Joining Sensat nearly four years ago, Nikita Krikun has experienced what feels like multiple careers within one company. In an industry where people often move on within a few years, Nikita’s journey from software engineer to senior software engineer shows how Sensat’s dynamic environment, trust-based culture, and opportunities for skill development have kept him engaged and growing. We sat down with Nikita to hear about his journey, his reflections on Sensat’s unique work environment, and what’s kept him passionate over the years.
What Drew You to Sensat?
Nikita joined Sensat after leaving a role in a highly regulated industry where progress could have been faster. “My previous company was a large, conservative one where everything moved at a snail’s pace,” he recalls. “I wanted a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and I felt that energy from my Sensat interviews. Everything was organised and quick, and the people seemed intelligent and genuinely welcoming.”
He also appreciated how Sensat handled his visa process, refunding his visa expenses without strings attached. “It was clear that they trusted me from the start. They even waited for a month for my visa approval. That level of support made a huge difference in my decision to join.”
How Did You Start at Sensat?
“When I joined Sensat, my focus was very much on front-end development,” Nikita explains. “The expectation for new joiners is to specialise in their area of expertise first. For me, this was front-end work, which aligned with my professional background and interests at the time.”
Over time, Nikita built a strong foundation in his area. “Starting with a clear focus allowed me to deeply understand my role and contribute meaningfully to the team. This gave me the confidence and skills to branch out and explore other areas eventually.”
What Opportunities Did You Discover Later?
As Nikita grew in his role, he began to take on more diverse challenges. “After building confidence and expertise in my primary area, I was able to step outside my comfort zone and try new things, like 3D visualisation,” he shares. “Sensat encourages engineers to grow over time, but the key is to first excel in your assigned area.”
This balance between specialisation and growth has become a defining feature of Nikita’s time at Sensat. “It’s not about doing everything all at once—mastering your role and expressing interest in other areas when ready.”
What’s Been a Memorable Challenge?
For Nikita, stepping outside his comfort zone was both challenging and rewarding. “I’ve primarily worked in front-end development, so moving into 3D visualisation was challenging. But Sensat’s environment is supportive—if you express an interest, you can explore it.”
This flexibility has fostered a continuous learning and growth culture among Sensat’s engineers. “Here, you’re not boxed in. Many engineers have switched focus between the back and frontend or moved into visualisation. You can work on what excites you if you’re proactive.”
What Makes Sensat’s Culture Unique for Engineers?
Nikita values the trust and autonomy Sensat provides. “There’s no micromanagement. You’re judged by your output, not your hours or location,” he says. “Leadership expects you to manage yourself and values results over time spent in the office. That level of trust is rare.”
Collaboration across departments also plays a big role. “Our managers keep us in sync with the customer success and sales teams, so we know customer needs and can adapt the platform accordingly. Sometimes, we even join calls directly to provide technical insight to clients.”
What Technologies Have You Been Excited to Work With?
The opportunity to build Sensat’s Horizon project from scratch has been a game-changer. “With Horizon, we’re free to use any technology that will make the platform the best. It’s exciting to start fresh and rethink our entire approach. Using the latest tools, like Angular’s Signals library, which few enterprise applications use, is a huge advantage for us.”
How Has Sensat Helped You Grow?
Nikita’s growth has been both technical and personal. “At Sensat, you’re encouraged to be product-oriented and understand the business’s goals, not just execute tasks. I’ve developed my soft skills by presenting ideas and influencing product decisions. That’s not something you typically get to do in a traditional engineering role.”
Looking Back: What Are You Most Proud Of?
Reflecting on his time here, Nikita feels proud to see Sensat’s impact on major construction projects. “I recently hiked near a construction site near my house and realised how many UK projects we’re involved with. Knowing that our work is helping these massive projects succeed is incredibly rewarding.”
What’s Next for You at Sensat?
Nikita’s future at Sensat is focused on helping bring the Horizon project to life. “This platform redesign will address so many long-standing issues and let us show our customers the full potential of our technology,” he says. He’s also looking forward to shifting his focus to backend development, aiming to continue growing his skillset in new areas.