The Stack Overflow Podcast
What launching rockets taught this CTO about hardware observability
Oct 15, 2024
Austin Spiegel, CTO and co-founder of Sift, shares insights from his time at SpaceX and Riot Games. He discusses the shift from film studies to aerospace software, stressing the importance of reliable tech in critical missions. Austin dives into the challenges of developing observability tools for hardware, particularly in AI model training and cosmic rays. He also emphasizes the value of co-location for instant feedback and collaboration, and offers strategies for scaling startups by hiring versatile engineers who prioritize user needs.
25:32
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Quick takeaways
- The guest's transition from film to software engineering was inspired by a serendipitous dinner with Elon Musk, highlighting the importance of unexpected opportunities.
- His experience at SpaceX underscored the need for specialized observability tools in hardware development, addressing the limitations of existing software-focused frameworks.
Deep dives
Transition from Film to Software Engineering
The guest shares his unique journey from studying film to becoming a software engineer, which began when a serendipitous dinner invitation to Elon Musk inspired him to pursue a career at SpaceX. He initially aimed to work in the game industry but shifted his focus after realizing his passion for computer science, particularly in its applications for aerospace technology. At SpaceX, he contributed to developing internal software for manufacturing and testing rocket systems, further honing his engineering skills. This diverse background laid the foundation for his transition into entrepreneurship in the tech sector.
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