Inside the Cummins RePower Program: Ravikiran C.’s return to leadership

For Ravikiran C., stepping away from his career was not a setback. It was a decision rooted in purpose.

“When my family and I moved to the United States in 2023, I decided to take time away from work to help my family settle into a new country and understand the systems and culture here,” he said. “It was an important transition for us and I wanted to make sure we had a strong foundation before I returned to my career.”

That period of transition became the foundation for his next chapter, one that would eventually lead him back into operations leadership at Cummins.

Today, Ravikiran serves as a Manufacturing Shop Operations Team Manager at the Seymour Engine Plant, where he leads teams supporting both production and legacy engine operations. After joining Cummins through the RePower Program, he transitioned into a full-time role with expanded responsibility for test and repair operations across the 30 liter, 19 liter and V903 engine lines.

Rediscovering a path forward

Re-entering the workforce was a thoughtful decision, shaped by both experience and a desire to continue growing.

“I wanted to return to a role where I could use my experience in operations, project management and problem solving while continuing to learn,” he said. “Cummins stood out because of its culture, its focus on people and the opportunity to contribute to products that have a real impact.”

In searching for the right opportunity, he found a program designed specifically for professionals navigating a return to work.

“I learned about the RePower Program while looking for opportunities designed for experienced professionals returning to the workforce,” he said. “The application process was straightforward and welcoming. I appreciated that the program focused on the skills and experience candidates bring rather than viewing a career break as a disadvantage.”

That approach helped remove a common barrier many returning professionals face: feeling like they need to start from scratch.

Stepping back into leadership through experience

Rather than easing in slowly, Ravikiran’s return was grounded in meaningful, hands-on work from the start.

“I would describe the RePower Program as a bridge that helps experienced professionals get back into the workforce with confidence,” he said. “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn. That was my experience with the program.”

His early days were focused on learning the flow of operations while reconnecting with the pace and complexity of a production environment.

“I started as a Team Manager on the 30L assembly line and over the first two months I was gradually transitioned into the role,” he said. “That gave me time to learn how the line operates, build relationships with the people around me and understand how to work with the different support teams.”

As he became more familiar with the operation, Ravikiran gained a deeper understanding of how different functions work together to keep production running safely, efficiently and effectively. Working closely with manufacturing, engineering, quality and support teams helped him strengthen relationships across the plant while building confidence in his role.

“The opportunity to work alongside people from different functions gave me a broader perspective on plant operations and how each team contributes to overall success,” he said. “It also helped me develop strong connections across the organization and understand how to collaborate effectively to solve challenges and support production goals.”

These experiences reinforced the aspects of operations leadership that continue to motivate him.

“My favorite part of the program was the team atmosphere,” he said. “I enjoyed solving problems with people from different functions, meeting new teams and coming to work knowing there would be a new challenge to tackle. It reminded me why I have always enjoyed operations leadership.”

Building momentum and expanding impact

As Ravikiran continued through the RePower Program, his role evolved alongside his growing confidence and familiarity with the organization.

“As the program progressed, I became more confident leading production reviews, discussing key metrics, making day-to-day decisions and eventually taking ownership of the line,” he said. “Toward the end of the program, I was also trusted with leading the Legacy Test Cells and Repair Team supporting the 30L, 19L and V903 platforms.”

That progress created a seamless transition into a full-time leadership role.

“The transition was a natural progression because the program allowed me to demonstrate my capabilities in a real work environment,” he said. “I was able to apply my previous leadership and project management experience while learning Cummins systems and processes.”

Equally important was the network he built along the way, strengthening his ability to lead across functions.

“I gained a deeper understanding of Cummins manufacturing operations and engine testing processes,” he said. “I also built strong connections with engineers, technicians, manufacturing leaders and cross-functional teams. Working closely with these groups improved my collaboration and problem-solving skills and helped me adapt quickly to the organization.”

Today, those experiences continue to shape how he approaches leadership.

“In my full-time role, I have taken forward the importance of teamwork, data-driven decision making, continuous improvement and a strong focus on safety, quality and delivery,” he said.

A new perspective on career growth

Returning to work gave Ravikiran more than a role. It gave him a renewed perspective on the value of experience and the possibilities ahead.

“I am grateful for the opportunity the RePower Program provided,” he said. “It showed that career breaks do not diminish the value of experience and that talented professionals can return and make meaningful contributions.”

His journey reflects what is possible when experience is recognized, supported and put into motion again.

For professionals considering their own return, Ravikiran’s story offers a clear message. Growth does not stop with time away. It continues in new ways, shaped by perspective, resilience and opportunity.

At Cummins, programs like RePower help make that next chapter possible.