What drives a master inventor? If it’s IBM’s John Werner, it’s both voracious curiosity and a passion for solving real-world problems. These dual drives have resulted in more than 270 patents filed and 139 issued—and in Werner’s being named an IBM Master Inventor in 2018.
Today, Werner is a Senior Electromagnetic Compatibility and Product Safety Designer Engineer at IBM, where he specializes in compliance testing and thrives in what he calls the company’s “ecosystem of brilliant minds.”
He is also one of Computing’s Top 30 Early Career Professionals for 2024. In the following Q&A, Werner describes
- The details of his patent development process and how he assesses the potential solutions he brainstorms after confronting an intractable problem
- How he solved testing issues related to a common project challenge: late hardware delivery, which created scheduling bottlenecks in projects with fixed release dates
- His advice for students interested in developing innovative technologies, which includes taking every opportunity to apply classroom learning to tangible problems
- His key lessons learned so far, including that engineering is as much about adaptability and problem-solving as it is about technical expertise
What drives your passion for inventing, and how do you stay motivated to continuously innovate?
My passion for inventing stems from a deep curiosity and a drive to solve complex problems that have real-world impact. The ability to take an idea from concept to patent and see it contribute to technological advancements is incredibly rewarding. I’m especially motivated by the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies in areas like enterprise servers, quantum computing, and AI-driven automation.
One of the key factors that keeps me motivated is the collaborative environment at IBM. Innovation isn’t just an individual effort; it thrives in an ecosystem of brilliant minds. Engaging with engineers, designers, and researchers from diverse disciplines helps fuel new ideas and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Additionally, I find inspiration in mentorship and knowledge-sharing. As a leader in patent review boards and innovation programs, I enjoy helping others navigate the invention process. Seeing new inventors succeed and contribute to IBM’s innovation pipeline reinforces my commitment to continuous learning and discovery.
Ultimately, my passion for inventing is driven by the challenge of solving real-world engineering problems, the pursuit of technological breakthroughs, and the ability to make a lasting impact on the industry.
You were recognized as one of SUNY New Paltz’s 40 under 40 for your exemplary work in inventing. How did your education at SUNY New Paltz shape your career, and what advice would you give to current students aspiring to follow a similar path?
My education at SUNY New Paltz played a pivotal role in shaping my career by providing a strong technical foundation, hands-on experience, and a problem-solving mindset. Courses in electromagnetics, circuit design, and programming gave me the knowledge I now apply daily in my work at IBM. More importantly, working as a teacher’s assistant and collaborating on research projects taught me the value of mentorship, critical thinking, and continuous learning—skills that have been essential in my role as an inventor and technical leader.
For students aspiring to follow a similar path, my advice is to stay curious, take initiative, and embrace challenges. Seek out hands-on projects, internships, and research opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems. Additionally, don’t be afraid to network and collaborate. Many of my career opportunities stemmed from connecting with professors, peers, and industry professionals. Finally: develop a mindset of lifelong learning as technology is constantly evolving and staying ahead requires adaptability and a passion for innovation.
Your prolific output includes patents such as Dynamic Quick Response Code Branding and Guided Cable Plugging in a Network. Can you discuss the development process of one of your key patents and its practical applications?
The development process for my patents typically starts by identifying a real-world problem and brainstorming potential high-level solutions. From there, I assess whether any of these solutions are novel, valuable to IBM, and patentable. This involves reviewing existing prior art to ensure that the proposed solutions aren’t already covered by other patents, publications, or products. Once I understand what’s already available in the field, I can refine the solution to differentiate it and ensure its originality.
Next, I break the solution down into smaller components, creating figures, flowcharts, and diagrams that clearly illustrate how the solution can be implemented by someone skilled in the art. I also include detailed descriptions for each component to ensure the invention is buildable and covers all potential alternative embodiments, maximizing the breadth of the patent.
This process involves ongoing collaboration with cross-functional teams, as most inventions are the result of efforts from a small group rather than an individual. I gather feedback, adapt the technology, and refine the solution to ensure it meets real-world needs. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a solution that not only addresses the initial problem but also delivers practical value, such as improving operational efficiency, reducing errors, or enhancing the overall user experience.
