Alumni Spotlight is pleased to announce The Top 100 Engineers of 2022. These individuals have played a significant role in the technology and development of today’s modern world. Through research and development in their respective technical field or through their leadership of an enterprise, they have excelled in their industry. The word engineer was derived from the Latin words ingeniare, meaning create, generate, contrive, or devise; and ingenium, meaning cleverness. These awardees embody the very meaning of the word. They are innovative, determined and are dedicated to solving significant problems. This year’s awardees span nearly all industries including medical devices and healthcare, manufacturing, biofuels, television, and media, and more.
Bodybuilding and gymnastics - equipment and equipment company belgium bruges and West Flanders kamagra 100mg buy anadrol 50mg bodybuilding steroids - south point.
Awardees include Cristos Goodrow, Vice President of Engineering at Google, who has responsibility over the Search and Discovery features and the Main App of YouTube; Rachel Solomon, Division Vice President of Engineering Operations for Comcast, who is responsible for leading the organization for 14 states, 450 physical locations, and 355 team members serving over 6 million subscribers; and Paul Penzes, Vice President of Engineering at Qualcomm, who uses his expertise in strategic innovation, scalability, product design, and disciplined execution to lead the semiconductor company’s engineering developments.
This year’s awardees are critical in the implementation of complex projects from initial concept to delivery at top companies across the world. They act as leaders and role models in their communities. Please join us in celebrating the achievements of The Top 100 Engineers of 2022.
4. Cristos Goodrow
Vice President of Engineering at Google
Cornell University
Cristos Goodrow began his professional career over 31 years ago. Today, he is the Vice President of Engineering at Google. In his role, Goodrow is responsible for Search, Discovery, and the Main App of YouTube. He was previously responsible for Google Shopping, formerly named Google Product Search. His mission is to increase the value that viewers and society get from YouTube, while minimizing the risks.
Goodrow first got his start in 1991 as a senior consultant at Andersen Consulting. From there, he went on to Impresse, before eventually rising to become a director of search engine software at A9.com, his most recent position prior to joining Google. Goodrow graduated from UC Santa Barbara with an MA in mathematics and from Cornell University with an undergraduate degree in mathematics and computer science.
7. Rachel Solomon, PhD
Vice President, Engineering Operations/Headends at Comcast
Virginia Tech
As the West Division Vice President for Engineering Operations/Headends, Rachel leads the Systems Integration, Critical Infrastructure, and Headend teams. Her 353 employees and 200 plus business partners build and maintain a 24x7 Network in 13 states. Prior to this role, Rachel led Comcast’s Technical Operations for the Twin Cities Region, responsible for the 700+ agents, technicians, and business partners focused on dispatch and field fulfillment for business and residential customers in 4 states.
During her career, Rachel also worked for General Dynamics Information Technology and Verizon leading teams in Operations, Strategic Planning, Cyber Security, Network Operations, FIOS Installation/Maintenance, Copper Installation/Maintenance, Construction, Proactive/Preventive Maintenance, and Bill Payment. She holds a PhD in Organization and Management with a Specialization in Leadership with her dissertation on Emotional Intelligence and its correlation to Leadership style. She is ITIL Expert certified, PMP certified, a graduate of the Tuck Executive Leadership Program, a graduate of the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute, and a published author. Rachel and her husband Sam are avid adventure seekers who love skiing, hiking, biking, golfing, participating in IronMan races, and traveling with their dogs. Rachel is a native of the Northern Virginia/Washington DC area but loves calling Denver her home now!
