At Wisk, every team contributes to shaping our autonomous, all-electric air taxi—but the Battery Team literally powers its potential. They’re the engineers, modelers, and testers who ensure our aircraft have the energy, endurance, and reliability needed for every flight.

We spoke with three members of the Battery Team—Jigisha Sampat, Russell Hawkins, and Ali Azidehak—to learn more about their unique perspectives, experiences, and passions they bring to work each day.

Russell Hawkins

Meet Russell Hawkins, Sr. Battery Engineer. He develops models that predict battery performance and supports lab testing, software, and flight tests. 

What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m a Battery Modeling Engineer, and my main role is developing computer models that predict the performance of our battery packs. Some days I’m focused on my modeling work—setting up tests in the lab, processing data from those tests, training models from that data, and testing their performance. On other days, I’m helping debug various issues with Battery Management System (BMS) software. More recently, I’ve been involved in Flight Test, which gets me into the Ground Control Station with a headset on, helping execute flight tests of the whole aircraft.

How would you describe the Battery team in three words?

Testing, Learning, Improving.

What do you appreciate most about Wisk’s culture?

The thing I appreciate most about Wisk is the wide variety of expertise we are bringing together to achieve our extremely challenging goal. We have software engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, materials scientists, battery experts, aerodynamicists, aerospace and autonomy experts, all working together on the Gen 6 aircraft. It’s really something!

What are three things that bring you joy?

Getting deep insight into something I didn’t understand, seeing something in nature that I haven’t seen before, and having engaging conversations with good friends.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

Don’t hold your breath while scuba diving. (Doing so can cause your lungs to explode).

Describe yourself in three emojis.

🐙🪲🔋

Ali Azidehak

Next, we spoke with Ali Azidehak, whose expertise keeps Wisk’s power systems running safely and efficiently behind the scenes. 

What is your role on the battery team and what does a typical day look like for you?

I am an Electrical Engineer specializing in Battery Management Systems (BMS). I am responsible for supporting all electronics within the Power Management and Distribution Unit (PMDU). A typical day consists of having daily standup meetings, checking new emails/messages, starting the leftover work or starting the new tasks assigned based on SNAGs or design requirements. Each task requires attending meetings and communicating with other team members.

How would you describe your team in three words?

Hardworking, Intelligent, Busy.

What has been your most memorable moment at the company so far?

Staying late at night in the office with other colleagues and trying to fix problems.

What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done?

Traveling to Japan.

Describe yourself in three emojis.

🙂🧠💪

Jigisha Sampat

Jigisha Sampat, a Sr. Systems Test Engineer, brings a testing mindset to every stage of development to ensure our batteries perform safely and reliably in flight. 

What is your role on the battery team and what does a typical day look like for you?

I am a systems test engineer working in the ESPS org. My team designs test rigs, test plans, and data acquisition solutions for testing. We work in close collaboration with the design and systems engineers to understand the system they are developing and develop solutions for functional, integration, and credit testing. I've worked on multiple test rigs with ESPS, most notably the Battery Management System, and the Power Management and Distribution ATP rig.

How would you describe your team in three words?

Curious, collaborative, and reliable.

What do you appreciate most about the work environment or company culture?

I've been with Wisk for over 4 years, and a lot has changed in that time, but one thing that has remained constant and the part that makes me excited is the cumulative enthusiasm in the people to make this aircraft a reality. No matter who I’ve reached out to, from whichever team, I’ve always received the spirit of 'we’re all in this together'.

If you could instantly master any skill or hobby, what would it be?

Surfing or snowboarding.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

That I’m a Private Pilot!

Describe yourself in three emojis.

✨🐰🌿

A Culture Built on Shared Enthusiasm

Whether they’re designing test rigs, running complex models, or troubleshooting critical hardware, the Battery Team thrives on collaboration and problem-solving. As Jigisha noted, the feeling at Wisk is that "we're all in this together," and it’s this shared drive that keeps the team moving forward.

We are grateful to have Russell, Ali, and Jigisha, along with every member of the Battery Team here at Wisk, as we work to deliver the world’s first autonomous, all-electric, 4-seat passenger-carrying aircraft. 

Want to join this team of innovative, curious, and collaborative individuals? We’re hiring! https://wisk.aero/careers