As a Senior Electromagnetic Compatibility and Product Safety Designer Engineer at IBM, you work on high-end servers. Can you describe a particularly challenging project you worked on and how you overcame the obstacles?
Every project presents its own unique challenges, and many people don’t realize that achieving compliance and certification is not just about the final testing phase but requires continuous engagement throughout the entire product development cycle, from initial concept to release, a process that spans several years. One common challenge I face in most product cycles is late hardware delivery, which can create scheduling bottlenecks since product release dates don’t shift. This often leaves us with limited time to complete the necessary legal and regulatory testing required to obtain certifications.
To address this, I developed enhanced custom test setups and automation software using Python, LabVIEW, and C++ to streamline the process, allowing us to accelerate testing without compromising on quality or compliance. By integrating these tools, we were able to meet tight deadlines and ensure that all tests were completed thoroughly and efficiently, ultimately keeping projects on track for timely release.
Reflecting on your career journey—from your education at SUNY New Paltz to your roles at IBM and Nexans Energy—what are some key lessons you have learned, and how have they shaped your approach to engineering and innovation?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that engineering is as much about problem-solving and adaptability as it is about technical expertise. At SUNY New Paltz, my education provided a strong foundation in electrical engineering principles, but it was the hands-on experiences, research projects, teaching assistant roles, and internships, that taught me how to apply those concepts to real-world challenges.
At Nexans Energy, I saw firsthand how efficiency, compliance, and innovation intersect in manufacturing, reinforcing the importance of attention to detail and process optimization. Moving to IBM, I quickly learned that large-scale engineering projects require cross-functional collaboration, and success often comes from bridging gaps between different teams, whether in EMC, product safety, mechanical and electrical design, or software/firmware development.
Another key takeaway is that innovation thrives on continuous learning and curiosity. Leading patent review boards and mentoring new inventors at IBM has shown me that the best ideas often come from unexpected places. Staying open to new technologies, collaborating with diverse teams, and challenging traditional approaches have all shaped my approach to engineering, problem-solving, and leadership.
As a member of Eta Kappa Nu Engineering Honors Society and a volunteer in various educational initiatives, how do you balance your professional responsibilities with your commitment to mentoring and community engagement?
Balancing professional responsibilities with mentoring and community engagement requires effective time management, prioritization, and a passion for giving back. At IBM, I integrate mentorship into my daily work by guiding junior engineers and new inventors, ensuring that knowledge-sharing is a natural part of my routine. As a leader in patent review boards and innovation programs, I use structured mentoring sessions to provide feedback efficiently while maintaining my technical commitments.
Outside of work, I stay engaged with Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) and educational initiatives by strategically aligning my volunteer efforts with my expertise. Whether it’s mentoring students, advising on Ithaca College’s cybersecurity program, or conducting engineering outreach events, I focus on high-impact activities that fit within my schedule. Virtual mentorship and structured programs also help me contribute without compromising my professional responsibilities.
My commitment to mentorship and community engagement is driven by the same passion that fuels my engineering work. By integrating these activities into my professional and personal growth, I ensure that I can inspire future engineers while continuing to advance cutting-edge technology.
Bio: John Werner
John Werner is a seasoned Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Product Safety Design Engineer at IBM, bringing more than 14 years of expertise in developing IBM Z, Power, and Quantum servers and mainframes. Specializing in compliance testing, he plays a critical role in ensuring IBM’s enterprise systems meet global EMC and safety standards. His work includes hardware testing in a reverberation chamber, PCB evaluations, and product packaging simulations, all for design optimizations to mitigate electromagnetic interference (EMI) and enhance product reliability.
Beyond EMC, John ensures rigorous safety compliance throughout server development, leading product safety testing and certification efforts to enable worldwide shipments. His contributions extend beyond engineering. He is a recognized IEEE Senior Member and an IBM Master Inventor with more than 270 patent filings, driving innovation in enterprise server technology.
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Over the next few months, Tech News will highlight different Top 30 honorees each week. For a full list, see Computing’s Top 30 Early Career Professionals for 2024.
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