Louis Kponton
Murrieta,CA
Summary
Systems Engineer and Military Veteran with a Master of Science in Systems Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics, and Associate of Science in Aviation Maintenance. Proven ability to integrate engineering principles with aviation operations to deliver innovative solutions in dynamic, mission-critical environments. Skilled in systems design, requirements analysis, and lifecycle management, with hands-on experience in aircraft maintenance, avionics, and electrical systems. Demonstrated success in planning, executing, and sustaining operations. Proficient in applying systems engineering methodologies, workload prioritization, and collaborative problem-solving to optimize performance, safety, and resilience. Career supported by advanced academic training and military discipline, with expertise spanning aerodynamics, aircraft systems, and operational risk management.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Tower Observer
Chalk 2
01.2022 - Current
- Plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in and around airports.
- Serves as Tower Observer in support of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) operations
- Communicate with the pilots of aircraft using push-to-talk radiotelephony systems
- Advise aircraft within the vicinity of the airport and use visual
- Monitor movement of aircraft on runways and taxiways
- Coordinate the safe movement of traffic by ensuring frequency deconflicting
- Provide advisories to taxiway and runways conditions
- Provide local airport area weather information updates and prevailing wing to departing and arriving traffic
- Scan area for non-participating aircraft traffic patterns
- Alert airport response staff in the event of an aircraft emergency
Senior Training Manager
United States Marine Corps
01.2007 - 01.2020
- Managed training and development while fostering a safe, professional, and productive learning environment.
- Developed and mentored personnel by ensuring annual training requirements were fulfilled; provided feedback in order to correct and develop students
- Maintained instructor records in order to track counseling, record student qualification levels, and document accomplishments
- Ensured adherence to instructor qualifications based on published standards; reviewed material regularly in order to maintain proficiency for quality instruction
- Monitored training to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures and maintain safe and realistic training procedures
- Set up and conducted 4 equipment training courses; led 90+ students through 19 in-classroom subjects which resulted in more than 90% achieving a high pass rating
- Trained 40+ junior coaches in 12 critical topics, providing both lecture and exercise classroom-based instruction as well as practical guidance
Training Manager / Instructor
United States Marine Corps
- Oversaw training operations and enforced safety standards. Supervised all aspects of training, controlling operations and regulations.
- Reviewed training procedures, providing recommendations that led to changes in course material and an improved overall graduation rate
- Observed student performance, monitoring, and evaluating skills in order to provide feedback for improvement
- Served as primary evaluator for readiness, ensuring training met required standards and students were able to perform at acceptable levels
- Conducted ongoing evaluation of student performance, providing additional targeted training to individuals and small groups in order to ensure proficiency
Electrical Operations Supervisor
United States Marine Corps
- Directed work center operations, coordinating maintenance control, managing workload priorities, and ensuring accurate repair records.
- Managed maintenance on avionics and electrical systems for assigned aircraft; coordinated with maintenance control personnel to ensure correct, timely repairs
- Directed workload priorities, assigning maintenance tasks while ensuring appropriate safety measure were always followed; supported the management of 3 programs
- Mentored and guided 4 junior personnel, providing formal performance evaluation feedback and informal development counseling
- Oversaw production and work status, providing maintenance documentation to ensure accurate records for readiness and repair
- Led night crew work center operations, directing maintenance on electrical and other systems on up to 12 aircraft
- Planned and supervised the presentation of 60+ lectures of technical training in order to ensure quality of work and operational safety
- Provided mentoring to 14+ employees, helping them to earn more than 30 combined new qualifications and licenses Electrical Systems Technician Led a crew responsible for the maintenance performed on all avionics and electrical systems associated with assigned aircraft.
- Ensured timely and accurate repairs on more than 20 assigned aircraft; coordinated with additional maintenance personnel to assure efficient repair processes
- Provided counseling to junior personnel on both personal and professional issues, serving as a designated mentor for the Avionics Division
- Supervised and monitored more than 200 maintenance actions, aiding in the repair processes to correct 60 complex system discrepancies
Education
Master of Science - Aeronautics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
San Diego, CA03-2026
Master of Science - System Engineering
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, FL08.2025
Bachelor of Science - Aeronautics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
12.2023
Associate of Science - Aeronautics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
05.2022
Associate of Science - Aviation Maintenance
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
05.2022
FAA Certificate -
Self Study
Murrieta, CA01-2024
FAA Certificate -
EFI Flight School
Murrieta, CA01.2024
FAA Certificate -
EFI Flight School
Murrieta, CA02.2023
Certificate of Technical Studies -
Center For Naval Aviation Technical Training
01.2012
Certificate of Technical Studies -
University of Central Florida
01.2011
Skills
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Regulatory compliance
- Maintenance coordination
- Flight operations support
- Team mentorship
- Emergency response
- Weather reporting
- New employee training
- Coaching and mentoring
- Written and oral communication
Languages
English
Full Professional
French
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Tower Observer
Chalk 2
01.2022 - Current
Senior Training Manager
United States Marine Corps
01.2007 - 01.2020
Training Manager / Instructor
United States Marine Corps
Electrical Operations Supervisor
United States Marine Corps
Associate of Science - Aeronautics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Associate of Science - Aviation Maintenance
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Master of Science - Aeronautics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Master of Science - System Engineering
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Bachelor of Science - Aeronautics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
FAA Certificate -
Self Study
FAA Certificate -
EFI Flight School
FAA Certificate -
EFI Flight School
Certificate of Technical Studies -
Center For Naval Aviation Technical Training
Certificate of Technical Studies -
University of Central Florida