Kevin Patrick Grundy ('79, Electrical Engineering BS; '82, Electrical Engineering MS)

Kevin Patrick Grundy

Chief Operating Officer, Sarcos Corporation

BS Electrical Engineering, Cal Poly Pomona, 1979

MS Electrical Engineering, Cal Poly Pomona, 1982

Even from Kevin Patrick Grundy’s earliest recollection, he was always tearing things apart and rewiring them. Engineering seemed to be in his DNA. But it soon became clear that Kevin’s career trajectory was not to practice strict engineering, but rather innovation-driven engineering. So it is no surprise that his distinguished career consists of multiple startups that have substantially contributed toward innovative new products and services.

After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona, Kevin worked at General Dynamics (missile division), while earning his master’s degree at Cal Poly Pomona and also teaching as an undergraduate instructor. Since then, a progression of engineering roles has shaped Kevin’s career in a unique way.
He was on the founding design team for the computer that was used to launch the World Wide Web.

He envisioned and created the nation’s first self-installed smart DSL network for the company that became DirecTV Broadband. He even created the first application of smart reception technology for terrestrial television—serving as CEO and COO for four leading-edge corporations along the way.

To invigorate future innovation, Kevin urges Cal Poly Pomona students to become and stay uncomfortable. “The best way to gauge this is to ask yourself every year: ‘Is what I’ve just done the best thing ever? Have I outdone myself?’ If the answer is no, you haven’t challenged yourself nearly enough.”
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