Dr. Adilson S. Cardoso, Senior Principal Electrical Engineer, Raytheon, an RTX Business
I AM…a God‑fearing man who is passionate about learning and mentoring the next generation of RF and microwave engineers.
What made you want to work in this industry?
Growing up in Angola, a developing country in the 1980s, I was introduced to computers and electronic games at an early age, which sparked a deep curiosity about how the components inside these systems worked and how they were designed. Fast‑forward to today—after nearly 20 years in the field—I’m still driven by that same curiosity as I look for opportunities to learn, innovate, and tackle challenging problems in RF and microwave circuit design. I’ve also been blessed with outstanding mentors throughout my career who nurtured my growth, inspiring in me a passion for mentoring the next generation of RF and microwave engineers and giving back to the community.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The opportunity to innovate while continuously learning. I value the flexibility to explore new ideas, take risks, fail when necessary, and ultimately showcase state‑of‑the‑art technology that advances our field. I also enjoy the full journey of designing RF and microwave circuits—from the initial concept, through the design phases, the tapeout process, waiting for the fabrication to complete, and then finally testing the chips - seeing the results of that work come to life is incredibly rewarding.
What are you most excited about for IMS2026?
I’m truly excited to attend the technical talks at IMS and see firsthand how our field continues to evolve. I can’t wait to learn new design approaches, reconnect with old friends, and meet new ones. I’m also really looking forward to the social and networking events after the daily technical program—they’re always such a fun and energizing way to relax, connect, and celebrate the RF and microwave community. And this year, I’ve set a personal goal for IMS2026: to make it through all of the exhibitor booths! I usually only manage about 20–30%, so I’m determined to change that.