12. Lisa Hornschemeier
Vice President, OCI Engineering at Oracle
Miami University
Lisa Hornschemeier is the Vice President of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Engineering. The Oracle Corporation is an American, multinational, computer technology corporation headquartered in Austin, Texas. In 2020, Oracle was the second-largest software company in the world by revenue and market capitalization. The company sells database software and technology, cloud engineered systems, and enterprise software products. Hornschemeier is responsible for the subscription, rating and billing platforms and services that manage Oracle’s cloud product revenues. Hornschemeier has 18 years of work experience in information technology and engineering. She is an experienced hi-tech engineering leader with a successful history and track record. She began her career in 2004 with the General Electric Company in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Before joining Oracle, Hornschemeier was a product and engineering leader at Microsoft where she led commerce and partner solutions for Azure. She also helped accelerate the Azure business by showcasing the expansive and complicated Microsoft SAP environment. Hornschemeier graduated from Xavier University - Williams College of Business with an MBA and from Miami University with an undergraduate degree in Management Information Systems, carrying a computer science minor.
13. John Paul “J.P.” Kurpiewski
VP of Global Engineering for Assembly Technologies at Emerson Automation Solutions
Columbia University in the City of New York
J.P. Kurpiewski became the Vice President of Global Engineering for Assembly Technologies at Emerson Automation Solutions in 2019. In this role, he leads the engineers who innovate, develop, and sustain Branson products and advanced core technology, from concept through successful launch and impact. Branson solutions deliver proven performance, unequaled application expertise, and the broadest technology portfolio for plastic joining, ultrasonic metal welding, and ultrasonic cleaning. Branson products automate manufacturing of N95 and surgical facemasks, COVID test kits, wearable medical devices, electric vehicle batteries and charging stations, lightweight automotive components, and electronics.
Kurpiewski previously was Director of Engineering for Assembly Technologies at Emerson Automation Solutions, responsible for the execution of key projects and growth programs. Prior to that, he was Director of Global Product Management, developing and executing a global Branson product portfolio strategy that leveraged synergies, platform products, and common tools and processes. He first joined Emerson in 2010 as a Technology Business Analyst in St. Louis and lived in Wales from 2012-2014 as a Program Director at Control Techniques. From 2005-2010, Kurpiewski was a Sr. Mechanical Engineer / Project Lead at Raytheon. Kurpiewski’ s background is in a variety of industries including Industrial Automation, Renewable Energy, Aerospace & Defense, Nanotechnology, Automotive, and Medical. He is an ally and champion of STEM education and Women in STEM. He holds an MBA from MIT Sloan, an MS in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Bachelor of Science, with a major in mechanical engineering and minor in economics, from Columbia University in the City of New York.
17. Takashi “Tak” Mishima
VP and Engineering Director at Kajima Building & Design Group, Kajima Associates, Inc.
Columbia University in the City of New York
Tak Mishima began his professional career over 24 years ago. Today, he is the Engineering Director of Kajima Building & Design Group (KBD Group) in Atlanta, GA. For 50 years, KBD Group has been designing and constructing manufacturing, distribution/supply chain, food and beverage, mission critical and interiors projects in the United States. He is leading the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering design team at KBD Group as well as managing the project design team nationally and internationally for automobile battery plant and data center projects for the clients including some of Fortune 500 companies.
Mishima first got his start in 1998 as an electrical engineer at Kajima Corporation in Tokyo Japan. He graduated from Columbia University in the City of New York with an MS in civil engineering, construction engineering and management and from The University of Tokushima with master’s and undergraduate degrees in electrical and electronics engineering.
18. Devon Rollins
Vice President of Cyber Engineering and Machine Learning at Capital One
Carnegie Mellon University
Devon Rollins began his professional career over 12 years ago. Today, he is the Vice President of Cyber Engineering and Machine Learning at Capital One. Capital One, incorporated in 1994, is a diversified banking company focused primarily on consumer and commercial lending and deposit origination. In his role, Rollins leads multiple cross-functional teams in building best-in-class solutions in the areas of cyber investigations, analytics, and risk management.
Prior to Capital One, Rollins managed large-scale cyber transformation projects and served as a technical advisor to law enforcement on several high-profile cyber cases. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a master’s degree in information security policy and management and from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with master’s and undergraduate degrees in computer science.
