Jin Bains
Chief Executive Officer, Mini-Circuits
B.S. Electrical Engineering, ‘94
Jin Bains graduated from UC Davis with a bachelor's degree in 1994. After graduation, Jin joined Hewlett Packard as RF Engineer, rose through the rank in Agilent to become R&D Project Engineer in 2004, joined National Instruments where he became VP of R&D, RF and Wireless Products from 2012-2017. He then joined Facebook as the Head of SoCal Connectivity, and recently became the Director, Engineering, Project Kuiper at Amazon, which is “an initiative to launch a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites that will provide low-latency, high-speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world.” Bains is a member of the ECE Board of Advisors.
We took a moment to chat with Jin to learn more about what technology excites him, and also to reflect on his biggest influences when he was a UC Davis undergraduate.
What research or technology are you most excited about right now, and why?
There are many that are very exciting to me. For instance, the incredible technologies that are being researched and developed to make space more accessible and satellites more capable - this includes lower cost/weight/volume and higher performing RF/mmWave components, systems, and antenna technologies. Another area is the research towards increased bandwidth and more efficient systems for future cellular and wireless connectivity. Finally, research in technologies that will help reduce the burden we place on the planet, including improved batteries and alternative fuel sources.
How did your time at UC Davis impact you and/or prepare you for your career?
I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to study electrical and computer engineering at UC Davis. The breadth of knowledge I gained has been extremely helpful throughout my career, including analog and digital electronics, electromagnetics, and computer systems and programming. I was also able to take classes in far-ranging areas like intellectual property law and Russian literature and automotive engines, among others, which helped round out my knowledge and skills.
Did you have a favorite course or instructor at UC Davis?
It's always hard to select a single favorite, but I would have to say that Professor Rick Branner was the most impactful on my career and life. The combination of deep theory and hands-on practical design was a cornerstone of Dr. Branner's RF/Electromagnetics courses (EE 132 series). Dr. Branner also imparted wisdom on the "real world," which continues to ring true and is still helpful to me now after I've been in industry and living in the real world for three decades. My other favorite instructors were Professor Paul Hurst and Professor Stephen Lewis.
What advice would you give to young people who are currently seeking a degree in electrical and computer engineering?
I think it's important to soak in as much as you can from the classes and experiences you get as part of being at UC Davis. Also, make connections, both with other students and professors, as these will prove highly valuable to you as you go through your career and life.