Chris Zappala

Chris Zappala has a diverse and extensive work experience in the field of RF engineering. Chris started their career in 1987 at Westinghouse Defense & Electronics, where they designed RF circuitry for commercial and military radar transmitters. Chris then joined Metratek in 1992 as an Engineering Manager, overseeing the design and fabrication of radar system hardware assemblies.

In 1994, Zappala worked at Watkins-Johnson as an RF Design Engineer, where they developed a wideband, multi-carrier transmitter for software-defined cellular base stations. Chris then joined Lucent Technologies in 1995 as a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff, leading RF design engineering for wireless base station products.

Zappala was a founding member of Celiant Corporation in 2001 and served as a Technical Manager. Chris was responsible for RF product design and development of power amplifiers used in Lucent's base station platforms. The company was later acquired by Andrew Corporation in 2002.

At Andrew Corporation, Zappala became an Engineering Director, leading the development of RF electronics for wireless base station systems. Chris successfully led a new product development that generated $60 million in yearly revenue within 16 months.

In 2007, Zappala joined CommScope as an Engineering Director, managing a multi-site technical team and overseeing product design and development for integrated amplifier/transceivers and Remote Radio Heads.

From 2011 to 2016, Zappala worked at BLiNQ Networks as the VP of Business Development, responsible for customer engagement, product positioning, and development of new business opportunities in the wireless backhaul market.

Currently, Zappala serves as the Senior Director of Engineering at Blue Danube Systems, a technology startup focused on developing advanced 3D beamforming antenna solutions for the mobile wireless industry. Chris is responsible for product development of active antenna systems and radio transceivers.

Throughout their career, Zappala has consistently demonstrated their expertise in RF engineering and product development, leading successful projects and contributing to the growth and success of the companies they have worked for.

Chris Zappala received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Lafayette College, where they studied from 1983 to 1987. Chris then went on to pursue a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Microwaves & RF, at The Johns Hopkins University from 1991 to 1996. Prior to their college education, Chris attended Indian Hills High School.