19. Scott Goldstein
Vice President of Engineering at Salesforce
University of California, Los Angeles
Scott Goldstein is the Vice President of Engineering at Salesforce. He is responsible for driving an engineering organization of 100+, responsible for multiple areas of Salesforce’s flagship, $5B Sales Cloud product line, including Sales Cloud SFA, the $4B industry-leading sales management solution. Goldstein has over 20 years of experience in the software engineering industry. He began his career in 2001.
Goldstein first got his start as a software engineer with Vignette Corporation, formerly known as Epicentric, where he spent time developing a web application used to build intranet and extranet web portals. He later moved on to NextLabs where he served as an engineering manager and led a development team building a next generation information compliance product suite. He is a current board member of Sea Save Foundation, a science based, not-for-profit, ocean conservation organization that leverages the power of education, imagery, and critical calls to action to catalyze ocean protection on the regional, national, and international stages. Goldstein graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and from the University of Michigan with a master’s degree in computer science and engineering.
View the complete list of awardees.
23. Sanaya Khaneja
Vice President of Solutions Engineering at BlackRock
University of Virginia
Sanaya Khaneja began her professional career over 9 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Solutions Engineering at BlackRock. BlackRock's business is investing on behalf of their clients, from large institutions to parents and grandparents, doctors and teachers who entrust their savings to them. Their promise is to offer their clients the clearest thinking about what to do with their money and the products and services they need to secure a better financial future. Investors around the world have made BlackRock the world’s largest asset manager, entrusting them with trillions of dollars and their biggest financial challenges.
Khaneja first got her start in 2013 as a financial analyst at UVA Departmental Computing Support. She joined BlackRock in 2016 as an analyst and later an associate before moving on to her current role. Khaneja graduated from the University of Virginia with an undergraduate degree in economics and leadership.
31. Andy Chang
Vice President of Play Engineering at the LEGO Group
University of California, San Diego
Andy Chang is the Vice President of Play Engineering at the LEGO Group. At the LEGO Group, their mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow. They believe in the power of learning through play to shape children’s future. Through play, children learn skills such as problem-solving, communication, creativity, collaboration, and resilience that will help them reach their full potential. Chang has over 15 years of experience. He began his career in 2007.
Before joining the LEGO Group, Chang was a VP of software products and R&D at KUKA and before that, a senior manager and academic researcher at National Instruments. Chang graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a PhD in mechanical engineering, from the University of Michigan with an MS in mechanical engineering, and from the University of California, San Diego with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering.
33. Luke Waltz
Vice President of Engineering at Crown Equipment
The Ohio State University
Luke Waltz is the Vice President of Engineering at Crown Equipment. He first joined the company in 2000 as mechanical engineer. Crown’s approach to industrial product design builds upon advanced ideas for lift truck operator productivity, safety, and product life span. Their dedication to researching the human-to-forklift relationship produces forklifts designed with the highest capacities and speeds. Incorporating direct operator feedback into their innovative development process, they can address the issues that matter most to their customers. Headquartered in New Bremen, Ohio, Crown’s products are defining the future of warehouse logistics throughout the world.
Previously, Waltz was a mechanical engineer at AGCO Corporation. He earned an undergraduate degree in agricultural engineering from The Ohio State University.
38. Scott Ward
Vice President of Engineering at Aerojet Rocketdyne
University of Virginia
Scott Ward began his professional career over 36 years ago. Today, he is the Vice President of Engineering at Aerojet Rocketdyne. Aerojet Rocketdyne is an innovative company delivering solutions that create value for its customers in the aerospace and defense markets. The company is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader that provides propulsion and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, tactical systems and armaments areas, in support of domestic and international markets.
Ward first got his start in 1986 as an engineer in the Aerodynamic Design Department at McDonnell Douglas Corporation. From there, he went on to become a director of engines and motors at United Launch Alliance, his most recent position prior to joining Aerojet Rocketdyne. Ward graduated from Stanford University with an MS in aeronautics and astronautics and from the University of Virginia with an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering.
