Famous Hungarian Engineers

Charles Simonyi is a Hungarian-American software architect known for his significant contributions to the technology industry. He introduced the graphical user interface to Bill Gates and led Microsoft's applications group, overseeing the development of the first versions of Microsoft Office. Simonyi co-founded Intentional Software, focusing on intentional programming. He also made two trips to the International Space Station as a space tourist. With a net worth of US$5.2 billion as of November 2022, Simonyi has had a successful and impactful career in the tech world.

Dennis Gabor was a Hungarian-British electrical engineer and physicist known for inventing holography. He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1971 for this achievement. Gabor obtained British citizenship in 1934 and spent the majority of his professional life in England. His work in the field of holography revolutionized imaging technology and had a significant impact on various scientific and industrial applications. Gabor's contributions to the field of physics have left a lasting legacy in the scientific community.

Orban, also known as Urban, was an iron founder and engineer from Brassó, Transylvania, in the Kingdom of Hungary. He specialized in casting large-calibre artillery, particularly for the Ottoman siege of Constantinople in 1453. Orban offered his services to the Byzantines before joining the Ottoman forces and constructing a giant cannon within three months. His bombarding technology, initially developed for the Hungarian Army, revolutionized siege warfare in western Europe during the early 1400s. Orban's contributions included producing smaller cannons for the Turkish siege forces.

Peter Carl Goldmark was a Hungarian-American engineer known for his groundbreaking work at Columbia Records. He played a crucial role in developing the long-playing microgroove 331⁄3 rpm phonograph disc, which revolutionized the music industry by allowing multiple or lengthy recorded works on a single disc. Goldmark's innovations paved the way for the introduction of the LP by Columbia Records in 1948. His contributions had a lasting impact on the way music was recorded and distributed, influencing generations to come.

Ottó Titusz Bláthy was a Hungarian electrical engineer known for his significant contributions to the field of electrical engineering. He co-invented several key devices including the modern electric transformer, tension regulator, AC watt-hour meter, turbo generator, and motor capacitor for single-phase electric motors. Bláthy began his inventive career at the Ganz Works in 1883, where he conducted experiments leading to the creation of the transformer. Alongside his colleagues, he patented important devices such as the ZBD model alternating-current transformer and the AC watt-meter, leaving a lasting impact on electrical engineering.

Kálmán Tihanyi was a Hungarian physicist, electrical engineer, and inventor known for his pioneering work in electronic television. He made significant contributions to the development of cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and invented the world's first automatic pilotless aircraft. Tihanyi also created the first infrared video camera and coined the concept of the flat panel plasma display. His Radioskop patent was recognized by UNESCO for its universal significance, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the history of technology and innovation.

Arthur Paul Stern, a Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor and electrical engineer, made significant contributions to the field of electronics. After studying engineering in Switzerland following his imprisonment in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, he joined GE's Syracuse laboratory. There, Stern played a pivotal role in the development of GE's first transistor radio. Additionally, his expertise extended to satellite navigation systems for both commercial ships and the navy. Stern's professional journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and valuable contributions to the advancement of technology.