JOHN LAWSON
McLean,VA
Summary
Dynamic Project Engineer with extensive experience at AVI-SPL, adept at managing complex audiovisual projects and delivering construction-ready documentation. Proven ability in AutoCAD and project management, coupled with strong problem-solving skills. Successfully navigated emergent challenges, ensuring timely project completion and client satisfaction in high-stakes environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Engineer
AVI-SPL
Ashburn, VA
06.2023 - Current
- Provide engineering oversight and supervision for multiple, simultaneous audiovisual projects from project sale to sign-off.
- Designed and implemented multi-enclave audiovisual presentation systems in classified federal facilities.
- Navigate shifting project conditions, identify emergent roadblocks, and coordinate optimal solutions to close projects out successfully.
- Approved and modified equipment lists, developed bills of materials, and authorized final purchases to align with project specifications.
- Create detailed mechanical, engineering, and audiovisual signal flow drawings to facilitate project implementation.
- Issue and submit fabrication and field drawings and create as-built drawings to close out each project.
- Supported project managers in monitoring project budgets, schedules, and personnel to ensure successful project execution.
Senior Design Engineer
Design and Production, Inc.
Lorton, VA
12.2021 - 03.2023
- Produced final construction set of AV design documents for installation at Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, ensuring alignment with project specifications at American Museum of Natural History in New York.
- Recalculated and redrew projection studies, determining final equipment placement for eight high-impact, multi-projector displays at National Air and Space Museum West End project, including 10-foot diameter spherical projection surface lit by four precisely interspaced projectors between suspended and floor-mounted historical artifacts.
- Created comprehensive design packages for multiple small museums and galleries, including signal flows and architectural detail drawings to effectively plan unique media presentations.
- Collaborated with exhibit designers, stakeholders, and content producers to capture and resolve emergent design issues in real-time.
Systems Designer
Avitecture, Inc.
Sterling, VA
10.2019 - 10.2021
- Designed a technology framework to integrate decades of legacy practices into a modern information modeling system, automating system models, submittals, and CAD drawings.
- Developed hundreds of researched and construction-ready documents for multiple clients under tight deadlines for a leading capital region integrator.
- Delivered insights from extensive AV experience and roles during the 2020 pandemic, supporting a strategic shift towards large consultant-based public bids.
AV Designer & Lead Engineer
Onyx AudioVisual
Reston, VA
03.2016 - 09.2019
- Coordinated the design, documentation, communication, and construction support for a $5 million audiovisual project for a new performing arts center at Prince George's Community College (PGCC). The facility includes three theaters, radio and TV broadcast studios, a recording studio, AV-enhanced classrooms, music performance spaces, and other special event venues.
- Managed over 200 submittals through creation, submission, and tracking processes to ensure timely approvals.
- Developed construction-ready drawing set comprising over 400 E1 sheets to facilitate project execution.
AV Design Engineer
VT Group
Sterling, VA
12.2012 - 03.2016
- Developed design specification for audiovisual and unified communications systems for overseas facility of US Federal Government and Department of Defense, including over 5,000 parts valued at $3.9 million, achieving 100% construction readiness upon final submittal.
- Designed innovative solutions for complex engineering challenges in various projects.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop product specifications and requirements.
- Utilized CAD software to create detailed engineering drawings and models.
AV Analyst
AvTek Staffing
Washington, DC
01.2011 - 02.2012
- Managed AV systems across National Academy of Sciences facilities to ensure seamless operation and support for events.
- Analyzed client requirements to identify staffing solutions for various industries.
- Collaborated with recruitment teams to streamline candidate selection processes.
- Conducted market research to understand industry trends and staffing needs.
Design Engineer
AVI-SPL
New Orleans, LA
12.2008 - 04.2010
- Managed project for high-profile oil and gas companies during post-Katrina rebuilding, ensuring timely execution and compliance with industry standards.
- Led $750,000 project in new university facility, coordinating design and construction efforts to meet stakeholder expectations and project timelines.
- Designed integrated audiovisual solutions for corporate clients and educational institutions.
- Collaborated with project managers to define technical specifications and requirements.
- Developed detailed schematics and drawings using CAD software for system installations.
Visualization Systems Manager
The Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise (LITE)
Lafayette, LA
06.2006 - 02.2008
- Directed visualization and immersive technology at LITE, a $30 million high-performance computing and visualization facility, fostering collaboration among researchers across public and commercial fields.
- Managed technology systems to support immersive learning experiences at LITE.
- Oversaw hardware and software installations for innovative educational programs.
- Coordinated maintenance schedules to ensure optimal system performance and reliability.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Electronic Media
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, ILSkills
- Project Management
- Construction Submittals
- AutoCAD
- D-Tools
- Excel VBA
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft 365 & SharePoint
- Google Apps Script
- Microsoft Word
- Project Scoping
- C#
- OSHA 10 certification
Certification
- CTS
Timeline
Project Engineer
AVI-SPL
06.2023 - Current
Senior Design Engineer
Design and Production, Inc.
12.2021 - 03.2023
Systems Designer
Avitecture, Inc.
10.2019 - 10.2021
AV Designer & Lead Engineer
Onyx AudioVisual
03.2016 - 09.2019
AV Design Engineer
VT Group
12.2012 - 03.2016
AV Analyst
AvTek Staffing
01.2011 - 02.2012
Design Engineer
AVI-SPL
12.2008 - 04.2010
Visualization Systems Manager
The Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise (LITE)
06.2006 - 02.2008
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Electronic Media
University of Illinois at Chicago