John T. Kounis
Co-founder of Pilot Getaways Magazine
A strong leader with skills in a wide range of areas, including aviation, information technology, writing, public speaking, travel and foreign languages.
A strong leader with skills in a wide range of areas, including aviation, information technology, writing, public speaking, travel and foreign languages.
There was insufficient room in the resume to list all positions held during my 18-year career at JPL. I started as an academic part-time worker at the end of my sophomore year at USC, and left as a technical group leader and lead system engineer after overseeing the Data and Computing Services group of the Cassini spacecraft ground data system through a successful launch in October, 1997.
A more complete list of positions follows:
Responsible for a team of 30 engineers providing the infrastructure for the Cassini Ground Data System (mission to Saturn). Direct network design (utilizing Cisco components), operations monitoring system (Tivoli and Spectrum products), help desk (Remedy), database (Sybase), distributed file architecture (AFS), security, Unix system administration (Sun and HP platforms), procurement of new systems, hardware & software maintenance, and facilities. As the lead system engineer, I needed to declare “we're go for launch” during the countdown to launch.
Designed JPL-provided components of the Defense Information Infrastructure. Software involved distributed processing over a world-wide network (SIPRNET) with fault tolerance and isolation algorithms. Other responsibilities include requirements analysis for the Korean Command Center Upgrade.
Performed System Engineering for the GCCS Migration project, as the sole JPL representative at the USEUCOM in Germany. Responsible for requirements analysis, and design validation, and software installation. Deliveries included LAN performance analysis and tuning, Oracle-based account management with a web front-end, Automated Message Handling System upgrades (based on Topic by Verity), Remedy help desk, Aperture configuration management system, WinDD integration, and PC/Unix file and print sharing software.
Gathered requirements, validated design, and acted as a liaison between the military and JPL developers, in addition to installing, administering, and maintaining software in the field. Other responsibilities included dealing with German contractors, shipping agents, and procurements due to my German language abilities. Was involved with all aspects of the project, including the software development, software and hardware procurement and licensing, LAN installation (Ethernet/FDDI), router/hub configuration, configuration management, system administration, user and administrator training, and on-call system support.
Directed requirements gathering, design, and development of database software for the SFOC to support a general capability to store spacecraft engineering data. The first mission supported by the CDB was Magellan (Venus orbiter). The project utilized C and Sybase on networked Sun workstations.
Directed requirements analysis and design of the monitor and control and database for the Central Weather Processor for the FAA. This was a real-time system implemented in C on a large mini-computer. The system was designed using Yourdon methodology and documented under MIL-STD 2167.
Directed design, development and implementation of one of the LANs of a distributed, database-driven, command and control system for the USAF Military Airlift Command. The software was implemented in Pascal on networked IBM PCs.
Designed and implemented an asynchronous error detecting protocol for Z80 to mainframe communications. Programmed synchronous communications for JPL to Goddard Space Flight Center. Designed customized communications software for DEC 20 and Arpanet communications for General Henry, Base commander at USAF Space Division, and for the Army Corps of Engineers in Jackson, MS.
Note that Arpanet is the predecessor to what we now know as the “Internet”. Furthermore, the AODC project succeeded in widespread distribution of minicomputers to office across the laboratory to automate communications via email and word processing, which was state-of-the-art for 1980.