Outer Space is not for the faint-hearted, Joni Taajamo’s journey from working with the leading Space Tech companies in Finland to landing his new role as a software engineer for space infrastructure at Loft Orbital.

Joni holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of Helsinki & a Business Information Technology Degree from Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. He’s studying towards a Master’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Helsinki alongside his work. In his picture you can see the the MacOS Big Sur wallpaper in the background – snapped during his California trip last year!

“I’ve worked at Nokia and ICEYE in various roles before.”— Joni shares. In his latest role, he led a team of data engineers at ICEYE‘s Analytics department, developing geospatial analysis pipelines and data systems. His new role at Loft Orbital will combine both: the skills gained at Nokia & ICEYE; combining hardware and software system integration with a broad understanding of satellite technology and space-related concepts.

 

“As a software engineer for space infrastructure at Loft Orbital, I will be working closely with the hardware, combined with software expertise. I plan to apply many of the skills learned over the past few years, and learn even more from the experts around me!”

 

So, what made you apply for a job through Startuplifers?
 Joni shares that he has been eyeing international possibilities for a couple of years already. Still, when Startuplifers offered an awesome opportunity at Loft Orbital, he knew this was the one! “For me, the decisive aspect was also the fact that Startuplifers supports the US visa all the way.”—  Joni shares.

What are you excited about working at your current position?
For Joni, this is only the beginning of his journey in Silicon Valley. Besides his match, Loft Orbital offers a great engineering culture. “I feel like they are doing things “the right way” and having fun on the way.  Working with “difficult things” like satellites really excites me to go to work every day.” — Joni says with a smile on his face.

 

“San Francisco as the center of the tech industry, and Space Tech being “the thing” for me for the past few years, everything clicked into place and I went through the interview & visa processes more motivated than ever!”  

 

What would you tell someone considering applying for a job through Startuplifers? Although Startuplifers is very supportive, you really need to want to do it yourself. If you want to do it, go for it and you’ll surely have the support behind you!

As we bid farewell to this post, we extend our warmest wishes to Joni as he starts this exciting journey with Loft Orbital. Watch out for his valuable contributions and join us in welcoming him to the Valley.

Thank you for sharing in our excitement, and here’s to the bright future ahead! 

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