Hi there! 👋 I'm Paul. I'm passionate about leveraging technology to address complex problems such as security, energy efficiency, and accessibilty. Currently, I’m Director of Product Engineering at BigFix, where I lead the development of innovative cloud-native security products. I've previously held senior roles at Rivian, Ericsson, and Wikimedia. I call San Francisco home.
My career has been defined by leading high-performing teams across product engineering, security, and AI/ML, solving complex challenges at the intersection of software, hardware, and cybersecurity. Currently at BigFix, I'm spearheading the development of cloud-native security products, revolutionizing enterprise vulnerability management.
Key Accomplishments:
At BigFix, I'm transforming a legacy product into cutting-edge cloud-native SaaS solution. I've led the architecting of our enterprise security product, scaling the team from 8 to 60 engineers globally and delivering HCL Software's first fully CI/CD and SaaS product 70% ahead of schedule.
At Rivian, I led the product engineering data platform and ML research, driving innovation in EV optimization. We developed a reinforcement learning model that reduced DC fast charging times by 35% while maintaining robust security protocols. I also architected a secure, petabyte-scale data platform, reducing cloud compute costs by 25%.
During my tenure at Ericsson, I founded the AI Center of Excellence, managing 300+ global data scientists. I led research in edge computing, wearables, and 5G technologies, resulting in over 20 patents. Our projects improved energy efficiency of network equipment by 70% for operators while enhancing protection against cyber threats.
In the early days of Wikipedia, I was one of the first system administrators, playing a crucial role in scaling the platform securely during its exponential growth. I pioneered some of the internet's first content moderation and security policies, many of which remain in use two decades later.
My experience spans the full spectrum of engineering, from embedded systems in EVs to cloud infrastructure. This breadth of knowledge allows me to guide teams effectively across various technical domains.
In academia, I've held appointments at Emory University and the University of Michigan. My NSF-funded research focused on causal inference in ML and secure text extraction methods, resulting in publications in top-tier journals, including Science.
Throughout my career, I've demonstrated a passion for innovation, which has led to more than 30 patents across various technological fields. I combine hands-on expertise with strategic leadership to drive tangible business impacts while maintaining high security standards.
Speaking at the “How can LatAm startups leverage 5G” panel at Mita Tech Talks in Punta de Mita.
Sunset in San Francisco from Mt. Davidson.
Work
My tech journey spans over two decades, beginning in 2002 as one of Wikipedia's first system administrators. There, I developed pioneering policies and engineering practices for trustworthiness and security at scale, many of which remain influential today. This early experience laid the foundation for my career-long focus on solving complex challenges at the intersection of software, hardware, and cybersecurity.
My path has led me through diverse roles in industry and academia. At Ericsson, I founded the AI Center of Excellence, managing over 300 global data scientists and spearheading research in edge computing and 5G technologies. This work resulted in more than 20 patents and significant improvements in network efficiency. At Rivian, I led the Product Engineering Data team, developing cutting-edge ML techniques to optimize EV performance and creating a platform to process petabytes of streaming data from fleet vehicles.
Currently, I'm leading the Product Engineering team at BigFix, driving the development of our cloud-native SaaS security product. We're transforming legacy systems into state-of-the-art solutions, significantly reducing development timelines while enhancing security features. My approach combines hands-on technical expertise with strategic leadership, always aiming to drive tangible business impacts while maintaining the highest security standards.
Beyond my corporate roles, I've maintained strong ties to academia and social impact initiatives. I've held research positions at Emory University and the University of Michigan, focusing on ML in resource-constrained environments and causal inference methods. I also serve as a Tech Policy Fellow at the Tony Blair Institute for Social Change, an external AI advisor for UNESCO, an Open Source Community Leader at Red Hat, and mentor with organizations like Latinx in AI. These experiences reflect my commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefit and nurturing the next generation of tech leaders.
Personal
Outside of my day-to-day work, I'm passionate about fostering inclusivity. As an advisory board member for Red Hat, I advocate for diversity initiatives, focusing on creating opportunities for women, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ individuals in the industry. I firmly believe diverse teams are key to driving innovation and tackling complex technological challenges.
My commitment to inclusivity extends beyond tech. I serve on Columbia University's Alumni Board, working to increase access for underrepresented students in higher education. I'm also proud to contribute to cultural exchange as a board member of the New Zealand American Association of San Francisco.
Speaking
I am passionate about making technology accessible to all audiences. To that end, I love talking about technology, machine learning, and security. I have appeared in the DRUM Award-winning UnBoxed Office series, at Red Hat's OpenShift Commons, on Noticieros Televisa, and on various podcasts.
Awards
I'm proud to have led a team of nearly 400 Ericsson volunteers in a COVID-19 response effort recognized as the best corporate initiative by the Global Business Alliance.
In academia, I've been honored with several prestigious accolades, including a RAPID Grant from the National Science Foundation and fellowships at the San Diego Supercomputer Center.
Outside of Work
My passion for diversity in tech stems from my own unconventional path. I'm one of fewer than 100 Americans who've both dropped out of high school and earned a PhD. My academic journey took me through Columbia University, The George Washington University, and the University of Maryland before I completed my PhD at UC San Diego (go Tritons! đź”±).
Beyond tech, I'm a fine artist, downhill skier, and marathon runner. And my ultimate dream? Starting a rescue for senior dogs.