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 pioneer, developer, builder, and engineer with a passion for innovation, sustainability, and life. I like to learn new things and apply myself in challenging situations. Whether it's launching a scalable Flask application on cloud-native architecture, building an off-grid property, or founding a medical device company, I'm always willing to take the necessary steps to accomplish my goals even when they are out of my comfort zone.
With over 18 years of experience with Python, C++, Java, HTML, CSS, Javascript, TCP/IP, Linux, BASH, DOS, and PowerShell, I'm very familiar with the software architectures that modern computer networks are running, their strengths, limitations, and areas that could use improvement.
I majored in Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Santa Cruz and started my career with an internship at MAPS Public Benefit Corporation where I used my software coding skills to collect and transfer over 5 TB of clinical video data. I'm very familiar with CFR 23 Part 11 and HIPAA regulations and how they pertain to electronic records having built clinical systems solely by myself.
With deep experience across AWS, automation, compliance, and system design, I specialize in delivering elegant solutions that are both well-architected and human-centered. Whether building multimedia platforms, securing production systems, or leading agile teams, I take pride in creating tools that help people do their best work with precision, reliability, and purpose.
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 donor and revenue 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.