Shekhar Tiruwa

About Shekhar Tiruwa

I’m Shek, curious by nature and driven by a builder’s mindset.My work sits at the intersection of applied machine learning, data systems, and AI safety. I enjoy taking ideas from zero to working systems, especially where reliability, evaluation, and real-world impact matter.Currently, I’m working as an AI Engineer at X-Equalto Analytics, where I’m contributing to building and integrating AI systems into production workflows. My focus is on understanding data behavior, system inputs and outputs, and identifying potential risks or failure points early, so systems are not just functional but dependable.Alongside this, I’ve been actively exploring AI safety research for the past several months as part of Trajectory Lab, a collaborative space for independent researchers. This experience pushed me to go deeper into questions around model behavior, evaluation, and alignment, and how these ideas translate into real systems.More recently, I’ve developed a strong interest in AI red teaming, especially around agentic AI systems. I’m curious about how these systems fail, how they can be exploited, and how we can design better safeguards. This is something I’m actively learning and experimenting with.To support this, I’m building my own home lab setup where I can run models, test ideas, and replicate real-world scenarios. It’s becoming both a learning environment and a long-term hobby, helping me understand systems at a deeper level through hands-on experimentation.My approach is simple: break down messy problems, build fast, test what matters, and iterate.Core areas I work in:AI & Machine LearningMachine learning, LLM systems, prompt and context engineering, RAG, embeddings, vector databasesAI Safety & ReliabilityModel evaluation, monitoring, failure analysis, alignment thinking, human-in-the-loop systemsData & SystemsPython, SQL, data pipelines, analytics workflows, BI dashboardsEngineeringAPI integrations, system design, experimentation, iterative developmentWhat drives me:Building AI systems that are not just powerful, but safe and reliableLearning from people who are deeply technical and thoughtfulWorking on problems where AI can create meaningful real-world impactI’m still early in my journey and continuously learning. Always open to connecting with builders, engineers, and researchers working on thoughtful AI systems.

Experience

1. Retail Supervisor

   Compass Group

   Oct 2023 — Present · Toronto, ON, CA

   Supporting day-to-day hospitality operations while leading front-line teams to deliver consistent, high-quality customer experiences in a fast-paced environment.The main role- Led and supported a front-line team to deliver reliable, high-quality customer service- Coordinated daily operations, including shift execution, task allocation, and service flow- Balanced operational responsibilities alongside academic commitments in AI and Data Science- Resolved customer issues calmly and effectively, maintaining service standards under pressure- Communicated clearly across team members to ensure smooth execution during peak hoursPeople & operations skills- Team leadership, coaching, and on-the-floor decision-making- Time management, multitasking, and prioritization in high-volume settings- Cross-functional communication and conflict resolution- Building a collaborative, accountable, and service-oriented team cultureHow I work:Calm under pressure, people-first leadership, clear communication, and operational discipline focused on consistency and reliability.

Education

• Loyalist College

  Postgraduate Degree, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

• JAI HIND COLLEGE, MUMBAI

  Jai Hind College, Mathematics and Statistics

• Vidya vikasini junior college

  HSC, Science