Babak Jafarian, Ph.D.

Babak Jafarian, Ph.D. is a highly experienced professional with a strong background in the telecommunications industry. Babak currently holds the position of VP 5G Systems at Aira Technologies, where they lead the 5G System Engineering and related activities. Their role involves harnessing Machine Learning (ML) to improve wireless performance by processing contextual information in mobile networks.

Prior to their current role, Babak served as the Senior Director 5G Open RAN Product Management at Mavenir. In this position, they led product roadmaps, features development, and worked directly with lead customers to understand their requirements for 3GPP and O-RAN software. Babak also played a key role in driving opportunities towards closure.

Before joining Mavenir, Babak worked at Ericsson as the 5G Solutions Director. Babak coordinated and led 5G technical discussions with customers, focusing on network evolution and strategic indoor, small cell enterprise, and private network solutions. Babak also contributed to 5G RFX responses, tenders, and commercial proposals.

Prior to their time at Ericsson, Babak held the position of Senior Director Product Management 5G Open RAN at Casa Systems, Inc. Babak shaped and led Casa Systems' 5G NR Open RAN solutions, working closely with internal stakeholders and customers to define and develop RAN technology solutions. Babak also represented Casa Systems in O-RAN Alliance working groups and served as a subject matter expert for customer engagements.

Babak's experience also includes senior roles at Parallel Wireless, where they served as the Senior Director Product Strategy 4G/5G Open RAN, leading product strategy and marketing for the company's Open RAN solutions. Babak also served as the Director of Product Support and Trial Engagements, leading trials and customer-facing engagements for 3G/4G Open RAN solutions.

Earlier in their career, Babak held the position of Vice President Engineering at Skyriver Communications, managing engineering operations and leading the development of mmWave fixed wireless broadband solutions. Babak also co-founded Ortiva Wireless, a leading provider of Mobile TV optimization platforms, and served as the Chief Strategy Officer.

Babak's extensive work experience also includes positions at Wireless Facilities Inc as the Vice President of the Network Solutions Group, and at Motorola, where they worked as a Product Development Manager. Babak also worked at O2 UK as a Network Architect, where they were involved in designing and deploying the first GPRS network in Europe.

Overall, Babak Jafarian, Ph.D. has a diverse and highly accomplished career in the telecommunications industry, with a focus on 5G technology, product management, and strategic leadership roles.

Babak Jafarian, Ph.D. has an extensive education history in the field of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Babak began their education in 1984 at the University of Tehran, where they obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 1988.

Building upon their undergraduate studies, Babak Jafarian pursued a Master of Science degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at King's College London. Babak attended the institution from 1993 to 1994.

Continuing their academic journey, Babak Jafarian furthered their specialization in the field by completing a Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at King's College London from 1994 to 1998. Their research focused on Mobile Telecommunications.

Furthering their knowledge and skills beyond engineering, Babak Jafarian pursued an MBA with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Management at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) from 1999 to 2000.

In terms of additional certifications, Babak Jafarian has acquired several noteworthy credentials. Babak obtained certification as an Ericsson Certified Associate in Radio Access Networks from Ericsson in May 2021. Additionally, they earned the title of 5G RAN Associate from Ericsson in February 2021. Furthermore, Babak Jafarian acquired expertise in Cloud Data Architecture and Containerization through a certification from Skillsoft in January 2021.