Developing AI applications for research in Kajaani
Juha Hulkkonen, who works at CSC’s Kajaani office, has been with the company for over 10 years. He advanced to the role of Product Owner by studying alongside his work and, in spring 2025, started working on the new LUMI AI Factory.
Juha’s career path at CSC began during his studies, working with data centers. After several years in the same role, he began to crave a change. Juha actively started exploring how he could shape his career within CSC in a direction that suited him.
“I asked the Head of the data analytics group what I should study to join that group,” Juha recalls.
Based on the advice he received, Juha pursued studies alongside work, which eventually led him to transfer to the data analytics team as a data engineer. Through various tasks and roles related to data analytics and AI development, he has progressed to become a Product Owner in the AI application development team.
Working as a product owner in AI development
The group in which Juha works, develops AI applications for research purposes. Their goal is to help researchers make better use of computing and AI. Although AI is at the core of the team’s work, Juha says the most essential skill in this group s is software development.
As a Product Owner, Juha collaborates with key stakeholders such as researchers. According to him, it’s crucial in this role to understand the overall picture of the service being developed, its requirements, as well as the timelines and priorities of the development work.
Most recently, in spring 2025, Juha began working on the LUMI AI Factory. His core responsibilities have mostly remained the same, but new areas of learning and development directions have emerged. Some of Juha’s key stakeholders have also changed.
Working at CSC suits curious people who are interested in self-development, technology, and the opportunities it brings.
Juha Hulkkonen, CSC
An active and authentic life in Kajaani
Juha spends much of his free time with his family, but he also makes time for a wide range of hobbies. He enjoys reading, magic, and trail running. He also goes hiking both in the Kainuu region and beyond, creating videos of his trips for social media. Challenging himself and learning new things are important to Juha both in his free time and at work.
Juha believes CSC is a great workplace for others who value similar things:
“Working at CSC suits curious people who are interested in self-development, technology, and the opportunities it brings. And also those who want to make the world a better place by supporting science.”
Watch a video of Juha sharing his thoughts on his work at CSC.
Juha’s nature recommendations in the Kainuu region
- Hossa National Park is a guaranteed hiking destination.
- Tiilikkajärvi National Park is a great destination for a relaxed family outing.
- Hiidenportti National Park offers dramatic landscapes.
- Ärjänsaari features kilometers of sandy ridges and beaches.
