My background is building early stage companies from ideas into reality, a skillset that I continue to use daily at Amazon.
I tend to focus on projects that help connect people and help make their lives better, while letting the technology get out of the way.
I have extensive expertise in real time media systems, including text, audio and video, sensor data, and real time computer vision (over 10 years),
and was part of the initial Alexa communications launch.
In Last Mile, I helped initiate/build some of our hallmark projects, VAPR, Smart Glasses, Driver In Dash Experiences, Edge Safety AI,
and Location Intelligence. I also have experience managing teams of 25+, have 4 granted patents + 3 in process. I have experience taking
R&D ideas to production in the image processing, video codec, and media space in and out of Amazon. I have received numerous external
accolades for projects I have worked on, including being a TechCrunch Startup Battlefield finalist, PC World, PC Magazine,
Microsoft Product of the Year, etc.
Featured Work & Press
VAPR System Image
Vision-Assisted Package Retrieval (VAPR)
AI-powered system using computer vision to help drivers locate packages
Smart Glasses Image
Amazon Smart Glasses
AR glasses providing hands-free navigation and delivery assistance
Rivian Interface Image
Rivian Delivery Vehicle Software
In-vehicle infotainment and delivery management system
Experience
Principal Engineer - Amazon (November 2015 - Present)
Driver Assistance Technologies & Safety (Aug 2023 - Present)
Working on Driver Assistance Technologies (DAT) and Driver Safety (DIS). Combining AI/ML strategies with custom and OTS hardware
to solve difficult real world problems in driver safety and productivity. Focus on humans-first approach to augment human understanding
and capabilities. Assisted on VAPR, Smart Glasses, Safety Alerts, Hazard Detection, Location Intelligence, and AI Enhanced Personal
and Developer Productivity.
Last Mile Technologies (Sep 2020 - Aug 2023)
Working to scale delivery experience at 1, 3, and 5 year time scales. Led software for Rivian Electric Delivery Vehicles and
driver safety systems utilizing machine learning and real-time data processing to prevent incidents.
Alexa Accessories & Communications (Mar 2019 - Sep 2020)
Enabled Alexa Accessories including Echo Auto (with switchable wakeword functionality), Echo Buds, and Frames. Focused on
developer productivity and app performance, driving cold start times from awful to industry standard. Introduced architectural
modularization to deliver cross-platform features 10x faster with equivalent quality.
Alexa Mobile & Communications (Nov 2015 - Mar 2019)
Software architect for initial release of audio/video/messaging for Alexa Communications. Led cross-platform mobile rendering,
smart home systems, messaging and notifications, Voice SDK, and Alexa Accessory Kit development.
Co-founder & CTO - Tuul (May 2014 - Aug 2015)
Led team of 25+ embedding automation and bot responsiveness into text messaging for customer service and sales.
Filed 2 patents. Architected scalable infrastructure based on NoSQL (Cassandra) and distributed processing frameworks.
Principal Software Engineer - Logitech/LifeSize (Nov 2008 - Dec 2012)
Built software used by 25 million customers. Made high definition mobile video conferencing possible.
Helped provide one of the first consumer 1080p video conferencing experiences.
Lead Engineer - SightSpeed (Mar 2003 - Oct 2008)
Engineering and R&D for real-time video encoding and delivery. Multi-award winning video conferencing client
(PC Magazine/PC World Best Communications Products, Codie & Frost & Sullivan awards). Acquired by Logitech in 2008.
Key Accomplishments
TechCrunch Disrupt Battlefield 2014 Finalist
Competed at one of the technology industry's premier startup competitions
7 Patents (4 Granted + 3 Pending)
Innovations in video encoding/decoding, messaging systems, workflow management, and remote device command initiation
Video Collaboration Pioneer
Over 10 years of expertise in real-time media systems. Part of initial Alexa Communications launch.
Patents & Innovation
System and method for implementing workflow management using messaging
Innovations in using messaging systems to enable workflow automation and management
System and method for managing electronic conversations
Advanced techniques for conversation management and threading in electronic communications
Methods and apparatus for encoding and decoding video data
Advanced techniques for efficient video compression and transmission
System and method for archiving messages
Innovations in message archival and retrieval systems
Remote initiation of commands for user devices
Smart device automation and remote control systems
Technical Expertise
Cross Platform Development: iOS, Android, Windows, OSX, Linux
Compiled Languages: C, C++, Objective-C, Swift, Java, Kotlin
Scripting: Python, Matlab, Javascript, Typescript
Databases: Cassandra, MongoDB, MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, Neo4j, Redis
Distributed Systems & Graphics: Shaders, OpenGL+ES, Metal
Signaling & Messaging: SIP, XMPP, Proprietary protocols
Streaming & Media Transport: RTP, RTMP, HLS
Audio & Video Codecs: H.263, H.264, H.265, VPX, Opus
Computer Vision & ML: PyTorch, VLM, LLM
Top Skills
- H.264 Video Encoding/Decoding
- Streaming Media Systems
- Video Conferencing
- Real-time Media Processing
- Distributed Systems Architecture
- Computer Vision & AI/ML
Education & Professional Memberships
UCLA (1989-1995)
Professional Memberships:
- IEEE (Member since 2003)
- Society of Automotive Engineers (Member since 2024)
Languages
- English - Native/Bilingual proficiency
- Spanish - Limited working proficiency