CIQ Employee Spotlight: Ian Kaneshiro

We’re excited to introduce an integral member of the CIQ software engineering team, Ian Kaneshiro! Keep reading to find out what he enjoys about working at CIQ, what keeps him motivated, and what advice he’d give to someone considering a job in his field.

What attracted you to a career in software engineering?

I always knew I wanted to work within an engineering discipline in order to advance technology. It became apparent to me in college that software engineering would be the most dynamic and engaging discipline for me personally.

What drew you to CIQ?

I was fortunate enough to be involved with CIQ from its creation. My first professional experience advancing containerization in HPC with Singularity, now Apptainer, introduced me to the space and made me interested in working to advance the technology that enables it.

What do you think sets CIQ apart from other organizations?

I think CIQ has done an excellent job of being a fully remote company, while still providing good opportunities for meetings or events for those that want some level of in-person engagement professionally. Most of the original team here was familiar with a remote-style office from previous roles or work in open source communities. I think that has translated to the company building the successful remote culture we have today.

What's your role in the company, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I’m a software engineer and have had the opportunity to work across several projects and products while at CIQ. I’ve enjoyed having the variety in my work; it has helped me immensely to become more knowledgeable and well-rounded.

What's the best thing about being part of the CIQ engineering team?

Having access to the experience and skills of my colleagues. I have learned so much from them and their diverse skill sets have been invaluable to my growth as an engineer.

How do you manage work-life balance while working on demanding projects?

I think the key is setting realistic expectations for when things will be done. Other than that, having the routine/discipline to step away from work when appropriate and enjoy other aspects of life.

What do you do to stay motivated and inspired in your work?

It’s easy to stay motivated when I see the current and potential impact of the projects I work on.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in software engineering, especially at CIQ?

Always be curious. Being focused on one area of expertise is key to being as effective in that area as possible, but learning about adjacent technologies or professional roles will help you grow and be a better team member.