For engineers looking to grow their careers while staying deeply connected to technology, Anu's story shows what's possible.
Since joining McAfee in 2006, Anu has built a career centered on solving complex problems, driving innovation, and helping shape products that protect millions of people around the world. Today, as a Principal Engineer, Anu leads architecture and design efforts within McAfee's browser extensions and search domains, helping create solutions that strengthen protection while connecting experiences across McAfee's product ecosystem.
"I've always enjoyed solving difficult problems," says Anu. "Whether it's a technical limitation or an ambitious timeline, I'm drawn to challenges that push us to think differently and find better solutions."
That passion for innovation has helped deliver browser-based technologies that enhance customer security and privacy, including features such as Anti-Tracker, Deepfake Detection, and Email Scam Detection.
Discovering a Path to Technical Leadership
While Anu's career has included technical leadership responsibilities from the start, becoming a Principal Engineer wasn't always part of the plan.
"I spent much of my career focused on designing, architecting, and delivering solutions," Anu explains. "Even when I moved into management, I continued writing code and staying close to the technical work because that's what I enjoy most."
For years, Anu wasn't entirely sure what being a Principal Engineer meant. It wasn't until working closely with other accomplished technical leaders across McAfee that a realization emerged.
"As I collaborated with experienced Principal Engineers, I started to see that the things I was already passionate about—driving architecture, solving complex problems, and influencing technical direction—were the core of the role. That was a pivotal moment for me."
Building Solutions That Make an Impact
Today, much of Anu's work focuses on helping McAfee products work better together while creating seamless experiences for customers.
"Within the browser extension space, I'm focused on enabling deeper integration across McAfee's product ecosystem," says Anu. "When products work together effectively, we can deliver stronger outcomes for customers while creating greater value overall."
That work requires balancing technical depth with a broader perspective—something Anu views as fundamental to technical leadership.
"Being a technical leader means combining deep technical expertise with a broad viewpoint. You stay hands-on with the technology while helping drive solutions that have an impact across teams, products, and ultimately for customers."
A Culture That Supports Growth
When reflecting on nearly two decades at McAfee, Anu points to one factor that has been especially important: the opportunity to innovate.
"One of the biggest enablers of my growth has been the freedom to explore ideas," Anu says. "Innovation isn't just something people talk about here—it's encouraged. Teams are trusted to experiment, build proofs of concept, and bring good ideas into products."
That environment has allowed Anu to continuously learn, contribute, and take on new challenges throughout an evolving career.
"There's a strong sense of trust and relatively few barriers. That makes it easier to focus on solving meaningful problems and creating impact."
Advice for Engineers Looking to Grow
For engineers aspiring to advance their careers, Anu believes success starts with building a strong technical foundation.
"Master at least one programming language and develop deep expertise in technologies that genuinely interest you," Anu advises. "Going beyond surface-level knowledge is important. Understanding how things work under the hood helps you evaluate different approaches, understand trade-offs, and make better decisions."
Just as importantly, Anu encourages engineers to remain open to possibilities they may not initially envision for themselves.
"For a long time, I didn't see myself pursuing the Principal Engineer path because I didn't fully understand what it involved. Once I realized it aligned with the work I loved doing, it became a natural next step."
After nearly 20 years at McAfee, Anu's journey demonstrates that career growth doesn't have to mean stepping away from engineering. With opportunities to innovate, solve meaningful challenges, and influence products at scale, it's possible to continue doing what you love while expanding your impact along the way.
"Strong technical foundations build confidence," says Anu. "And confidence helps you take on bigger challenges, guide others, and create solutions that make a real difference."
