GigaOM Radar Edge Platform Leader & Outperformer 2024 | 
Q&A with David Arellano, Sr. Software Dev Engineer
In celebration of Engineers Week 2023, we’re getting to know some of our very own engineers. In this Q&A, we shine the spotlight on David Arellano, Sr. Software Dev Engineer.
Why did you choose to become an engineer?
For me, engineering is a tangible way to connect to the world around me. Almost like a way to connect to the beauty of the makeup of the world.
What are the most important qualities for an engineer to have?
A great engineer can communicate, design, and execute against their ideas, and most importantly, understands the impact of their changes.
What do you enjoy most about being an engineer? And about being an engineer at Edgio?
My favorite thing about being an engineer is creating solutions with others while learning new things. Edgio provides a great environment for engineers in just that way. I am able to come to work, and be fully engaged in immediate and long term solutions.
What excites you about the future of engineering and what we are doing here at Edgio?
The future of engineering is always full of wonder because we are always learning new ways to execute how we solve problems. The core concepts remain the same, but the tooling constantly evolves to become more powerful, efficient and easier to use. Edgio is a great embodiment of evolution and I’m excited to be a part of this constant evolution.
What advice would you give to someone who is just beginning their engineering career?
Be honest with your peers, your leadership, and most importantly yourself. Spend some time understanding what kind of engineer you want to become and pursue the career you want. In all cases, if you want to be a great engineer, it is as much your emotional intelligence as it is your technical capabilities. Being able to communicate and execute with others is far more powerful than being the only one who knows how to do something.
Share a fun fact about yourself or something you enjoy doing outside of work.
One of my favorite vacations was to Fiji and Australia. I enjoyed the crystal clear waters of Fiji, including snorkeling, kayaking, meeting amazing people, and eating seafood. I enjoyed the stunning city of Brisbane, Australia, including its lovely people and food. Probably the most unique experiences were taking a photo with Dave the Koala, visiting with kangaroos, and swimming with the turtles at the Great Barrier Reef. All this with my loving wife Lisa and some of my most cherished friends.
Engineers Week 2023 runs from February 19 to 25. This year’s theme — Creating the Future — recognizes how engineers play a vital role in innovating solutions to global challenges that impact future generations. By working together to develop new technologies, products and opportunities, engineers create new possibilities that make the world a better place. This Engineers Week we hope that you’ll take a moment to recognize and celebrate the work of engineers and engage students in engineering. DiscoverE, the organization behind Engineers Week, has free resources you can use to inspire future innovators, such as hands-on engineering activities and lesson plans, information about engineering education, and pathways to a technical careers. Visit DiscoverE.org and get the help you need to focus on the “E” in STEM.
