2021 Engineering Leader Under 40: Jeff Baldwin, 37

Director of Engineering, Sealevel Systems, Liberty, SC, United States, BS Electrical Engineering, Clemson University

By CFE Media September 8, 2021
Jeff Baldwin, 37, Director of Engineering, Sealevel Systems, Liberty, SC, United States, BS Electrical Engineering, Clemson University

Jeff Baldwin, 37
Director of Engineering
Sealevel Systems
Liberty, SC, United States
BS Electrical Engineering, Clemson University

Why should this person be recognized for this award?

Jeff is versed in best practices for all aspects of complex computing designs: incorporating manufacturability, size, weight and power (SWaP) optimization, and a variety of compliance requirements related to EMI/EMC, safety and security. He is an expert in interfacing high-speed computing technology with real-world I/O. He first fell in love with computers at the age of eight and continued fixing and building computers through his childhood and college years. Jeff’s official engineering career began in 2006 as an intern and he has advanced through experiences as a manufacturing engineer, hardware design engineer and, most recently, Director of Engineering.

Achievements, Advancement & Career-related Industry Contributions

Jeff’s design library includes over 60 industrial computer designs for leaders in defense, energy, public safety and transportation. His standard and custom designs exceed requirements in a wide variety of applications – including military and hazardous areas. Jeff’s favorite projects are best described as “extreme rugged” and his top area of expertise is computer design with a focus on functional density. He has authored a variety of white papers on subjects ranging from thermal engineering solutions to COM Express carrier boards to data corruption. Most recently, he spoke on engineering for extreme environments, specifically thermal variances and power disturbances. As a leader, he has earned the respect of peers and reporting team members through his dedication to delivering exceptional designs, from early concepts to released products. Jeff’s delivers a hands-on, synergistic approach and unmatched commitment to every task: both in support of customers and in leading the Sealevel engineering team.

Non-work-related Activities & Hobbies

Jeff recently built his home computer – fueling both his personal interests and professional passion. Customers and co-workers alike would tell you, “Of course Jeff built it himself: no one else could do it as well.” But if you were to ask Jeff, he’d likely tell you that it is because he is particular and wanted to make sure his computer operates exactly to his specifications (much like our Sealevel customers).

Interesting Details

  • Jeff grew up in a small fishing town near Charleston, SC, where his father is a clam and oyster farmer. He grew up working with his dad on a boat and in the marsh, and even had his own live bait business as a young teenager.
  • Jeff has a passion for wrist watches. His collection spans every style, power source, movement and functionality imaginable and he is always looking for his next timepiece.

Why did they choose this career?

Jeff recommends engineering – and specifically computer hardware design engineering – as a career path because there are so many broad applications for the solutions you create. Jeff’s designs are deployed all over the world on the battlefield, in 911 call centers, in industrial automation and control environments, in renewable energy facilities, and beyond! Even in space. In addition to limitless customer applications, the design tools available allow Jeff to imagine and create a wide variety of computing solutions.

Original content can be found at Control Engineering.


Author Bio: Since its founding in 2010, CFE Media and Technology has provided engineers in manufacturing, commercial and industrial buildings, and manufacturing control systems with the knowledge they need to improve their operational efficiency. CFE delivers the right information at the right time around the world through a variety of platforms.