#SatellogicPOV: Interview with Juan Pedro Fisanotti, Software Engineer

What is your primary mission at the company, and what are your day-to-day responsibilities??

I could summarize it as ‘making sure people can use our satellites to get captures while doing the most optimal use of our fleet.’ I’m a developer, and my day-to-day job is mostly working on the logic of the Planner to improve the throughput of our fleet constantly. That’s why they call me the Planning Wizard.

Our automated fleet planner is an AI-based system that, given all the requested targets, is constantly building the optimal sequence of activities and instructions for each satellite.?

When did you join Satellogic, and what compelled you to apply for the job??

I joined five years ago, in 2017. At the time, I was looking for a new job with an attested, honest, and positive impact on the world, plus interesting technical challenges and all the other things I enjoy doing.

During a PyCamp (a small yearly Python getaway/hackathon in Argentina), I learned about the company from a friend, and I fell in love with it. A few days later, I was applying for a job.

Please describe your career journey thus far and what you love about your field of work.?

I got into software development quite early, at the age of 14. I was (and still am) fascinated by it. It sometimes feels like writing magical spells that really work. And when I got into Artificial Intelligence (around ten years ago), that fascination got even more potent.

In my 20 years of programming, I worked mostly on backend web development and AI, plus some short experiences with desktop and mobile apps.

I also teach a few AI and web-related courses at a local university, and I’m pretty active in Open-Source communities contributing to some projects, talks at conferences, and organizing events. I love learning from others and then sharing what I learn.?

What skills or experience have helped you advance your career??

Being good at solving complex problems, but also being able to discuss those solutions with others, explain them, and transfer the knowledge to new people. No isolated person can compete with the creative power of a good team. And you can’t have a good team without substantial knowledge sharing.

I very consciously try to hone those skills — and I still have much to improve!

What do you hope will change about your field in the next 5–10 years? What are you most excited about?

I’m excited about the advances that #AI could bring in relation to some of the biggest issues humanity is facing: inequality, climate change, disinformation, and such. Though at the same time, I’m pretty aware that AI alone won’t solve those issues and that it could very well be used to do harm instead.?

I wish AI becomes a potent tool for humanity to grow as a whole, and we need to work to ensure that’s the case. Otherwise, it will be just another source of inequality.?

How have you grown here at Satellogic?

I’ve learned so much! I now know new AI algorithms, mathematical and software tools related to space and physics, a lot about working with geographical data, and plenty of new things about communications, electronics, and image processing. Furthermore, this job taught me to rely a lot more on automation and observability, which made me a better software developer in general. And that’s not even counting the soft-skills growth thanks to being part of a diverse team.?

One of the things I like the most about Satellogic is that you can find experts from all kinds of fields, and they’re humble and enthusiastic enough to share their knowledge when you ask them.

What would you say to prospective employees interested in joining Satellogic??

The job is intense, and the sense of accomplishment is immense.?

You would be joining a company focused on having a clear positive impact in the world, addressing some of humanity's most enduring challenges. That's a massive plus for me and something hard to find. While also solving interesting technical challenges, learning and growing professionally and personally, and going with a team that shares the enthusiasm about making a difference.

Finally, working with satellites is not only captivating because of space itself (which is obviously enthralling) but also because it challenges a lot of the assumptions and certainties you might have from working on more “normal” projects. At least, that was my experience on the software side of things: I had to deal with not being able to rely on stuff I was very used to, and face problems I never imagined could exist. That’s a bonus in itself. Those challenges can and will make you a better professional overall, not only applied to space-related stuff.

Do you believe #ai will take part in addressing inequality, #climatechange, and disinformation? Then you might be interested in the potential of #EO data and how it can help create desirable outcomes for organizations from around the globe. Head to our Careers page to learn more about our open positions and how you can help us drive change through accessible #EarthObservation data.