Pagano has been with ESPN since before it began broadcasting, having joined as a technical director in 1979. He held a variety of technical positions and became head of ESPN's new technology division in 2005. Pagano has been credited with important roles in the building of ESPN's production facilities in Los Angeles (the first 1080p HD facility in the world) and Bristol, Connecticut, ESPN's move to high-definition television, and the development of ESPN 3D, the first 3D television network in the U.S. He was named to the Sporting News "Power 100" list in 2003 and 2006.