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Craig Petzel

Software Engineer at Square

Professional Background

Craig Petzel is a highly experienced software engineer and technology leader with a profound background in developing and managing innovative software solutions. With an impressive career spanning over a decade, Craig has held significant positions in renowned organizations, including Square, Bird, and Scoot Networks. His journey through the tech industry highlights his adaptability, technical prowess, and commitment to advancing mobile technologies. Craig's role as a Software Engineer at Square is marked by his contributions to enhancing payment solutions and financial technologies, showcasing his ability to work in fast-paced and highly collaborative environments.

Before joining Square, Craig made significant strides as a Senior Engineering Manager at Bird, where his leadership skills were pivotal in steering teams toward successful project completions while fostering an environment of growth and innovation. His experience at Scoot Networks further solidified his technical and managerial capabilities; progressing from a Senior Software Engineer to a Senior Engineering Manager, Craig demonstrated his natural aptitude for leading teams, driving projects, and developing cutting-edge mobile applications.

Craig began his career as an Android Software Engineer at Samsung Telecommunications America, which laid a solid foundation for his expertise in mobile software development. Over the years, he has honed his skills working with various organizations, including key roles at companies like Primer and Lumos Labs (Lumosity), where he was recognized for his innovative contributions and technical leadership. Craig's versatility across different companies has equipped him with a unique insight into software engineering, team dynamics, and the tech landscape's evolving nature.

Education and Achievements

Craig Petzel earned his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the prestigious University of Minnesota, where he developed a robust understanding of software development principles and computer systems. His education formed the basis of his impressive career, equipping him with the technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities necessary for success in the tech industry.

Throughout his career, Craig has continually invested in his professional development and has kept abreast of technological advancements. His academic background not only helped him build a strong foundation but also instilled in him the importance of lifelong learning, which he actively pursues by staying updated on industry trends and engaging with the tech community.

Notable Achievements

Craig’s career is not only notable for his extensive work experience but also for the impact he has made in developing user-centric software applications and solutions. At Bird, his leadership was instrumental in launching new features that enhanced user experience and improved safety measures for riders. As Tech Lead and Senior Engineering Manager at Scoot Networks, he led the development of innovative mobile applications that simplified urban transportation for users.

His time as a Principal Software Engineer at Lumos Labs (Lumosity) is highlighted by his contributions to developing engaging and educational games that promote cognitive skills, demonstrating his ability to create meaningful software that positively impacts users’ lives. Overall, Craig Petzel’s career trajectory showcases a professional deeply committed to excellence in software engineering, a passion for mobile technologies, and a desire to make a difference in the tech industry.

Highlights

Jul 8 · linkedin

Over the years, I’ve touched many complex software systems, and would often reach for #xstate to de-mystify and visualize the code. I’ve recently published a few npm packages that bring familiar Web tooling to React Native! Whether you want to view your machines in a browser, or view them in a floating window on your mobile device, you can always “open the hood” of your mobile product and see what is going on! https://lnkd.in/gZaSTC2g

Shout out to David Khourshid and the Stately team for such a great tool!

Feb 1 · linkedin

As I close an important chapter of my professional journey with Block where I've had the privilege of working for the last four years, I find myself reflecting on the path that has led me here and the opportunities that lie ahead.

For over a decade, I’ve had the pleasure of creating mobile solutions for multiple Bay Area companies ranging from tiny startups, to medium sized pre-IPO companies, to large scale regulated public companies. The fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of startups taught me not just technical skills, but adaptability, problem-solving, and the art of turning ideas into reality. Working at Block empowered me to scale my impact by driving large features across our Point of Sale systems and Cash App. This experience has been invaluable in understanding the importance of strong leadership, the nuances of mobile engineering at scale, user-centric design, rigorous testing, and continuous improvement. Looking back, I am grateful for my incredibly talented former colleagues who have impacted my growth as an engineering leader.

As I look to the future, I am excited to open a new chapter where I can leverage my experience to advise and collaborate with companies looking to deliver high quality mobile products. My passions lie in helping companies utilize cutting-edge technology that empowers them to scale quickly, whether that means using cross-platform technologies to get to market fast or developing robust scalable solutions across iOS and Android engineering teams, I can help your company put together a roadmap to success.

If you think my services would be of interest to you, please reach out!

Related Questions

How did Craig Petzel transition from a software engineer to a senior engineering manager role at Bird?
What projects did Craig Petzel work on during his time at Lumos Labs (Lumosity)?
In what ways has Craig Petzel contributed to enhancing user experience in mobile applications at Scoot Networks?
What skills and knowledge did Craig Petzel acquire during his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science at the University of Minnesota?
How has Craig Petzel's experience at Square shaped his perspective on the future of financial technologies?
Craig Petzel
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Location

San Francisco, California, United States