Dr. Tejinder Singh, an electrical and computer engineering alum from the University of Waterloo, has been awarded the prestigious title of Distinguished Engineer at Dell Technologies. This recognition highlights his ground-breaking contributions to the company’s AI roadmap and his transformative work within the tech industry. The Distinguished Engineer title, one of Dell’s highest honors, is typically reserved for individuals with over 12-15 years of experience at the company and an advanced degree. Dr. Singh’s rapid rise to this prestigious elected position, after joining Dell only three years ago, speaks volumes about his extraordinary talent and technical leadership.
From assembling his first computer at the age of 10, to becoming a trailblazer at one of the world’s leading technology companies, Dr. Singh’s journey is both inspiring and transformative. At Dell, he has filed over 150 U.S. patents within just two years, demonstrating his profound influence on the tech industry and his relentless drive for innovation. His pioneering research in miniaturized on-chip wireless and microwave devices, combined with his expertise in material science, has propelled advancements in numerous critical areas, including advanced memory research, quantum-classical hardware technologies, intelligent devices based on novel materials, and AI hardware acceleration for consumer devices.
Dr. Singh’s success showcases how a PhD arms graduates with the ability to quickly adapt and thrive in evolving technological landscapes. As he reflects on his academic journey, Dr. Singh shares, "When I began my PhD, many peers suggested it would limit my career options. However, the skills I gained—especially the ability to adapt and innovate as technology evolves—have been invaluable. My graduate studies taught me how to think critically, view challenges from multiple perspectives, and pivot quickly when new opportunities arise." Dr. Singh’s ability to think creatively and break out of traditional paradigms allowed him to spearhead significant advancements at Dell. His technical leadership has been instrumental in defining the industry's first key performance indicators for large language models (LLMs), advancing quantum computing technologies, and developing intelligent metasurfaces to enhance radio and wireless coverage. These innovations have paved the way for faster, more reliable and energy-efficient devices, with applications ranging from space exploration to the next generation of autonomous systems.
Dr. Singh credits much of his success to the strong foundation he built during his time at the University of Waterloo, along with the mentorship of his supervisor, electrical and computer engineering professor, Dr. Raafat Mansour. "I’m making use of everything I’ve learned, and all thanks to my supervisor, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and the friends I made during my time at the University of Waterloo," Dr. Singh expressed with deep gratitude. The University of Waterloo’s commitment to fostering innovation and its forward-thinking approach provided Dr. Singh with an ideal environment to thrive. Dr. Mansour’s mentorship helped refine Dr. Singh’s research focus and technical acumen, laying the groundwork for his success in industry and the field.
Beyond his Distinguished Engineer title, Dr. Singh’s career is adorned with several accolades. He was awarded the Governor General’s Gold Medal in 2020, recognizing Canada’s top PhD graduate with the highest academic standing. He is also a recipient of the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, the NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship, and the Young Engineer Award from the European Microwave Association. His extensive body of work includes hundreds of published papers in leading academic journals and multiple best paper awards at international conferences.
Dr. Singh’s commitment to advancing the field is evident not only in his industry work, but also in his role as an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo. Through his dedication to mentoring the next generation of engineers, Dr. Singh is passing on the transformative power of education, innovation, and problem-solving. His work exemplifies how graduate studies foster skills that extend far beyond the classroom and help shape the future of technology.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Tejinder Singh on this outstanding achievement. His success is a testament to the power of a PhD—proving that advanced degrees provide the tools to think creatively, innovate, and adapt in the fast-paced world of technology, ultimately driving meaningful change in the world.
