I’m Luis Velasquez, a digital product leader with an engineering background and a passion for building tools that make complex work feel simple. From geospatial platforms to internal automation frameworks, I focus on creating solutions that are clear, scalable, and genuinely useful to the people who rely on them.
Outside of work, I love building apps to explore new ideas (and teach my kids along the way), woodworking in the garage, and getting outside whenever I can. I’m a dad, a husband, and the guy who enjoys spending time at the whiteboard or the mountain bike trails — or both. We’ve got a couple of pets, a busy household, and a lot of projects in motion, which is just how we like it.
I’m looking for the next opportunity to bring thoughtful products to life, where I can collaborate with smart teams, solve meaningful problems, and grow as both a builder and a leader. I’m especially energized by roles that blend strategy, creativity, and user focus, whether that’s in infrastructure, tech, or something entirely new. If you’re curious about how I think and work, take a look at my cover letter and resume, and feel free to reach out. I’d love to connect.
Cover Letter
Dear Hiring Committee,
I'm excited to apply for the Product Owner position at StreetLight Data. With a background in transportation engineering, cross-sector collaboration, and user-centered digital solutions, I’m eager to bring my experience delivering geospatial tools and analytics platforms to an organization shaping the future of mobility.
In my current role as Product Owner for Smart Atlas, I’ve led the development of a browser-based geospatial viewer used by 1000+ staff across 18 countries. This solution improves access to spatial data without requiring advanced GIS tools, reducing project delivery timelines by up to 50%. I’ve translated user feedback into actionable product strategies, working closely with technical teams to deliver high-value mapping features, from drawing tools and print/export to 3D terrain and data layer integration.
Prior to this, I worked extensively with public sector transportation clients, including the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), where I helped deliver statewide data programs, environmental modeling tools, and operational planning initiatives. Through these roles, I developed a deep appreciation for how data quality, workflows, and end-user needs shape real-world transportation decisions.
What excites me about StreetLight is your mission to turn complex mobility patterns into usable insights, and your focus on big data, mapping, and infrastructure impact. I’m especially drawn to the opportunity to serve as a bridge between stakeholders and technical teams, aligning sprints and backlogs with product vision and customer value. I bring strengths in Agile facilitation, GIS use-case evaluation, and cross-functional collaboration, along with a naturally curious and systems-oriented mindset.
I’d be honored to contribute to your team’s efforts to scale high-quality transportation data products that make cities and infrastructure more adaptive, efficient, and equitable. Thank you for considering my application, I’d welcome the opportunity to speak further.
Sincerely,
Luis Velasquez
Resume
Objective: Product Owner with a background in engineering and a passion for solving complex, real-world problems through data-driven tools and workflows. I thrive on turning ambiguity into clarity, bridging technical teams and end users to design geospatial and analytics solutions that make a measurable impact. Naturally curious and collaborative, I enjoy ideating with cross-functional teams and guiding product development that delivers tangible value to end users.
Skills & Abilities
- Skilled at evaluating user workflows and identifying product metrics that drive feature adoption and long-term engagement
- Familiar with geospatial tools and data formats (e.g., SHP, KML, GeoJSON)
- Adept at communicating complex technical topics to both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders
- Experienced facilitating Agile development processes
- Comfortable operating in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
- Naturally curious and user-focused
Experience
Product Owner – Smart Atlas, Arcadis, Global (2024 – Present)
- Led product ownership for a browser-based geospatial viewer used by 1000+ staff
- Reduced project execution time by 30–50% through spatial standardization
Digital Portfolio Manager, Arcadis (2023 – Present)
- Cut digital portfolio costs by 30%
- Improved cybersecurity posture by removing high-risk tools
Project Manager | GIS & Data Strategy, Georgia DOT (2019 – 2023)
- Increased federal funding access with GIS prioritization model
- Reduced manual entry by 40% for I-85 corridor strategy
Transportation Engineer, Arcadis (2013 – 2020)
- Delivered environmental and infrastructure design across GA
- Led public engagement and data collection initiatives
Education & Certifications
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology
Southern Polytechnic State University (now KSU)
Certifications: PE (PA, GA), PSPO I