John Cole

Experience

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  General Dynamics

  Jun 1986 - Jul 1995

  Avionic Systems Engineer

  F-16 System Design. Worked primarily on F-16A/B, MLU and Taiwan programs.Designed system operation and defined interface and software requirements for incorporating dozens of new capabilities on the F-16A/B, including integration of at least 5 new subsystems and 12 stores.Led system design and software development efforts to integrate several next-generation technologies for demonstration to potential customers.Received a company commendation and bonus as lead system design engineer on the integration and first U.S. launch of a high off-boresight A/A missile targeted with a helmet-mounted sight. The advanced technology demonstration earned the company praise from the U.S. Air Force and a feature article in Aviation Week magazine.Earned departmental recognition as the system design lead on a development effort that had zero problem reports written against it. The successful demonstration – the first integration of AGM-65 slaving with a digital terrain system (DTS) – resulted in customer orders for the incorporation of both AGM-65 slaving and DTS in subsequent retrofits. Show less

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  Lockheed Martin

  Jun 1986 - Jul 1995

  Avionic Systems Engineer

  F-16 System Design. Worked primarily on F-16A/B, MLU and Taiwan programs.Designed system operation and defined interface and software requirements for incorporating dozens of new capabilities on the F-16A/B, including integration of at least 5 new subsystems and 12 stores.Led system design and software development efforts to integrate several next-generation technologies for demonstration to potential customers.Received a company commendation and bonus as lead system design engineer on the integration and first U.S. launch of a high off-boresight A/A missile targeted with a helmet-mounted sight. The advanced technology demonstration earned the company praise from the U.S. Air Force and a feature article in Aviation Week magazine.Earned departmental recognition as the system design lead on a development effort that had zero problem reports written against it. The successful demonstration – the first integration of AGM-65 slaving with a digital terrain system (DTS) – resulted in customer orders for the incorporation of both AGM-65 slaving and DTS in subsequent retrofits. Show less

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  Alenia Aeronautica

  Aug 1995 - Dec 2001

  Consulting Engineer -- Avionic Systems

  Worked as an avionic systems engineer on contract to the Mission Systems department, developing the Armament Control Subsystem for the Eurofighter Typhoon.Led a team in redefining the Eurofighter ACS requirements development and management process. Employed industry best practices to reduce costs through earlier identification & elimination of design problems and improved requirements traceability.Led development of Eurofighter ACS Qualification Program Plans, execution of which resulted in successful qualification of the ACS for System Packages 2 and 3.Developed integration test procedures that provided the necessary qualification evidence for several ACS functions, including stores inventory, selective jettison, air/surface weapon delivery and gun control.Monitored integration test execution and managed problem resolution to ensure timely completion of ACS qualification activities for System Packages 2 and 3. Show less

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  Prototipo Electonics S.r.l.

  Jan 2002 - Dec 2005

  Senior Avionics Project Engineer, Assistant to COO

  Advised automotive company management on aerospace industry needs and practices, enabling successful launch of the company’s avionics division.Assisted COO in business acquisition and personnel recruiting activities which helped grow company by 123% in three years.Coordinated all avionics division engineering activities (36 engineers) at client facilities, leading to successful fulfillment of all contracts with 100% on-time completion rate. Contract volume more than doubled within 4 years.Led development and implementation of a training curriculum in systems engineering principles and practices for entry-level engineers. The program earned the company a reputation as a quality supplier of cost-effective engineering services, allowing it to gain a dominant position among competing providers at its primary client’s facilities. Show less

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  Aerospace Marketing Ink.

  Jan 2006 - Dec 2010

  Freelance B2B Copywriter – Content Writer – Technology Copywriter – Technical Copywriter

  Forced to reinvent myself due to continued contraction within my industry, I launched my career as a technical copywriter in the aerospace sector, where I had 20 years’ experience as a systems engineer.During this period, I gained extensive training and experience in:• B2B copywriting and content writing• White paper writing• Case study writing• Technical article writing for trade journals and the Web• Direct response copywriting• Crafting B2B promotional materials, including o Print and Web advertising o Direct mail marketing o Email marketing o Landing page writingAs a technology copywriter, client demand led me to make white papers, case studies and technical articles my specialties.Eventually, I realized that the businesses in the aerospace sector who most needed technical copywriting help were not, strictly speaking, “aerospace” companies. This led me to rebrand my business under the name CopyEngineer and expand my marketing effort into other technology sectors.If you’re an aerospace or technology marketer looking for a technical copywriter / technology copywriter, send me an email at info@copyengineer.com. Show less

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  CopyEngineer

  Jan 2011 - now

  Freelance B2B Copywriter – Content Writer – White Paper Writer – Case Study Writer

  I use my 30 years' experience in engineering and B2B copywriting to help high-tech companies generate more leads, influence buying decisions and shorten sales cycles with precisely targeted marketing content.FRUSTRATIONS I HEAR FROM MARKETERS BEFORE THEY WORK WITH ME• “It’s tough for most writers to get their heads around our products and services.”• “Working with outside writers is tricky, because they rarely have a technical background.”• “Our products are not easy to talk about without a good technical background and a firm understanding of the problems they solve.”• “We serve a niche market that’s hard to understand if you haven’t been a part of it.”WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY ABOUT MEOne VP of Marketing said of me, "John Cole is one of the few copywriters who combines both a deep technical background with a complete understanding of the customer acquisition benefits of well written white papers, technical briefs and case studies."After a single piece of content I wrote began generating over 3,000 leads a year (more on that in the attached media, below), a software industry marketing director said, “It’s rare that an outside writer can also help with subject matter expertise. John contributed not just great writing but valuable insight, as well.”MY SERVICES• B2B copywriting and B2B content writing• White paper writing (includes planning and project management)• Case study writing (includes customer interviews and assistance with customer approval)• Technical article writing for trade journals and the Web• Campaign materials (email, direct mail, web promotions, landing pages, etc.) to promote your content and generate leads• Lead-generation special projects (reports, guides, and other useful content)For more information on my B2B content writing services, visit www.copyengineer.com/b2b_copywriting_services.►Need help with B2B copywriting, content writing, white paper writing or case study writing? Email me at info@copyengineer.com. Show less