When Evin Mathai first stepped into the material handling industry, he began as a Commissioning Engineer, taking on projects across the country and immersing himself in the fast-paced world of automation. By 2020, he was ready for a new challenge and joined Spring Automation as a Controls Engineer in search of greater balance. What he found was not only stability, but a company where his passion for leadership and engineering excellence could thrive.
As Director of Engineering Operations, Evin is taking on the leadership of Spring’s newly established Engineering Operations group. His team is responsible for bringing mechanical and electrical installations to life. His group coordinates with vendors, customers, and end-users to ensure each project is installed and commissioned with quality—no small feat given the number of moving parts and inevitable curveballs that arise during projects. Evin explains his approach: “Leadership, to me, is setting a clear vision for the team, communicating it well, and empowering all team members to execute on it. I want to foster a culture of respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.”
A Passion for Growth
Evin’s favorite part of his role is watching his team rise to challenges. Whether it’s solving complex technical problems or adapting to changing project scopes, he finds inspiration in their determination and grit. “It’s extremely rewarding to see the growth of the team,” he says. In fact, fostering development is something Evin actively invests in—sometimes in unexpected ways. When the workload allows, he organizes an Engineering Leadership book club, giving his team a space to discuss ideas, expand their perspectives, and sharpen their leadership skills.
Milestones and Memorable Moments
Among his many achievements, one stands out: commissioning a project during his first year with Spring. “It was extremely satisfying to see the first package sort,” he recalls. That sense of accomplishment still fuels him today, as he leads a team that continually tackles new challenges head-on in the fast-paced environment of a growing company.
Evin’s role requires constant cross-functional collaboration, which means that challenges are rarely one-dimensional. “A problem I may have thought was simple as an engineer has a few more layers when you look through the lens of other functions in the business,” he explains. His solution? Listen first, then propose solutions that work for everyone involved, not just his team.
What Makes Spring’s Approach Unique
Evin believes Spring Automation’s success comes from forming true partnerships with customers. “I enjoy getting to understand our customers’ goals and long-term plans, then executing to exceed their expectations,” he says. “We understand that when our customers are successful, so are we!”
For customers, commissioning day often looks seamless, but Evin knows that smooth execution is the result of meticulous planning, preparation, and training. His team’s adaptability is key, especially as projects evolve in scope or schedule. “Our projects undergo constant change, whether in scope or schedule. Being adaptable is key to meeting customer goals,” he says.
For those starting out in the field, Evin offers two pieces of advice: “Learn all you can when you can, and don’t underestimate yourself. Ownership is key— The work you do is important, no matter how big or small that piece is.” From commissioning cutting-edge automation systems to building a culture of respect and accountability, Evin’s leadership is shaping both his team’s growth and Spring Automation’s continued success.
When he’s not leading complex commissioning efforts, Evin enjoys another type of creation—cooking. He prepares most of the meals at home, finding it a relaxing and rewarding way to unwind after a long day.
Join us on LinkedIn as we explore more stories like Evin’s that highlight the people behind Spring’s engineering excellence. To connect with our team or learn more about our solutions, email us at sales@springautomation.com.