A Greyhound on the Cutting Edge

by Desiree Cooper and Todd Fuqua

From a first-generation college graduate to an “irreplaceable” team member on the frontier of electronic technology, Roberto Jimenez (BS 10) is leaving his mark on the world.

Roberto is a principal electronics technologist at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, working alongside “brilliant individuals” from across the globe to bring new electronic concepts to life.

Born in Belen, New Mexico, to parents who were not fluent in English, he had a difficult upbringing, learning English while attending elementary school in Portales, New Mexico. His work ethic began at home, where money was tight and everyone was expected to do their part.

Photo by Roberto Jimenez

“I grew up in a small home full of family members that loved one another,” Roberto said. “It never felt like we lacked anything, as long as we had each other.”

He began schooling at Clovis Community College, where he discovered his love for electronics. He later enrolled at ENMU to continue studying in the electronics engineering technology program.

From there, the sky was the limit. Roberto worked two jobs to finance his bachelor’s degree at ENMU, then went to work in his field and eventually earned his position at Sandia National Laboratories. There, he helps enhance the nation’s security.

“I’m inspired to work with new cutting-edge technology that can one day revolutionize the way we do things in the future,” he said. “After all, who wouldn’t want to work at the same place where Albert Einstein left his legacy for those after him to expand on his efforts?”