John Poncini
Technologist | Cloud Architect | Systems Engineer
I design and build secure, scalable, and resilient systems that power real-world impact.
John Poncini
Technologist | Cloud Architect | Systems Engineer
About
I'm a technologist, cloud architect, and systems engineer with a passion for building secure, scalable, and resilient systems. My expertise spans cybersecurity, cloud-native architecture, and compliance, with a deep understanding of NIST 800-53, 21 CFR Part 11, and HIPAA regulations. I thrive on solving complex challenges and delivering solutions that balance innovation, security, and human-centered design.
With over 15 years of experience in Python, C++, Java, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, React, TCP/IP, and Linux, I have a comprehensive understanding of modern software architectures, their strengths, and areas for improvement. My work emphasizes robust cybersecurity practices, including state-of-the-art cryptography protocols, secure data handling, and compliance with federal standards to protect sensitive data and ensure system integrity.
I majored in Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where I honed my analytical and problem-solving skills. My career began with an internship at MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, where I applied my coding expertise to manage over 5 TB of clinical video data, adhering to strict regulatory standards. Since then, I’ve led transformative projects, from modernizing digital platforms to architecting secure clinical systems, always prioritizing precision, reliability, and impact.
Whether designing scalable cloud solutions on AWS, implementing NIST 800-53 security controls, or leading cross-functional teams, I specialize in delivering elegant, secure, and compliant systems that empower organizations and users to achieve their goals with confidence.
Experience
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2020 - 2024Associate Director of Technology · MAPSProduct ManagerSenior Software Engineer
I drove the transformation of the organization's digital infrastructure, designing and deploying cloud-native systems that modernized donation processing, content delivery, and user engagement.
I engineered a scalable donation and membership platform using Python Flask, AWS Lambda, API Gateway, and Stripe, automating recurring and one-time donation workflows with precision. This initiative increased Monthly Recurring Revenue, resulting in 25x MRR growth, while reducing transaction latency and failure rates by over 95%.
To support broader engagement, I led the launch of the MAPS Education platform. I deployed the LMS via AWS reference architectures and implemented identity management, secure video delivery, and content protection protocols. My work here extended to UX/UI enhancements across the public-facing website and donation flow, resulting in significantly higher conversion rates and deeper mission alignment with MAPS' expanding global audience, culminating in a technical foundation that supported $100M+ in total donations.
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2016 - 2020Video and Informatics Systems Engineer · Lykos TherapeuticsFounder & Principal Engineer · Arc BiosciencesClinical Intern
I served as the technical lead responsible for architecting and deploying secure cloud-native systems in support of the world's first FDA-designated Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Operating in a zero-failure regulatory environment, I built and scaled infrastructure that supported over 4,500+ hours of encrypted multimedia data across 25+ clinical sites, with >99.99% uptime and full compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 and HIPAA standards.
I designed and deployed a cost-optimized multimedia capture and transcoding pipeline using AWS EC2 spot instances, S3 storage, and automated lifecycle policies reducing A/V processing costs by over 80% while maintaining enterprise-grade security. I also implemented serverless APIs for secure patient payment and registration using AWS Lambda and API Gateway, cutting onboarding time for new trial sites by 45%.
Beyond hands-on engineering, I managed a cross-functional DevOps team, led sprint cycles, and authored validation and UAT documentation for FDA submission. My work enabled clinical researchers to collect and analyze data at scale with speed, precision, and auditability paving the way for novel neurotherapeutic approvals.
Education
Projects
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MAPS Website Modernization and Redesign
Led the comprehensive modernization of the MAPS website, transforming it from its 2020 version to a modern, user-friendly platform. Implemented responsive design, enhanced UX/UI, and optimized performance using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and AWS infrastructure, significantly improving user engagement and accessibility.
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MAPS Payment Processor and Donation Platform Migration
Architected and executed the migration of MAPS' payment processor and donation platform to a cloud-native solution using Python Flask, AWS Lambda, API Gateway, and Stripe. Automated donation workflows, achieving a 25x increase in Monthly Recurring Revenue and reducing transaction latency and failure rates by over 95%.
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MAPS Education Platform (learn.maps.org)
Designed and launched the MAPS Education platform, a learning management system (LMS) built on AWS reference architectures. Implemented secure identity management, video delivery, and content protection protocols, enhancing user engagement and supporting MAPS' mission to educate a global audience.
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Clinical Video Recording System
Developed a secure clinical video recording system for Lykos Therapeutics’ Phase 3 clinical trials. Engineered a cloud-native pipeline using AWS EC2, S3, and serverless APIs, ensuring >99.99% uptime and compliance with NIST 800-53, 21 CFR Part 11, and HIPAA standards. Reduced processing costs by 80% while securing over 4,500 hours of multimedia data.
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Codon Usage Frequencies Research
Conducted and presented research on codon usage frequencies during my time at UCSC. Analyzed genetic data to identify patterns, contributing to advancements in biomolecular engineering and demonstrating strong analytical and scientific communication skills.