🚀 JAMES BURK

What I Do.

My background spans enterprise software engineering, technical project management, AI implementation, and leading mission-driven organizations. Here's where I focus my time.

Technology Leadership

Strategic technical oversight grounded in hands-on engineering at Microsoft — from the Office Shared Feature Team to the Global Demand Center.

Areas of focus

  • Technology roadmaps and architecture decisions
  • Engineering team building and mentoring
  • Vendor evaluation and technical due diligence
  • Process optimization and scalable system design

Background

Microsoft veteran across project management, development, business analysis, and executive communications. Founding employee at Artic Consulting, where I built two consulting practices from scratch.

AI & Emerging Technology

I work directly with generative AI, VR, and modern web platforms — building real applications rather than advising from a distance.

Current work

  • LLM integration, RAG architecture, and AI-assisted workflows
  • VR simulation development (Unreal Engine / MarsVR)
  • Modern web applications (Astro, Next.js, React, Tailwind)
  • Proof-of-concept and prototype development

Approach

I believe in building to learn. Most of my AI and emerging tech work starts as a working prototype, not a whitepaper. If I'm recommending a technology, I've already used it.

Nonprofit & Space Advocacy

I run a global space advocacy organization and co-founded multiple nonprofits. This isn't a side gig — it's where I apply the same engineering discipline I honed in enterprise tech.

Roles & organizations

  • Executive Director, The Mars Society
  • Co-founder, Mars Technology Institute
  • Co-founder, Space Northwest
  • MDRS Crew 261 Commander

Scale

Produced virtual conventions with 15,000+ attendees and 300+ speakers. Raised $135k through crowdfunding. Built live streaming infrastructure reaching 100,000+ viewers globally.

Want to work together or just say hello? Get in touch.