Jim Taysom Joins SkyFi As Backend Engineer
Meet Jim Taysom - the newest addition to the SkyFi team!
With a solid background as a Software Developer at ABSC, where he streamlined data management using tools like Apache Airflow and Trino, and as a Software Development Manager at Maxar, Jim is no stranger to tech innovation. He's also lent his expertise to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, where he excelled as a Data Scientist and GIS Instructor.
Jim holds a Bachelor's degree in Geography from Arizona State University, graduating with honors and specializing in Geographic Information Science. We are excited to introduce and welcome Jim's wealth of experience and passion for tech to the SkyFi team!
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi! I am Jim, from Arizona. I spent a lot of time in nature growing up, hiking, camping, and spending time on the many of Arizona's lakes. I think this is what ultimately led me to study geography in college. I am a huge Star Wars Nerd. I have artwork, legos, lightsabers, and more all on display at home. In my free time, I garden, keep bees, 3D print, cast resin dice, paint miniatures, play a lot of tabletop roleplaying games, indie video games, and board games, and spend time with my family.
Tell us about your background before SkyFi
I started my career as a Geography major and working as a Geospatial Analyst for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. While there, I taught myself Python and then helped teach others Python through their college. Realizing software development was my real passion, I transitioned to work as a geospatial software developer. I have been able to blend my geospatial expertise with most of the projects that I have worked on and have often been a bridge between the two domains.
Why did you choose SkyFi?
I decided to come to SkyFi because they are making it possible for so many more people to access data that previously was only available to the huge companies and governments. When talking with everyone, it sounded like they were already doing it exactly how I would do it, so I knew that I would be working with people I could easily get along with.
What will your role and day-to-day activities in SkyFi be?
As a backend engineer, I am going to be working on connecting everything together and making sure that data is quickly and efficiently moving through the system. The goal is to make it easier for our customers to gain new insights.
How would you describe SkyFi?
I would say there are two things that jump out at me the most so far. First is, everyone is so friendly and helpful. Second is that everyone strives for excellence. It shows in everything that I have seen these few days.
What would you say is your biggest drive for success?
I love solving tricky problems. You know those ones that seem just out of reach for days or weeks sometimes? Diving deep into one of those is my favorite thing. The hours melt away until you find that solution and have a rush of satisfaction from finally solving it.
Can you share a fun fact you have learned only after joining SkyFi?
Having worked for Maxar, I have always known that it can be tough to buy imagery, but I had no idea how tough it is most of the time and yet how easy it can be with SkyFi.
What would you say to someone who has never heard of SkyFi before reading this article?
It is so easy to get a satellite image through Skyfi. Whether it is for work or for fun, you can hop online or on your phone and quickly grab an image taken from space!
Do you have a favorite satellite image you would like to share with the rest of the world?
There are so many great ones to choose from, but seeing ones like this, where NASA captured the lights of cities at night, shows just how much information is out there.
