Celebrating Edgio Engineers: Craig Fowler

Why did you choose to become an engineer?

I have always grown up around computers and digital content. I always knew that I wanted a career in IT and Edgio has allowed me to turn that passion for computing into a reality of being an engineer for one of the largest CDNs in the world. I enjoy exploring systems and troubleshooting problems, it is what makes this work so interesting. Having started in infrastructure engineering and progressed into network engineering, I have a good understanding of the core framework and components of the CDN.

What are the most important qualities for an engineer to have?

For me it is very important to be able to think laterally, we are constantly tailoring solutions to fit our customers needs and that requires breadth and depth of understanding. I also believe that problem-solving and open-mindedness allow us to tackle complex technical challenges. I think it is equally paramount to be collaborative, engineering is not a solo endeavor and it takes many people to make the CDN machine work.

What do you enjoy most about being an engineer? And about being an engineer at Edgio?

I enjoy the constant learning and challenges that are thrown at me every day. I have a wealth of knowledge surrounding me and a very supportive network of engineers who are willing to guide me and also learn from me. Edgio allows me to do this flexibly and exposes me to new opportunities and some of the largest players in the CDN and telecoms business.

What excites you about the future of engineering and what we are doing here at Edgio?

As the world evolves, we continue to see an increased demand for content and the capacity to support it. We see a surge of ways to stay connected and view live events and Edgio enables customers to consume the content that is important to them. Two recent events have proven our capability to deliver on this demand with soccer in the United Kingdom and football in the United States. In network provisioning specifically, we drive to meet the demands of capacity while balancing financial responsibility and ecosystem stability.

What advice would you give to someone who is just beginning their engineering career?

Take the time to learn the basics, the fundamentals will carry you no matter what field you are in. Build your professional network and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Share a fun fact about yourself or something you enjoy doing outside of work.

I have a mechanical keyboard collection, all of which I have designed and built myself. When we spend all day at our desks typing I think its important to have something you enjoy using and have pride in that you built it yourself!

Engineers Week 2023 runs from February 19 to 25. This year’s theme — Creating the Future — recognizes how engineers play a vital role in innovating solutions to global challenges that impact future generations. By working together to develop new technologies, products and opportunities, engineers create new possibilities that make the world a better place. This Engineers Week we hope that you’ll take a moment to recognize and celebrate the work of engineers and engage students in engineering. DiscoverE, the organization behind Engineers Week, has free resources you can use to inspire future innovators, such as hands-on engineering activities and lesson plans, information about engineering education, and pathways to a technical careers. Visit DiscoverE.org and get the help you need to focus on the “E” in STEM.