43. Chris Melcer
Vice President of Engineering at Ichor
University of California, Berkeley
Chris Melcer began his professional career over 30 years ago. Today, he is the Vice President of Engineering at Icho. Ichor was founded in 1999 and is a global leader in the marketplace for critical subsystems and process equipment. Every major semiconductor capital equipment manufacturer uses Ichor’s gas or liquid delivery systems to help their customers achieve a better time-to-market for their products. Manufacturing locations in California, Oregon, Texas, Singapore, Malaysia, and the UK are strategically located to support their customers with solutions ranging from product concept to turnkey manufacturing and legacy service.
Melcer first got his start in 1992 as a senior mechanical engineer at Water Specialties. From there, he went on to Strasbaugh, before eventually moving on to Applied Materials, his most recent position prior to joining Icho. Melcer graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering.
45. Emily Parker
Vice President of Systems Engineering & Integration at Illumina
University of Colorado Boulder
Emily Parker began her professional career over 22 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President, Systems Engineering and Integration with Illumina. At Illumina, their goal is to apply innovative technologies and revolutionary assays to the analysis of genetic variation and function, making studies possible that were not even imaginable just a few years ago. These studies will help make the realization of personalized medicine possible. With such rapid advances in technology taking place, they believe it is mission critical to have solutions that are not only innovative, but flexible, scalable, and complete with industry-leading support and service.
Parker first got her start in 2000 as a research engineer at SRI International. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a PhD in mechanical engineering, from Stanford University with MS in aerospace engineering, and from the University of Colorado Boulder with an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering.
53. Annie Kao
Vice President of Engineering at Simpson Strong-Tie
University of California, Berkeley
Annie Kao is the Vice President of Engineering at Simpson Strong-Tie. A leader in structural systems research and technology, Simpson Strong-Tie is one of the world's largest suppliers of structural building products. Simpson Strong-Tie is committed to providing exceptional products and services to its customers, including engineering and field support, product testing, and training. Simpson Strong-Tie has been creating structural products for more than 50 years. They help people build safer and stronger homes and buildings and are considered a leader in structural systems research. Kao has over 19 years in the wholesale building materials industry. She began her career in 2003.
Before joining Simpson Strong-Tie, Kao was a project engineer at Ficcadenti Waggoner and Castle Structural Engineers. Kao graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with an MS in structural engineering and from Harvey Mudd College with an undergraduate degree in engineering.
View the complete list of awardees.
55. Justin Bowker
Vice President of Engineering at TDIndustries
The University of Texas at Austin
Justin Bowker is the Vice President of Engineering at TDIndustries. He first joined the company in 2001 as mechanical engineer and designer. TDIndustries delivers a comprehensive approach to facility services and mechanical construction. They partner with clients across the entire life cycle of a facility from engineering and construction to operations and maintenance. Since 1946, TDIndustries has provided innovative design and performance of world-class engineered systems which serve healthcare facilities, hotels, schools, mission critical, and industrial complexes.
Previously, Bowker was a mechanical designer at Wieland Lindgren Engineers and before that a mechanical designer at Parsley Engineering. Bowker earned an MBA from The University of Texas at Dallas and an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from The University of Texas at Austin.
60. Colin Sanford
Vice President of Engineering at Mycronic
University of California, Berkeley
Colin Sanford began his professional career over 30 years ago. Today, he is the Vice President of Engineering at Mycronic. Mycronic has been a trusted partner to electronics and display manufacturers worldwide for over 40 years. Today, leaders in the SMT, semiconductor, and automotive industries use their innovative products, services, and solutions to create tomorrow’s electronics from advanced displays to life-saving medical implants and the next generation of satellites. Mycronic has four divisions including Pattern Generators, Assembly Solutions High Flex, Assembly Solutions High Volume and Assembly Solutions Global Technologies. Headquartered in Sweden, they are a global organization with subsidiaries, agents, and distributors in more than 50 countries.
Sanford first got his start in 1992 as a director of engineering at KLA-Tencor. From there, he went on to Helix Technology, before eventually rising to become a director of hardware engineering at L3 Technologies, his most recent position prior to joining Mycronic. Sanford graduated from Cornell University with a PhD in physics and from the University of California, Berkeley with an undergraduate degree in physics.
