We are data scientists
and engineers

The Birdstop team is brought together by a vision of pioneering the safe and scalable opening of low altitude airspace - the sliver of sky right above our heads. The group draws on past careers from Google Loon, Earth Institute, Drone Volt, US Air Force, and NASA with experience collecting data using a multitude of terrestrial and aerial technologies.

  • Keith Miao

    FOUNDER AND CEO

    Keith Miao is the Founder and CEO of Birdstop, an American manufacturer of drone technology for government and industry. Prior to founding Birdstop, Keith led a data science team at Google. His career in remote sensing began with satellite imagery research at the Columbia University Earth Institute.

  • Jatin Kolekar

    VICE PRESIDENT OF ENGINEERING

    Jatin has over a decade of experience building drones, software and AI solutions. Combing these experiences to develop the next generation of automated drones designed to operate from thousands of miles away. The goal is to create intelligent, scalable drone systems that do the heavy lifting so humans don’t have to.

  • Robert Reynoso

    SOFTWARE ENGINEER

    As one of Birdstop’s earliest engineers, Robert Reynoso has been instrumental in developing the company’s core flight and perception systems. Guided by a lifelong passion for aviation, he continues to drive innovation toward the next generation of safe, intelligent low-altitude unmanned airspace operations.

  • Avi Narisetty

    MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER

    Avi designs and builds the AI systems behind Birdstop’s perception and autonomy capabilities. Before joining Birdstop, he led the development of AI-driven security and autonomous UAV technologies for the DHS and DoD.

  • Doug Muhlbauer

    SOFTWARE ENGINEER

    Douglas Muhlbauer is a software engineer and technology leader specializing in ISR ground systems. With over two decades of experience spanning defense, aerospace, and autonomous systems, he combines deep technical expertise with strategic leadership to deliver mission-critical solutions that advance operational capability and innovation.

  • Hunter Pruitt

    MANUFACTURING MANAGER

    With a background in aerospace engineering and high-precision automotive manufacturing, Hunter Pruitt leads the push to scale Birdstop’s hardware from early prototypes to full production. He focuses on building reliable, repeatable systems and developing the manufacturing processes that enable fast growth, consistent quality, and deployment at scale.

  • Sophie Schaffer

    CHIEF OF STAFF

    Sophie Schaffer brings executive experience from fast-growing startups, where she has built operational systems, led strategic initiatives, and supported teams through major scaling phases. At Birdstop, she drives cross-team coordination, strengthens organizational operations, and supports the company’s continued growth and execution.

  • Harry Riggle

    DRONE ENGINEER

    Harry Riggle is Birdstop's first Drone Engineer with over a decade of experience flying drones totaling over 2,000 hours of flight time. He is hands on at every stage of manufacturing from drone design to production.

  • Danial Waleed

    DRONE ENGINEER

    Danial designs the intelligence that makes drones truly autonomous through algorithms that enable them to sense, decide, and act independently. Before joining Birdstop, he led the Autonomous Engineering Division at InfoBeyond Technology, where he developed AI-driven autonomy systems empowering UAVs and UGVs to make real-time mission decisions without human intervention.

  • Eric Love

    COMMERCIAL DRONE PILOT

    Eric Love is an experienced avionics and automotive design specialist with a strong foundation in CAD engineering, system troubleshooting, and technical instruction. He leverages more than 30 years of diverse industry experience to support reliable, forward-thinking engineering solutions.

  • Kristi Brewer

    MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN

    Kristi Brewer is a mechanical technician focused on system assembly, mechanical troubleshooting, and maintaining the reliability of Birdstop’s autonomous platforms. As a licensed Part 107 pilot, she bridges engineering and field operations to keep mission-ready hardware performing at its best.

  • Jacob Balakier

    DRONE PILOT

    Jacob supports Birdstop’s field operations through operational flights, flight testing, deployment support, and hands-on involvement in aircraft assembly and system readiness. His work focuses on real-world operation and troubleshooting, ensuring platforms are prepared for reliable field use.

  • Aaron Moore

    DRONE TECHNICIAN

    With over 8 years of flying, building, programming First Person View Drones, teaching the community how to build and fly and working in the industry. Aaron also puts together and hosts micro drone races here in Detroit. His creative edge and ambition to succeed keeps him thriving in this industry.

  • Nathan Nouhan

    MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER

    Nathan Nouhan is a mechanical engineer specializing in aerospace manufacturing and mechanical system development. At Birdstop, he designs reliable, manufacturable hardware that supports the company’s autonomous drone platform, helping guide systems from prototype through deployment while ensuring consistent field performance in demanding environments.

  • Erin Olejnik

    IMPLEMENTATION MANAGER

    Erin Olejnik brings extensive experience in customer success within the world of emerging technology. At Birdstop, she leads the deployment of systems to ensure clients achieve mission success. By bridging the gap between complex hardware and operational needs, she ensures Birdstop’s technology delivers reliable, real-time results for every user.

  • Marc S. Miller

    ENTERPRISE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

    Marc S. Miller brings over two decades of technical sales experience from the automotive, consumer electronics, and communications sectors to Birdstop. His focus is on collaborating with partners to integrate autonomous drone infrastructure into their long-term growth plans. As a dedicated member of the Birdstop team, Marc delivers tailored technology solutions designed to enhance operational excellence and drive efficiency for clients throughout North America.

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