Designing the Future: Panasonic Engineers Shaping Tomorrow

This National Engineers Week, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the incredible engineers who are quite literally shaping the world around us. Engineers, who not only design innovative solutions, but also inspire future generations to do the same. This field is not just about technology; it's about shaping a future full of possibilities. Join us as we celebrate engineers across Panasonic who bring our vision to life. Their work fuels our collective progress, and their journey serves as a powerful reminder that the future is something we all have the power to design.

Andrea Navarro-Evans

Controls/Manufacturing Engineer, Panasonic Energy Kansas

From a young age, a passion for space sparked Andrea’s journey toward a career in engineering. "My inspiration started at a very young age when my mom got me an interactive solar system handheld game when I was four years old. This was also the time she started to sing ‘The Planet Song’ from the original Blue Clues cartoon to me every single day," says Andrea.

What began as an infatuation with astronomy led to a decision that would shape Andrea’s career – choosing electrical engineering over aerospace. Today, working at Panasonic Energy, she’s found herself at the forefront of creating solutions for renewable energy, including leading projects for the world’s largest battery manufacturing factory. “At Panasonic Energy, any idea is valuable … the possibilities ahead are endless," she explains, emphasizing the freedom to innovate and push boundaries. Reflecting on her career, Andrea attributes her success to being flexible and agile. “Each challenge I’ve faced has cemented the idea that engineering is about adaptability, problem-solving and continuous improvement. Now, I approach every problem as an opportunity to make things better,” Andrea shares.

For aspiring engineers, she offers this advice, "Take the time to reflect and ask yourself what you really want to do when you grow up, no matter your age. If you are willing to put in the extra work, you can do anything you put your mind to." With a deep curiosity driving her progress, Andrea is excited about the endless opportunities ahead, particularly in artificial intelligence and automation. "AI is being used to automate repetitive tasks. This enables us to optimize operations, reduce human error and enhance the way we deliver our products," she says, nodding toward a future of limitless innovation.

Steve Fritz

Engineering Principle, Hussmann

Steve’s journey into engineering was driven by an innate curiosity and aptitude for STEM disciplines. “In high school, I liked science, math and drafting, so engineering made sense,” he shares, reflecting on how his early interests shaped his career path. With 36 years at Hussmann, he’s seen firsthand the impact of Panasonic’s acquisition in 2016, and he credits the company’s guiding principles for fostering an environment where innovation thrives. “Panasonic has allowed Hussmann to develop new products and flourish,” Steve exclaims, emphasizing how his work at Panasonic has empowered him to turn bold ideas into tangible results.

One of the most rewarding aspects of his role is witnessing ideas evolve into fully realized products. "It’s very rewarding to see products that you helped design roll down an assembly line," he says. For Steve, curiosity has always been a driving force, whether it’s tinkering with designs or exploring new ideas. “There is always something new to learn or try that keeps things interesting,” he remarks.

Steve’s career has been full of unexpected twists and enriching experiences, and his advice to aspiring engineers is clear: Be flexible in your work goals and take advantage of opportunities as they come up. Steve’s path has led him to roles across engineering, from design engineer to principal engineer. It’s even taken him across the globe, forging connections with colleagues in Mexico, India, Japan, China and Australia. Today, he’s excited by the industry’s shift toward natural refrigerants and the opportunities it presents for creating new solutions. He highlights the potential for engineers to shape the future of the food retailing industry. “There has been a lot of growth and change in recent years, trending toward natural and low GWP refrigerants,” Steve shares, noting this shift is a chance for engineers to create sustainable solutions that drive the industry forward.

Joe Aghop

Senior Manager, Field and Configuration Services, Integrated Services Division, Panasonic Canada Inc.

 Joe’s journey into engineering was sparked by the swift technological breakthroughs of the 1990s and the anticipation of Y2K. “The rapid advancements and the challenges of that era fueled my passion for innovation and problem-solving,” he shares. At Panasonic, Joe has had the opportunity to design his future by working on projects that drive progress and enable solutions. “Being part of the Panasonic team empowers me to transform bold ideas into reality by providing the resources, support and platforms needed to bring innovation to life,” he says, highlighting the collaborative environment that enables him to push boundaries and make an impact.

Joe’s quest for knowledge has been a constant motivator, helping him uncover unique opportunities for growth. “Curiosity has been a driving force in my career,” he notes, emphasizing how it fuels continuous learning and innovation. A defining moment in his career came when he developed a solution for a key client, Tim Hortons, that had a lasting impact on their operations. Understanding customer needs has shaped Joe’s approach. “It is incredibly rewarding knowing that Panasonic has such a direct and positive impact on its users,” he shares. Reflecting on his early interest in how things work, Joe recalls, “As a child, I loved taking gadgets apart just to see what was inside,” and this natural curiosity led him to a fulfilling career.

Looking ahead, Joe is excited about the possibilities that AI brings to innovation. “The rapid evolution of AI is creating new possibilities in efficiency, problem-solving and innovation … many of which directly align with the work we’re doing at Panasonic,” he says. Joe’s advice to aspiring engineers? “Stay curious, embrace challenges and never stop learning. These are the keys to designing a future that is both meaningful and impactful."

Nada Baili

Data Scientist, Cloud Platforming Engineer, Panasonic Avionics

 Nada’s fascination with data and its transformative power began early in her academic career. “I have always been fascinated by how data can be transformed into meaningful insights that drive innovation,” she shares, describing how her PhD work in machine learning and data-driven decision-making solidified her passion for AI. Joining Panasonic Avionics gave Nada the opportunity to apply this expertise in real-world settings, focusing on AI-driven solutions for inflight entertainment. “The dynamic environment here allows me to explore cutting-edge AI applications, shaping both my future and the future of aviation technology,” she says.

In addition, Nada notes that Panasonic empowers employees to push boundaries and how that is vital for uncovering what once seemed impossible. “Curiosity has been the driving force behind my career,” she reflects, noting how it led her to develop a novel AI model during her first internship, which had a lasting impact on the company. Today, Nada’s passion for AI continues to guide her work as she tackles challenges to optimize AI models for a better passenger experience.

She advises aspiring engineers to take on challenging projects, even if it’s intimidating at first. “Real growth happens outside your comfort zone and some of the best insights come from teamwork,” Nada explains, as she encourages others to seek mentorship and collaborate with peers and colleagues.” Looking forward, she is especially excited by the rise of generative AI and its potential to revolutionize aviation. Nada emphasizes the limitless potential AI holds for the future of air travel. “I’m interested in how we can leverage AI to further enhance the passenger experience and make flights more enjoyable and efficient,” she shares.

Our engineers at Panasonic are a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance and innovation. Each engineer has taken a unique path, driven by a passion to solve problems and create meaningful change. Their work not only shapes the future of technology but also inspires the next generation of engineers to dream big and push the limits of what’s possible. As we honor their contributions during National Engineers Week, we’re reminded that their work goes beyond designs, data and prototypes. It touches lives, it drives progress and it paves the way for a more sustainable future. Let’s celebrate their vision and dedication, knowing that the seeds they’ve planted today will grow into the innovations of tomorrow.

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