Spotlight on Waseem: From Electrical Engineering to Innovating at Qube Technologies
At Qube Technologies, we pride ourselves on the talent and dedication of our team members. This month, we feature Waseem Alkhayer, whose extensive experience in electrical engineering and project management has been instrumental in driving innovation at Qube.
Early Beginnings and Career Path
Waseem’s journey began with a solid foundation in electrical engineering, a field he has been passionate about for over 18 years. His career has spanned various roles and industries, including oil and gas, smart energy metering, environmental sensors, and even underwater coral reef monitoring. Each role has equipped him with a diverse set of skills and a unique perspective on technology and innovation, which allowed him to work with multidisciplinary teams to identify MVPs and product-market fits. This diverse background set the stage for his impactful role at Qube.
Joining Qube Technologies
Having witnessed Qube's evolution from its early prototype days, Waseem was always intrigued by its potential. When the timing felt right, he brought his wealth of experience to the team, eager to contribute to Qube’s mission. His expertise in electrical engineering and his history of working with various technologies made him a perfect fit for the high-paced, innovative environment at Qube.
A Day in the Life
Waseem’s role at Qube is multifaceted, encompassing project execution, product management, and hands-on development. His day-to-day activities involve setting deliverables, allocating resources, and collaborating with the management team to understand market pain points and integrate them into product designs. He works closely with his team on designing circuits and boards, ensuring that the products are not only innovative but also meet the practical needs of customers.
Notable Projects and Achievements
One of Waseem’s most notable achievements is his work on smart energy meters, which now have over a million devices in the field. His contributions to gas leak detection and pump-off controllers have also been significant, with thousands of devices deployed across North America. At Qube, he is currently working on a cutting-edge technology that promises to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the field of environmental sensing.
Overcoming Challenges
Every project comes with its own set of challenges, and Waseem has faced many. One memorable challenge involved testing devices with satellite communication capabilities in Calgary’s harsh winter conditions. Instead of opting for a costly solution, Waseem and his team ingeniously set up antennas outside, routing cables indoors, significantly reducing testing time and costs. At Qube, he continuously works to improve designs based on feedback from the support team, ensuring that products are user-friendly and effective.
Sharing Knowledge and Community Engagement
Outside of his technical work, Waseem is passionate about sharing his knowledge with the broader community. He writes about product design and circuit evaluation on LinkedIn, where he has built a following of over 34,000 people (about twice the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden). This engagement not only helps him stay connected with the latest industry trends but also provides a platform for him to influence and support other professionals.
Advice for Aspiring Engineers
Waseem advises young professionals to seek opportunities where they can wear multiple hats, particularly in small to medium-sized companies. This approach allows for hands-on learning and exposure to various aspects of product development. He emphasizes the importance of taking risks and learning from failures, particularly early in one’s career. He also recommends staying updated with industry trends through reading and engaging with the community, citing influential books like Tony Fadell’s “Build” for valuable insights.
Personal Interests
When he is not working, Waseem enjoys sharing his technical knowledge and engaging with the tech community on LinkedIn. This hobby aligns perfectly with his professional interests, allowing him to continually learn and grow while contributing to the community.
Waseem’s story is one of continuous learning, innovation, and community engagement. His journey from electrical engineering to his current role at Qube Technologies highlights the importance of versatility, hands-on experience, and a passion for technology. We are proud to have Waseem as a part of our team, driving the innovations that make Qube Technologies a leader in environmental sensing and emissions reduction.