How do the basics of aeronautics, traffic sign inventory, and inertial sensor systems relate to each other? This is Leo Mäkelä's journey to becoming a Data Engineer at Nordic Inertial.
Diploma Engineer Leo, whose business card bears the title "Data", has the task of putting his boots on and collecting practical data for product developers at Nordic Inertial. One of his most memorable test journeys was to Norway, during which Nordic Inertial's anti-spoofing system, among other things, was put to the test. Check out our Jammertest Norway video here (click)!
- The testing equipment is taken to the field, such as the mountains or the forest. I’ve focused on practical work, ensuring that genuine data is provided to Nordic Inertial's mathematicians, who work on it with creative algorithms, Leo explains.
- In the field, practical challenges also arise. In Norway, one of the testing devices got wet due to the rain, and we had to get it dry under field conditions. That trip taught me the importance of thorough preparation, he continues.
From Jet Environmental Control Systems to Drone Projects
Earlier in his career, Leo conducted research at Tampere University on fighter jet environmental control systems, which, for example, provide the pilot with breathable air at the right temperature, offer cooling for avionics, and maintain the cabin's livability.
Upon graduating in 2016, Leo remained as a project researcher at the university for an additional year, during which he led courses on the basics of aeronautics and participated in an EU-funded DroneOsaaja-project, aimed at establishing a drone competence center in the Pirkanmaa region.
Introduction to Location Data
The first direct correlation to Leo's work at Nordic Inertial came later in his career through an encounter where a new 360-degree camera was introduced. The images produced by this camera could be used to determine the location of a specific object with half-meter accuracy, thanks to precise IMU and GPS data.
However, Leo is not just a data collector. As a Curious Mind, he utilized the collected data and was involved in designing a business model and technical implementation focused on traffic sign inventory, corrective measures planning, and execution.
Curious Mind joins Nordic Inertial
The topic took the data specialist into a rabbit hole, and headhunters became interested in Leo's skills. Jussi Collin, the CEO of Nordic Inertial, reached out to him directly and asked if he would be interested in a role specializing in practical data collection at Nordic Inertial.
- I didn't quite understand what Nordic Inertial does, but the concept sounded too interesting to pass. I haven't regretted it, even though there is still a lot to internalize and learn, Leo states and smirks.
As the technology industry evolves rapidly, developing one's own skills is essential, especially when working on cutting-edge innovations. Nordic Inertial’s work community has a strong emphasis on internal learning and a culture of knowledge sharing, which Leo has also observed.
- People at Nordic Inertial share interesting insights on internal channels, for example. We have a highly skilled team with a wide range of expertise. For instance, Juha Laitila knows a lot about sensors and circuit boards, or Timo Pihlström, who, in my opinion, knows everything about everything, Leo laughs.
- Nordic Inertial's CEO, Jussi, is in a league of his own. He has researched how inertial systems can achieve better results than existing solutions. He possesses practical experience, along with a vast amount of theoretical knowledge. Engaging in discussions with Jussi leads to excellent insights and conversations, Leo says.