At ALTEN China, we believe engineering excellence goes beyond delivery—it’s about continuous evolution and shaping the future. Behind every technical breakthrough is an engineer turning industry insights into actionable solutions.

To showcase this journey, we’re launching our “Voice of Engineers” series, highlighting how our technical teams leverage deep expertise and structured methodologies to tackle cutting-edge engineering challenges alongside our clients.

In this edition, we talk with Tang Xu, an automotive components development engineer, who shares how he navigated the leap from traditional sectors to the core of new energy, developing a set of repeatable strategies that drive real impact.

The Turning Point:  Why Battery Packs?

As the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector accelerates, many engineers find themselves at a career crossroads. Tang Xu’s path is a compelling example. He moved from designing core components for construction machinery to developing busbars for EV battery packs. For him, this was not a trend-driven decision, but a step aligned with the direction of technological evolution.

With innovation in traditional construction machinery gradually plateauing, battery packs—often described as the “heart” of electric vehicles—are undergoing a major transformation. The focus is shifting from discrete components to highly integrated systems, and from basic conductivity to advanced thermal performance. Tang describes his former role as largely an optimizer, focused on mechanical load-bearing and durability. Today, he operates as a system builder, integrating high-voltage safety, coordinated thermal management, and lightweight materials into a unified design framework.

His experience reveals a deeper truth: transformation is not about leaving the past behind. It is about transferring engineering thinking across contexts and rebuilding problem-solving capabilities in new domains.

From Uncertainty to Structure: A Three-Step Approach

Entering a new technical field often means navigating unclear requirements and knowledge gaps. Through practice, Tang Xu has developed a structured method that can be distilled into three steps.

1. Define the Core Problem

When facing complexity, his first move is to remove secondary details and identify the fundamental objective:  What problem are we truly solving?  This becomes the reference point for all subsequent decisions.

2. Build Knowledge Through Integration

Engineers should not work in isolation when entering unfamiliar territory. Tang emphasizes engaging internal experts, reviewing legacy solutions, and studying industry standards and technical reports. This helps assemble a rapid understanding of the field, clarify key challenges, and identify reusable experience.

3. Progress Iteratively

“Don’t aim for a perfect start. Aim for effective progress.” Tang prefers to deliver a simplified initial solution, align quickly with clients and teams, and refine step by step. This reduces risk while maintaining project momentum.

This approach extends beyond technical transitions. It provides a practical framework for addressing any complex challenge shaped by uncertainty.

Future-Ready Engineers: Three Essential Capabilities

Based on his transition from traditional machinery to new energy battery systems, Tang believes engineers must deliberately develop three capabilities.

1. Cross-Disciplinary Integration

Technical boundaries are dissolving. Battery pack development combines electrical systems, structural engineering, materials science, and thermal management. Engineers who understand upstream and downstream technical logic are better positioned to enable system-level innovation.

2. Foresight and Risk Awareness

Faster technological iteration brings greater uncertainty. Engineers need the ability to interpret industry signals, anticipate technical directions, and identify potential risks early, ensuring designs remain adaptable and resilient.

3. Continuous Learning as a Discipline

“The technologies of five years from now may exceed today’s imagination.” Existing knowledge alone cannot sustain long-term relevance. A structured learning approach—tracking industry research, engaging in technical communities, and pursuing systematic training—is essential to maintaining competitiveness.

Tang X’s journey reflects a defining characteristic of the ALTEN technical community. In an era shaped by technological transformation, true leaders do more than accumulate expertise. They foster an environment where knowledge continuously evolves and cross-disciplinary innovation thrives. ALTEN provides this platform, enabling engineers to turn every transition into a lasting force that helps shape the future of the industry.