Brian Rider

Chief Technology Officer

Professional Overview
Brian Rider is an accomplished technology leader with extensive expertise in advanced aerospace and defense systems. As the Chief Technology Officer at LeoStella and the Director of Advanced Concepts at BlackSky, he oversees the development and deployment of cutting-edge satellite and space-based technologies that are transforming the geospatial intelligence industry.

Experience Summary

Current Roles
_Chief Technology Officer, LeoStella (2018-03-01 to Present)_

• Responsible for leading the company's technology strategy, driving innovation, and ensuring the successful development and delivery of LeoStella's next-generation satellite platforms.

• Spearheaded the implementation of advanced engineering practices and integrated systems approaches to enhance the reliability, performance, and cost-effectiveness of LeoStella's satellite solutions.

• Collaborates closely with customers, partners, and cross-functional teams to identify and address emerging industry needs, positioning LeoStella as a leader in the small satellite market.

_Director of Advanced Concepts, BlackSky (2016-01-01 to Present)_

• Leads the conceptualization and prototyping of innovative space-based technologies and applications, leveraging BlackSky's geospatial intelligence capabilities.

• Drives the integration of cutting-edge sensors, data processing, and analytics to enhance the company's product offerings and deliver unparalleled insights to its global customer base.

• Collaborates with industry experts and thought leaders to develop strategic roadmaps and identify transformative opportunities in the geospatial intelligence sector.

Career Progression
Prior to his current roles, Brian held the position of Senior Program Manager, Advanced Programs at L3 Technologies from 2000 to 2015. In this role, he was responsible for leading the development and delivery of complex aerospace and defense systems, demonstrating his exceptional project management and technical expertise.

Academic Background
Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Washington and a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Areas of Expertise

• Satellite and space-based technology development

• Geospatial intelligence and remote sensing systems

• Advanced engineering and integrated systems design

• Program management and cross-functional collaboration

• Strategic technology roadmapping and industry foresight

Professional Impact

• Instrumental in the successful launch and operation of several next-generation satellite platforms at LeoStella, contributing to the company's growth and market leadership.

• Spearheaded the development of innovative geospatial intelligence solutions at BlackSky, enabling the company to deliver unprecedented insights to its global customer base.

• Recognized as a thought leader in the aerospace and defense industry, frequently invited to speak at industry conferences and events.

Conclusion
With his extensive experience, technical expertise, and strategic vision, Brian Rider is positioned to drive the continued advancement of satellite and space-based technologies, shaping the future of the geospatial intelligence industry. His demonstrated track record of leading transformative initiatives and fostering cross-functional collaboration make him a valuable asset to both LeoStella and BlackSky as they push the boundaries of what is possible in the space domain.