Some careers are built through carefully planned decisions. Others evolve through unexpected opportunities. For Ajay Yadav and Rucha Pujari, it has been a bit of both. Today, the husband-and-wife duo work as engineers at Quest Global in Japan, collaborating closely with leading automotive OEMs and building careers that combine engineering expertise with Japanese-language skills.
While their paths to becoming bilingual engineers began differently, they’ve both found that the language has opened the door to much more than communication.
In this conversation, Ajay and Rucha share how their paths led them to Japan, what they’ve learned from working closely with customers, and why this career has been one of the most rewarding parts of their professional journey.
You both work as engineers in Japan today, but your journeys started very differently. Tell us how you got here.
Ajay: I joined Quest Global in late 2022 and moved to Japan soon after. But my journey with the Japanese language started much earlier, while I was still in college.
I learned the language alongside my engineering studies because I wanted to work with the Japanese automotive industry. My career began as a translator, working closely with engineers and senior leaders during technical discussions. That experience helped me understand how problems are approached, how decisions are made, and eventually gave me the confidence to transition into engineering.
Today, I work as a Lead Engineer, where my role combines technical expertise with customer communication.
Rucha: My path was a little different. Before joining Quest Global, I worked with a Japanese automotive OEM from India. After joining Quest Global around four and a half years ago, I had the opportunity to move to Japan.
While my role continued to be in engineering, working onsite completely changed my perspective. I realised that understanding the language would help me better understand my customers: their expectations, their way of working and the context behind their requirements. That motivated me to start learning Japanese about two years ago. Recently, I earned my JLPT N3 certification and am continuing to advance my skills toward higher levels of proficiency.
What changed once you started working directly with customers in Japan?
Rucha: The biggest difference was how much I learned every day.
Earlier, I was supporting Japanese customers from offshore. Once I started working onsite, I was interacting with customers every day, understanding not just the work itself but also their approach, culture, and way of thinking. Those daily interactions became one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
Ajay: I had a similar experience. Every interaction becomes an opportunity to learn. You’re working with experts in their domain while experiencing a different culture and work environment at the same time. It helps you grow not only professionally but also personally.
How does speaking Japanese change the way you engage with your customers?
Ajay: Communication is the real driver of outcomes.
When customers are comfortable speaking in their own language, conversations naturally become richer. They don’t just tell you what they need, they explain why they need it and the thinking behind their decisions.
That context is incredibly valuable. When you understand the bigger picture, you’re in a much better position to deliver what the customer is looking for, rather than simply working from a specification.
Rucha: For me, learning Japanese also made everyday collaboration much easier. It helped me build stronger relationships with customers and gave me more confidence in conversations. Over time, those small interactions made a big difference to how I approached my work.
You mentioned working with Japanese OEMs. What makes that experience unique?
Ajay: One thing I really enjoy is that you’re involved much earlier in the process.
Many engineering roles focus on finding the answer. Working with an OEM encourages you to first ask the right questions.
Instead of immediately thinking about implementation, you’re trying to understand what the end user needs, why the customer is solving a particular problem, and what they’re ultimately trying to achieve. That way of thinking develops curiosity and gives you a much broader perspective.
Beyond work, what has the experience of living in Japan been like?
Ajay: Beyond work, living in Japan has given me new perspectives, from everyday interactions to the way people approach technology and problem-solving.
Outside the office, what I enjoy most is exploring Japan on two wheels. As a motorcycle enthusiast, Japan feels exceptional, with scenic coastal roads, winding mountain routes, and beautiful landscapes at every turn.
These rides have become one of my favorite ways to experience the country, offering a sense of freedom, discovery, and lasting memories.
Rucha: Living and working in Japan has helped me grow in ways I had not expected. Everyday interactions in shops, restaurants, and even on the roads have shown me how deeply manners, respect, and consideration are woven into daily life here. Many of these behaviors may sound familiar at first, but seeing them practiced so consistently has made me reflect more on my own habits. It has encouraged me to be more mindful, patient, and aware of the people around me.
These small cultural experiences have quietly shaped me into a better individual, and they’re a big part of why I feel Japan is such a rewarding place to live and work.
What advice would you give to someone considering a bilingual engineering career?
Ajay: Don’t think of language as just another certification.
Technical knowledge is important, but curiosity matters just as much. If you’re willing to learn, communicate openly and understand your customer’s perspective, you’ll continue growing throughout your career.
Rucha: Learning the language takes time, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. It opens opportunities to connect with customers more closely, understand their expectations better and make the most of the experience of working in Japan.
At Quest Global, we’re looking for engineers who are passionate about solving complex problems, collaborating across cultures and building meaningful customer relationships. If you’re ready to put your Japanese language skills to work alongside your engineering expertise, we’d love to hear from you.
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