Meet the 2025 INCOSE San Diego Board of Directors. For details on the titles, please refer to our Chapter Bylaws.
President
Mr. John (JT) Thomas, CSEP
John Thomas is a Principal Systems Engineer at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) and former Naval Aviator. His Navy and professional experience includes Electronic Warfare, Cryptologic Operations, Cyber, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). John also recently served as Technical Program Committee Chair of the Western States Regional Conference (WSRC 2021) in San Diego, where he provided guidance on overall program development and reviewed candidates for papers and presentations. His education includes a Bachelor degree in Aerospace Engineering, and he holds INCOSE CSEP certification. He is now holding his second term as President of the INCOSE San Diego chapter, having previously led the chapter in 2022.
President-Elect
Mr. Mitchell Seime
Mitch Seime is a Systems Engineer for Naval Information Warfare System Command (NAVWAR), currently leading technical authority implementation for Navy Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems. A retired submarine electronics technician, Mitch served as the assistant program manager for the development of the Common Submarine Radio Room V2 and V3. In 2016 Mitch reported to NAVWAR Office of the Chief Engineer to stand up the Navy Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications Chief Engineer. In his role as Lead Systems Engineer, he defined engineering and certification process for strategic systems and established active relationships with other strategic deterrent stakeholders. Mitch has a BS in Workforce Education focused on Technology Management and a MS in Systems Engineering Management from the Naval Postgraduate School. Mitch will assume the role of President of INCOSE San Diego chapter in 2026.
Past-President
Dr. Julia Taylor
Dr. Julia Taylor is a Strategic Management consultant, a field very closely aligned with systems engineering, involving many of the same principles including systems thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, consideration of the whole from the beginning, and use of processes in order to deal with complex systems. She received her PhD in 1992 from Alliant International University, San Diego, California, and has consulted for over 25 years. Dr. Taylor is now a Past-President, having led the San Diego chapter in 2024.
Director of Ambassador Program
Mr. Noah Brown
Noah Brown is a Systems Engineer focused on requirements specification/derivation and functional architecture. He is currently supporting Global Lightning Call 003 as a Model Based Systems Engineer, leading cross-disciplinary meetings with multiple SMEs to capture requirements and functionality in Cameo. Noah is also the communications lead for the San Diego chapter of the Northrop-Grumman Corp (NGC) ERG Connect1NG and leads hikes for the company to help foster community. He has supported many company events, such as SPARK Tank and Take Your Kid to Work Day, and often looks to collaborate with other ERGs or similar groups to broaden company impact. When he is not working, Noah can be found playing indoor volleyball at the many open gyms across San Diego.
Director of University Relations
Mr. Varinder Singh, CSEP
Varinder Singh is a Senior Specialty Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from San Diego State University (SDSU) and a master’s in Engineering Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). He began his career as a manufacturing systems engineer, contributing to the construction of Airbus aircraft interiors and fighter jets. With comprehensive experience spanning the entire systems lifecycle, from initial design and development through production, implementation, and sustainment. Varinder now specializes in reliability engineering for UAV systems. He holds CSEP certification from INCOSE and is passionate about promoting STEM education and mentoring students preparing to enter the engineering industry.
Treasurer
Mr. Richard Bryson
Richard Bryson retired as a Systems Engineer Architect for Interoperability of Unmanned Air Systems at Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) in Rancho Bernardo, CA. He led the Global Hawk-related programs interoperability efforts for ten years and is now working on broader interoperability and system architecture efforts on the Common Mission Control Center program. Mr. Bryson has over thirty years of software engineering, systems engineering, and program and functional management experience from several companies including Hughes Aircraft, TRW, GDE (now BAE) Systems, SAIC, and NGC. That experience spans the development life cycle and includes aerospace avionics, communications, IMINT, MOVINT, and SIGINT processing, and a smattering of commercial communications jobs. He has also taught courses on software engineering and management at local universities as an adjunct professor.. Richard is also a Past-President of the INCOSE San Diego chapter, leading the chapter in 2017, and received the chapter’s Grady Outstanding Service Award in 2023.
First-Year Director
Mr. Marco Rosa
Marco Rosa is currently conducting research for his MS in Systems Engineering and seeks to immediately continue pursuing a PhD in Environmental Science & Engineering, demonstrating a profound commitment to advancing an interdisciplinary approach to systems engineering applications, and project management education, with a focus on converging STEM and liberal arts scopes into effective resilient interdisciplinary teams. This academic pursuit is complemented by a solid foundation in systems engineering, business administration, and security administration, marked by a Magna Cum Laude distinction in his Bachelor’s program. With a robust background in engineering and leadership, particularly within the demanding environment of the U.S. Navy, Marco has demonstrated exceptional skills in project management, team leadership, and technical expertise. As a Naval Engineering Officer, he was responsible for the intricate electrical and mechanical operations management of a Nuclear Aircraft Carrier, showcasing an ability to handle complex systems with precision and care. This role required not only technical acumen but also the capacity to train and lead a large team of engineers, ensuring the safety and efficiency of over 6,000 employees. His extensive list of certifications, notably from the Department of Defense, showcases a versatile skill set and a deep understanding of strategic management, communications, teamwork, and operations.
Director of Chapter Advocates
Mr. Michael DeCandia
Michael DeCandia is currently a Lead Systems Engineer at G2 Ops, supporting the Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) at NAVWAR’s PMW 770. In this role, he helps deliver critical C4I capabilities to the U.S. Navy by integrating the architecture of undersea vehicles, both manned and unmanned, and mobile communications to optimize joint warfighting command, control, and communications. Previously, Michael was a Principal Engineer in the aerospace sector, specializing in aircraft structures, systems, and propulsion for companies such as Goodrich Aerostructures, United Technologies Aerospace Systems, and Collins Aerospace.
VP of Communications
Mr. Greg Bulla, CSEP
Greg Bulla has worked in software and systems engineering domains for over 20 years. He currently supports the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) Headquarters division in conducting technical systems engineering reviews of large DOD programs. Greg’s professional software experience includes the planning, design and development of time-critical targeting software, intelligent software agents, and tactical radios. His education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and Masters degree in Computer Science, and he holds active INCOSE CSEP certification. Greg is also a Past-President of the INCOSE San Diego chapter, leading the chapter in 2020. He also received the Grady Outstanding Service Award for 2021.
OPEN POSITIONS – The following positions are open: please contact us at info@sdincose.org for more information on joining the INCOSE San Diego board of directors.