Massimo Piazza

space systems computer vision telecommunications autonomy
deeptech startup advisor

profile-pic

I am an engineer with 5 years of working experience in the aerospace industry and a MSc in Space Engineering from Politecnico di Milano.
Over my career, I've led the development of vision-based navigation technologies for autonomous spacecraft, coordinated cross-functional teams of a complex SatCom constellation program, developed simulation and flight software, and trained AI models.

My latest systems engineering role was focused on establishing and monitoring technical budgets of a 600-satellite constellation program for telecommunications. I was also in charge of supporting requirements/interface management, V&V planning and MBSE modeling.

In my previous role, I was leading the development of advanced vision-based perception techniques for close-proximity operations in space. This encompasses a broad variety of activities, ranging from the development of onboard software and project management to systems engineering and AIV/AIT support for a camera / star tracker launched on a small satellite mission.

My work on deep learning-based satellite navigation has been presented at international conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

My academic background spans across a diverse array of disciplines, including: Systems Engineering, Deep Learning, Orbital Mechanics, ADCS, Space Propulsion, Signal Processing, Telecommunications and Structural Dynamics. Additionally, I have gained an early hands-on experience through my involvement with the Skyward Experimental Rocketry association, of which I led the Aerodynamics & Flight Dynamics department.

While still in high school I embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, as the Co-founder & CTO of WatchApp Inc. During this time I created innovative software keyboard solutions for iOS.

Work & Projects

Vision-based navigation +
Systems engineering +
Academia +
Mobile software +
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Consulting for DeepTech

Advisory and hands-on support for DeepTech startups and investors, with a focus on aerospace & defense.


aerospace & defense system architect agile systems engineering vision-based perception & autonomy technical due diligence VC scouting org buildout

  • Aerospace & Defense system architect: mission & ConOps, system budgets, trades, reqs/interfaces, contractor/vendor selection, advanced concepts
  • Agile systems engineering: iterative development, acceptance strategies, traceability automation, toolchain integration
  • Vision-based perception & autonomy: model training, dataset strategy, HIL testbeds, hardware deployment
  • Technical due diligence for VCs/corporates: architecture review, technical budgets, risk register, roadmap credibility, TRL assessment, supplier maturity
  • VC scouting: first-pass technical screening, landscape mapping, founder conversations (strong network in Berlin/Toulouse)
  • Fundraising & proposals: pitch/whitepaper writing, techno-economic models, proposal writing (e.g. EIC/EDF/ESA/DOD)
  • Org buildout: recruiting plans, role definitions, technical hiring, onboarding, RACI and delivery governance

  • Diagnostic (1–2 weeks): focused review with findings & actions
  • Sprint (4–6 weeks): build or fix a concrete capability
  • Part-time: ongoing systems/tech advisor embedded with your team

Contact Me