this work? How can I make it better? That endless curiosity led me down a path I never expected but has shaped my life in amazing ways.
My journey into engineering began at home. My dad noticed my interest and encouraged me to explore communications engineering – a field not many girls chose at the time. But that only made me more determined. I wanted to understand the world and build something meaningful.
After high school, I enrolled in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Telecommunications. It was both exciting and challenging. There were times when I was buried in complex math or struggling with tough group projects. But through it all, my passion for creating solutions kept me going. There's a special kind of magic in seeing something you helped design actually work. That feeling never gets old.
What are some skills that you use day-to-day that people would be surprised you need to know?
Engineering is about way more than just equations. Every day, I use skills like communication, creativity, and teamwork. Whether I’m explaining technical ideas to non-engineers, writing detailed reports, or brainstorming new designs, I’ve learned that engineering is as much about people as it is about technology.
Creative problem-solving is at the heart of what we do. It's not just about getting the right answer - it’s about finding better answers, new ideas, and fresh perspectives. And almost nothing in engineering is done alone. Teamwork isn’t optional - it’s essential.
"You don’t need to have it all figured out - you just need to be curious and willing to learn."
What advice would you give to someone interested in turning their passion for STEM into a career?
If you’re someone who loves puzzles, questions, and building things - big or small - then engineering might be the perfect fit for you. My advice? Start exploring now. Build a simple circuit. Take something apart just to see how it works. Join a STEM club, try a free coding class online, or volunteer for a school tech project.
And here’s the most important thing: you don’t have to be perfect to pursue engineering. You just have to start. Mistakes, failures, and messy first tries are all part of the process. That’s where the real learning—and growth—happens.
