At Capex, our engineers play a key role in driving innovation and tackling complex challenges. To give you an inside look into the life of a Capex engineer, we sat down with Akhil Surapuram, a server-side engineer based in Florida, USA. Akhil shares his journey, thoughts on engineering, and how his role at Capex is shaping his career.
Introduction and Background
— Hey Akhil, thanks for sitting down with us today! Let’s start with your journey—can you tell us about yourself and how you became an engineer at Capex?
Akhil: Sure! I’m originally from India, where my journey into technology began. After completing my education, I spent four years as a software engineer, primarily focusing on backend development while also exploring frontend technologies and AI analytics.
Eager to expand my expertise, I moved to the U.S. for my master’s degree, where I had the opportunity to work on AI-driven security projects designed for law enforcement agencies. These projects involved analyzing photos and videos at scale to help officers solve cases more efficiently—real-world applications of AI that had a direct impact on public safety. It was an eye-opening experience, blending cutting-edge technology with high-stakes problem-solving.
As rewarding as that was, I wanted to transition back into the industry, tackling scalable, high-impact AI solutions. That’s when I discovered Capex—a company that not only aligned with my technical passions but also challenged me to grow in new ways.
Discovering Capex and First Impressions
— That’s an exciting journey! How did you first come across Capex, and what convinced you to join?
Akhil: My job search led me to Capex on Wellfound (formerly AngelList) at a pivotal moment—I was actively seeking a role that would push my limits and expand my expertise. The company immediately stood out, not just for its cutting-edge AI and platform development, but for the kind of bold, forward-thinking engineering culture I was looking for.
Even though my tech stack wasn’t a perfect match, I saw an opportunity, not a barrier. Capex’s work with Azure’s cloud-native services (like Functions, SQL Database, and Web Apps) , serverless architecture presented the kind of challenge that excites me—the chance to dive into advanced conversational AI solutions and be part of something truly transformative. I knew this was a place where I could grow, innovate, and contribute to a team pushing boundaries in AI technology.
A Day in the Life at Capex
— Now that you’ve been with Capex for some time, what does a typical day look like for you?
Akhil: Working remotely from the U.S. means my day is a dynamic blend of strategic planning, problem-solving, and cutting-edge development. I start by mapping out priorities, ensuring my tasks align with the broader engineering roadmap. Since our team spans across Japan and South Korea, I carefully orchestrate my meetings to maximize the overlap, making every discussion count.
Collaboration is at the heart of my workflow—we rely on Slack for real-time communication, scheduled deep-dive calls for complex problem-solving, and shared documentation to keep our work synchronized across time zones. My daily tasks are an exciting mix of architecting backend systems, refining AI-powered search capabilities with Azure, debugging intricate technical challenges, and designing scalable solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Every day presents a new challenge and an opportunity to innovate—and that’s what keeps it exhilarating!
— Every job has its challenges. What has been the biggest challenge for you so far at Capex?
Akhil: I view these situations not as challenges but as opportunities to refine our systems—natural growth points for any scaling organization. A key area we’re optimizing is modernizing parts of our legacy stack, which currently includes dependencies like Windows virtual machines on macOS and deprecated tooling. These workflows require significant effort to maintain, with teams often navigating compatibility hurdles that drain time better spent on innovation.
For instance, migrating from legacy frameworks like .NET or outdated virtualization setups could streamline development cycles by 40% or more, freeing engineers to focus on high-impact work. The exciting part? Capex fosters a culture where proactive problem-solving is the norm. We’re not just iterating on existing systems—we’re reimagining infrastructure to align with modern best practices, ensuring we stay agile and competitive.
What I love about Capex is that innovation isn’t just encouraged—it’s expected. We’re not just talking about change; we’re actively shaping the future of our tech stack to stay ahead of the curve.
Future Goals and Career Aspirations
— Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in your career?
Akhil: I envision a future where I’m at the forefront of innovation—guiding companies, shaping engineering teams, and driving technology to new heights. My ultimate goal is to become a tech leader who not only builds but also inspires, helping startups scale efficiently and optimizing systems for peak performance.
I see multiple exciting paths ahead. Whether it’s stepping into a CTO role, becoming a principal engineer at a major tech company, or advising a portfolio of ambitious startups, I want to be where big ideas turn into reality.
Life Beyond Work
— Let’s switch gears—what do you do for fun outside of work?
Akhil: Volleyball is my current obsession! But I’m always up for a new challenge—I tend to switch sports every few years. Before volleyball, it was racquetball. Who knows what’s next? Sports aren’t just a hobby for me; they’re my way of staying sharp, de-stressing, and keeping the competitive spirit alive.
— That’s awesome! What’s your MBTI personality type?
Akhil: I actually haven’t taken the test, but if I had to guess, I’d say I’m naturally more reserved outside of work. But in a professional setting, communication is everything. I make it a priority to engage actively, collaborate, and make sure everyone’s on the same page. After all, great ideas don’t happen in isolation!
The Future of AI and Technology
— One final question—do you think AI will replace human jobs in the next few years?
Akhil: AI is undeniably reshaping industries, much like the Industrial Revolution once did. But will it replace humans entirely? I don’t think so. AI isn’t a replacement—it’s an amplifier. It will take over repetitive, predictable tasks, but human ingenuity, creativity, and problem-solving will always push beyond AI’s limits.
Think of it this way: if AI can handle the task at the N level, humans always have the capability to find the next level “N+1” that drives innovation forward. The real key is to evolve with AI, learning how to collaborate with it rather than blame it. The key is to adapt, learn, and collaborate with AI, rather than fear it.
Final Thoughts
— Thanks for sharing your journey, Akhil! Any final thoughts for engineers considering joining Capex?
Akhil: If you’re an engineer who thrives on solving complex challenges, pushing the boundaries of technology, and growing alongside a talented team, Capex is where you want to be. Here, innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s woven into everything we do. You’ll get the chance to work on cutting-edge projects, collaborate with brilliant minds, and continuously sharpen your skills. If you’re looking for a place that values curiosity, creativity, and impact, Capex is calling.
Akhil’s journey is a testament to the growth opportunities at Capex. If you’re interested in joining a fast-paced, globally connected engineering team, check out our career opportunities today!