Current Role and Company Position
Paul Petrus is currently a Senior Advisor at RADAR, having stepped down from the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) as of July 2024. He remains one of RADAR’s largest stakeholders. RADAR is a New York-based technology company specializing in an RFID and AI-powered inventory-tracking platform that utilizes computer vision technology. The platform enables retailers and sales associates to accurately locate available products on-site, facilitating enhanced in-store inventory visibility and customer experience.
His departure from the CTO position coincides with the appointment of Zach Little as the new CTO, effective July 22, 2024. Zach Little brings extensive experience from automotive technology and consumer electronics companies, including Luminar Technologies, Argo AI, Apple, and Microsoft.
Professional Background and Experience
Prior to his tenure at RADAR, Paul Petrus served as Vice President of Engineering at Ruckus Networks beginning in 2014, where he led development in advanced wireless technologies including the CBRS Small Cells product line. This role highlights his strong background in wireless communication engineering and leadership in product development for complex networking systems.
He holds both a Master of Science (MS) and a PhD in Electrical Engineering, credentials that underline his technical expertise and academic training in advanced engineering disciplines.
Location and Network
Paul is based in San Jose, California, a significant technology hub in Silicon Valley, which positions him close to major technology companies and startups. His LinkedIn profile shows a substantial professional network with over 4,000 followers and 500+ connections, indicating his prominence and influence in the technology and engineering sectors.
Expertise and Technical Focus
While specific day-to-day responsibilities and recent achievements at RADAR have not been publicly detailed, Paul’s technical and leadership experience centers around:
- Wireless communications technology
- Embedded systems and hardware/software integration
- Product development management
- Advanced networking technologies with AI/ML innovation
His previous work at Ruckus Networks on small cells and wireless infrastructure suggests a strong capability to oversee scalable technology projects in IoT, wireless, and data communications fields.
Strategic Role at RADAR Post-CTO
Since stepping down as CTO, Paul continues to support RADAR as a senior advisor. Given he is one of the company’s largest stakeholders, his advisory role likely involves strategic guidance on technology development, market positioning, and industry partnerships as the company pursues growth opportunities. RADAR has been expanding its team with executives and engineers from leading technology firms such as Amazon, Google, Zara, Meta, and Uniqlo, indicating a strong growth and innovation phase during Paul’s tenure and beyond.
Educational and Technical Contributions
- Graduate of Virginia Tech with advanced degrees specialized in electrical engineering.
- Previous notable publication includes research on wireless systems and directional antennas.
- He has contributed to privacy and security challenges discussions from an architectural perspective through affiliations such as the PETRUS project-team, which focuses on privacy/security challenges but appears distinct from the RADAR company entity.
Company Context: RADAR
- RADAR is positioned as an industry innovator in retail technology, leveraging AI and RFID with computer vision to solve inventory challenges in physical retail locations.
- The company’s technology is recognized for its ability to provide accurate, real-time product tracking and location insights inside stores.
- RADAR is actively scaling by attracting high-profile talent and gaining visibility in the retail technology ecosystem.
Actionable Insights:
Paul Petrus’s profile reflects a deep technical background and leadership in wireless networking and embedded systems, aligning well with RADAR’s innovation focus in AI-powered inventory and retail technology. His ongoing advisory role and significant investment indicate he maintains strategic influence, which is relevant for understanding RADAR’s technical roadmap and growth trajectory. Given his Silicon Valley network and prior executive experience, engagement points likely align with his expertise in scaling complex engineering teams and pioneering wireless/AI integration technologies.