67. Claus Moberg
Vice President of Engineering at Roblox
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Claus Moberg began his professional career over 17 years ago. Today, he is the Vice President of Engineering at Roblox. Roblox is a platform where people come together virtually to share experiences. Every day, tens of millions of people from around the world come to Roblox to play, learn, work, and socialize in immersive digital experiences all built by a global community of creators.
Moberg first got his start in 2005 as a research assistant at Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment. From there, he went on to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, before eventually rising to become a CEO at SnowShoe Stamp, his most recent position prior to joining Roblox. Moberg graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with an MS in atmospheric and oceanic sciences and with an undergraduate degree in political science, economics, and environmental science.
69. Kevin Pohlman
Vice President of Engineering at InVue
University of Dayton
Kevin Pohlman has served as the Vice President of Engineering at InVue since 2021 where he leads a global and multi-disciplinary engineering team with design and manufacturing capabilities in North America and Asia. InVue is a technology company who provides the world’s most valuable brands with innovative merchandising, security and IoT solutions. Their products seamlessly protect and promote their customers’ most valuable assets, leading to improved operations and an enhanced user experience.
Prior to this, Pohlman most recently served as the VP of engineering for Techtronic Industries, a publicly traded global manufacturer of Electric Power Tools since 2018. Immediately preceding this, Pohlman served as director of cordless technology and electrical engineering since 2017. Before joining Techtronic Industries, Pohlman was previously employed by Chemring Sensors and Electronic Systems, the leading supplier of chemical, biological, and explosive detection, and identification systems. Throughout his tenure in the defense industry, which dates to 2004, Pohlman held various positions of increasing responsibility in engineering, quality, and program management. Pohlman holds an MS from University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he also served as an Adjunct Electrical Engineering Instructor, BS in electrical engineering from the University of Dayton, and a professional engineering license in the State of South Carolina.
74. Mark Barrett
Vice President of Engineering at Inkcups
University of New Hampshire
Mark Barrett began his professional career over 40 years ago. Today, he is the Vice President of Engineering at Inkcups. Inkcups is a rapidly growing, private, specialty imaging company. Numerous markets and applications are served with their core technology leading the world in digital cylinder decorating and printing. Barrett drives change from a partner/contract driven R&D group to a high value-add development center. He has assisted the company with moving their manufacturing from a high cost area to high quality, low cost partners in China, saving the company more than 25% while improving product quality, consistency, and documentation.
Barrett first got his start in 1980 working for Compugraphic Corporation before it was acquired by Agfa Gevaert. He stayed with the company for several years serving in executive leadership roles including director of marketing and field service, vice president of product development, and division vice president. He briefly served in leadership roles with Northrop Grumman Corporation and General Dynamics Corporation before returning to Agfa to serve as the vice president of equipment engineering and manufacturing, his most recent position prior to joining Inkcups. Barrett graduated from Boston College with an MBA, from the University of Massachusetts Lowell with an MS in electrical engineering, and from the University of New Hampshire with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering.
78. Drew Moore
Vice President of Engineering at Costa Coffee
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Drew Moore began his professional career over 30 years ago. Today, he is the Vice President of Engineering at Costa Coffee. Costa Coffee is a British coffeehouse chain with headquarters in Dunstable, England. Costa Coffee was founded in London in 1971 by Sergio Costa as a wholesale operation supplying roasted coffee to caterers and specialist Italian coffee shops. Since being bought by The Coca Cola Company in 2019 its global growth mission commenced. They now have over 3,800 stores across 32 countries and over 8,300 Costa Express self-service units.
Moore first got his start in 1992 as a design engineer at Design Continuum. From there, he went on to Dell, before eventually rising to become a VP of engineering and service at Briggo, his most recent position prior to joining Costa Coffee. Moore graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering.
