John W. Prausa
Vice President, Engineering & Systems Division

John Prausa leads the Engineering & Systems Division (ESD), the largest group at SRI. In this role, he directs a 400-member staff conducting research, development, deployment, and support of technologies and systems in the areas of ionospheric and space research, radar and remote sensing, signal processing and algorithm development, medical devices, robotic systems, signals and electronic intelligence, test and training systems, and wireless communications. The work of the Division focuses on the relationship of advanced systems to the complex environments in which they must operate. The Division, with $100M in annual revenue, also supports 15 remote offices and operating locations.

Work in ESD ranges from performing scientific research to operating sites and systems for clients. The Division operates and conducts research from a radar site in Sondrestrom, Greenland, develops instrumentation for Department of Defense tactical and training exercises, and develops advanced technology for the Intelligence Community. The Division is also involved with commercialization of intellectual property and research and development for commercial clients. This blend of capabilities allows ESD to support clients from concept development through deployment and fielding of operational systems.

Since joining SRI full-time in 1975, Mr. Prausa has held a number of positions in the Engineering organization. Beginning as a Systems Analyst, Mr. Prausa spent a number of years in SRI’s Tactical Training Range Program, assisting in the application of technology to support US military test and training requirements. Later, Mr. Prausa was a Program Director responsible for U.S. Air Force programs, primarily focusing on technology insertion in tactical systems. In 1990, Mr. Prausa was appointed Vice President and Director of the Systems Development Division (SDD). The primary focus of SDD was on test and training technology, but also included major programs in signals technology and transportation. In late 1999, Mr. Prausa took over the newly formed Engineering & Systems Division, adding SRI’s various radar and technology programs to his responsibilities.

Mr. Prausa has a B.A. in Mathematics from the University of California at Berkeley and has done graduate course work in Systems Analysis at Stanford University.