We’re excited to share that Rubén Caballero has joined Axon as our Senior Vice President of Connected Devices. Rubén is one of the world’s most accomplished product, hardware, software and wireless engineering leaders, with a career spanning Apple, Microsoft, Humane, HP, and several innovative board and advisory roles. He has helped build and scale iconic consumer devices, guided breakthrough mixed-reality and AI programs, and led teams driving the future of human–technology interaction.
But more importantly, Rubén joined Axon because he believes that world-class engineering can meaningfully advance our mission to protect life. Instead of a formal announcement, we sat down with him to talk about why he’s here, what he’s excited to build, and how he thinks about innovation.
A Conversation with Rubén Caballero
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You’ve worked at Apple, Microsoft, Humane which transitioned to HP, and advised several cutting-edge hardware companies. What made you decide to join Axon at this moment in your career?
Rubén: I’ve spent my career building products that push boundaries — from the first iPhone and AirPods to mixed-reality systems and AI-driven devices. But over the last few years, I found myself wanting to apply that experience to something with direct social impact. When I met the Axon team, I felt the same spark I felt working on the early iPhone: a sense that we’re on the edge of a new technological era. But here, the mission is even more compelling. Building technology that protects life — that helps first responders and communities — that’s meaningful. It’s the kind of challenge that pushes you to do the best work of your career.
Your most recent roles included leading Engineering & AI at HP and serving as Chief Engineering & Strategy Officer at Humane. How do those experiences shape what you plan to do at Axon?
Rubén: At HP, I led teams driving AI, hardware, and software integration — really focusing on how intelligent systems can elevate user experiences. At Humane, I worked on next-generation devices and ambient computing. Both roles reinforced something I deeply believe: the future belongs to products where hardware, software, and AI operate as one. That mindset is extremely relevant to Axon. Public safety needs devices that are intuitive, connected, and smart — but also deeply reliable. That’s the opportunity I see here.
You’re widely known for your 14 years at Apple, including being part of the founding iPhone team. What lessons from Apple are you bringing with you?
Rubén: Apple instilled in me a deep respect for the user. Great engineering is invisible — it just works. On the iPhone team, on AirPods, Apple TV, and across the wireless organization I founded there, the goal was always the same: simplicity, reliability, and elegance at scale. Public-safety devices need all of that, but with even higher stakes. The lesson I’m bringing is that the details matter — reliability matters — and the experience matters just as much as the technology behind it.
You also spent several years at Microsoft as Corporate VP of Engineering across Mixed Reality & AI, including HoloLens and IVAS. How does that experience influence how you see Axon’s future?
Rubén: Mixed reality and spatial computing force you to think differently about context — about how people perceive information when things get intense or complex. That directly applies to first responders. If we can give them clearer, more intuitive, more contextual information, we can help them stay safer and make better decisions. Axon already has a strong foundation here, and I’m excited to build on it.
Beyond big tech, you’ve also advised and served on boards for companies like Movano, Keyssa, Resonant, and Humane. Why is that important to you?
Rubén: I love helping teams innovate. Startups move fast, experiment boldly, and think differently — that energy is contagious. It keeps me sharp and grounded. Bringing that mindset to Axon is something I’m really excited about. Products with hardware innovation thrives when teams feel empowered to explore, learn, and iterate. That’s how breakthroughs happen.
You’ve guided teams through major transitions and growth. What’s your philosophy on people and talent, and how does that shape the way you lead?
Rubén: Across every company I’ve worked for, one thing has stood out: great teams are the constant. At Humane, and later through the transition into HP, the technology and structure evolved, but the talent — the curiosity, the craftsmanship, the drive to build — stayed the throughline. That experience reinforced something I deeply believe. If you invest in people, give them clarity and purpose, and trust them to do their best work, they’ll carry you through any transition.
My philosophy is to create an environment where talented people feel empowered and supported. Tools change, strategies evolve, org charts shift — but when you have exceptional individuals aligned around a mission, that’s where real breakthroughs happen. That’s what excites me about Axon. The mission is meaningful, but the people are the multiplier that will make the biggest difference in what we build next.
What’s your vision for Axon’s next generation of connected devices?
Rubén: Hardware that feels effortless, is deeply connected, and is built with purpose. We’re designing tools for people who face the toughest situations imaginable. My vision is to build devices that support them every moment — reliably, intuitively, and intelligently — with the ultimate goal of protecting life.
What’s something people might not know about you?
Rubén: I’m endlessly curious. I love tinkering, exploring new technologies, and mentoring engineers. Even after all these years, the thrill of building something new has never gone away.
What does Protect Life mean to you?
Rubén: “Protect Life” means ensuring that every decision we make prioritizes the safety, well-being, and dignity of the people who use our products. It’s a commitment to rigorous standards, responsible innovation, and ethical choices—designing not just for performance, but for real-world protection. It means anticipating risks, eliminating hazards, and creating solutions that enhance lives rather than endanger them. Ultimately, protecting life is the foundation of our purpose and the measure of our success.
Welcome to Axon, Rubén.
Want to join a mission-driven team and work with people like Ruben? Check out https://www.axon.com/careers.