80. Kent Wilson
Vice President of Sales Engineering at SimSpace
Duke University
Kent Wilson began his professional career over 29 years ago. Today, he is the Vice President of Sales Engineering at SimSpace. SimSpace delivers the most comprehensive cybersecurity risk management platform, instilling confidence in an organization’s cybersecurity talent and technologies. With SimSpace, security teams, operational processes, and environments are continuously tested, readily available, and optimally tuned to defend against advanced adversaries.
Wilson first got his start in 1993 as an infantry squad leader in the United States Army. From there, he went on to Symantec, before eventually rising to become a VP of customer experience at Bricata, his most recent position prior to joining SimSpace. Wilson graduated from Duke University with an undergraduate degree in economics.
View the complete list of awardees.
84. Emily Arnold
Vice President of Engineering at 8minute Solar Energy
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Emily Arnold is the Vice President of Engineering at 8minute Solar Energy. She first joined the company in 2017 as director of optimization engineering. As a record-breaking, unrivaled technology leader, 8minute Solar Energy is championing the clean energy transition in the United States and shaping the future of energy through its next generation of smart solar power plants. By prioritizing technology and engineering innovation, 8minute’s best-in-class team has continued to set new industry records, developing the largest solar plant in the nation starting in 2011, delivering the first operational solar plant in the U.S. to beat fossil fuel prices in 2016, and securing a deal to deliver solar with storage at record-low prices in 2019.
Previously, Arnold was a senior engineer and associate at Recurrent Energy. Arnold earned an MS in civil and environmental engineering from Stanford University and an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering.
88. David Blaker
Vice President of Engineering at Luna Innovations
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
David Blaker is the Vice President of Engineering at Luna Innovations. He first joined the company in 2015 as the director of engineering. Luna Innovations Incorporated is a leader in optical technology, committed to serving its customers with unique capabilities in high-performance, fiber-optic-based sensing, measurement, testing and control products for the aerospace, transportation, infrastructure, security, process control, communications, silicon photonics, defense, and automotive industries, among others. Enabling the future with fiber, Luna’s business model is designed to accelerate the process of bringing new and innovative technologies to the market.
Previously, Blaker was a VP of engineering at Centice and before that a director of customer solutions at Nextreme Thermal Solutions. Earlier in his career he worked with Nokia Mobile Phones as a senior system engineer. Blaker earned an MS in electrical and electronics engineering from Lehigh University and an undergraduate degree in electrical and electronics engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
91. Supreet Oberoi
Senior Vice President of Engineering & Product at BriteCore
The University of Texas at Austin
Supreet Oberoi is the Senior Vice President of Engineering and Product at BriteCore. He first joined the company in 2021. BriteCore was built from the ground up using the latest modern technology. Deployed using the Amazon Web Services cloud, their enterprise-level software is continually updated to guarantee maximum security, efficiency, and durability at scale. More than 60 insurance carriers, MGAs, and start-ups rely on BriteCore to increase speed to market, improve competitive position, and support growth.
Previously, Oberoi was a senior vice president of engineering and head of engineering at Demandbase and before that, a vice president of IoT and big data applications at Oracle. Earlier in his career he worked with Agile Software (acquired by Oracle) as a director of engineering. Oberoi earned an MD in computer science from Stanford University and an undergraduate degree in computer science from The University of Texas at Austin.
97. David Ting
Senior Vice President of Engineering at Nylas
University of California, Los Angeles
David Ting is the Senior Vice President of Engineering at Nylas. Developers around the world use Nylas to quickly and securely build email, scheduling, and work automation features into their applications. With Nylas, developers at innovative companies like Upwork, Wix, Freshworks, Lever, Dialpad, Ceridian, and Move.com get unprecedented access to rich communications data from their end-users, pre-built workflows that automate everyday tasks, embeddable UI/UX components for fast front-end development, and comprehensive security features, all delivered via a suite of powerful APIs that make integration easy. Ting has over 31 years in the software development industry. He began his career in 1991.
Before joining Nylas, Ting was a VP of engineering at DataVisor and before that a general manager of North America at NetEase. Earlier in his career he worked with IBM as an advisory engineer. Ting graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering.
View the complete list of awardees.