Kieran Thomsen Joins SkyFi® as Backend Software Engineer

We are thrilled to announce that Kieran Thomsen has joined SkyFi as a Backend Software Engineer. Kieran brings a diverse skill set, including expertise in backend, frontend, infrastructure, automation, and CI/CD systems. 

Before joining SkyFi, Kieran worked at renowned organizations such as Booz Allen Hamilton, where he led the migration of legacy systems to modern frameworks and mentored junior engineers. His extensive background, combined with his passion for continuous learning, aligns perfectly with SkyFi’s mission of delivering innovative and scalable solutions.

We sat down with Kieran to learn more about his journey and what excites him about joining SkyFi...

Can you tell us a bit about your background and where you're from?

I was born and raised in Southern California, but I’ve moved around quite a bit since then. I served in the Army National Guard and spent time in various states before eventually diving into software development. I started as a back-end Java developer, then broadened my skills into full-stack engineering, DevOps, and platform engineering. Most recently, I spent a year in Denmark doing some graduate level studies in Computer Science. I’ve always been passionate about software engineering, and I’m excited to bring that passion to SkyFi.

What excited you about joining SkyFi?

I first heard about SkyFi through some colleagues at Maxar, where I previously worked. What attracted me to SkyFi was its technology and its focus on the defense and intelligence sectors, which aligns with my background. I’ve followed the company’s progress since 2023, so when the opportunity came up to join, it felt like the right fit. The work here is dynamic, and I love the challenge of creating solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

What motivates you in your work?

I’m motivated by a desire to be a lifelong learner. There’s so much to learn in the field of software engineering, and I find joy in constantly pushing myself to get better. Technology is always evolving—there’s always a new framework, a new language, or a better way to do things, and I love that challenge. Being able to share knowledge and continuously striving to be a better engineer than I am today is what drives me.

Do you have any hobbies outside of work?

I’m a big fan of home cooking and have been spending a lot of time learning to make different types of stir frys and griddle-based recipes. I’ve also recently gotten back into the gym following a 5x5 workout routine and doing cardio on off-days, and I enjoy playing video games—Baldur's Gate 3 is one of my favorites right now. It’s a great way to unwind and enjoy time together with my friends across the world!

If you could have a satellite image taken of any place in the world, where would it be?

I’d choose the Tri-Cities area in Washington State, specifically Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco. I spent my high school years there, and it’s a place that has grown a lot since then. It would be interesting to see how much and what parts of the area have developed over the years, from a satellite’s perspective.