Chris Maldonado

Chris Maldonado has a diverse work experience in the engineering field. Chris started their career as an Undergraduate Researcher at the Combustion Analysis Laboratory in UC Berkeley, where they investigated the effectiveness of microwave-assisted spark plug ignition systems. Chris also managed data acquisition systems to determine misfiring and knocking limits for various fuel mixtures.

Afterward, Chris worked as an Undergraduate Researcher at the Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory, also at UC Berkeley. In this role, they applied engineering mechanics principles to test the behavior of human low-density trabecular bone specimens under high-stress conditions. Chris operated mechanical testing machines and utilized their knowledge of human bone structure to validate finite element analysis. Chris also wrote image-processing MATLAB code to perform stress calculations from x-ray images, analyzing the cause of atypical femoral fractures in osteoporotic drug recipients.

Following their undergraduate studies, Chris joined the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center as a Research Associate II. Here, they contributed as a research team member, undertaking the role from August 2013 to June 2016.

Chris then moved to NuVasive in 2016, where they worked as a Research & Testing Engineer. During their time there, they focused on research and testing activities until September 2018.

Currently, Chris is employed at Alphatec Spine. Chris first joined as a Senior Engineer in September 2018 and worked until February 2021. Chris then took on the role of Lead Engineer until February 2023. From February 2023 onwards, Chris has been serving as a Manager, Research & Testing.

Chris Maldonado pursued their undergraduate education from 2009 to 2013 at the University of California, Berkeley. During this period, they obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.