At Peraton, you won’t just support the mission — you’ll define it.
Join a mission-driven team at the forefront of U.S. aviation safety and surveillance modernization. As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across critical BNATCS surveillance and supporting domains, helping shape and integrate complex systems that directly support the FAA’s National Airspace System (NAS).
This is a high-visibility role for an experienced systems engineering leader who thrives in complex, cross-domain environments and enjoys turning strategic objectives into executable, validated system solutions.
During training and orientation this role will be based in Chantilly and then transition to Herndon, Virginia.
As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader supporting surveillance and cross-domain system integration efforts within the NAS. This is a high-visibility opportunity to influence system architecture, guide engineering strategy, and ensure the delivery of scalable, compliant, and operationally effective solutions.
You’ll work alongside experts in aviation, engineering, and data systems to translate mission needs into real-world capabilities.
What You’ll Do
Provide senior-level systems engineering leadership across surveillance systems, including radar integration and NAS-aligned architectures
Lead full lifecycle systems engineering activities from concept development through deployment and sustainment
Develop and maintain system architectures, requirements, and interface definitions ensuring full traceability
Translate operational needs into clear, measurable, and testable system and subsystem requirements
Lead and support system design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and Configuration Control Board (CCB) activities
Conduct technical trade studies, performance analysis, and risk assessments to inform design decisions
Ensure compliance with FAA and industry standards through formal Verification & Validation (V&V) processes
Define and execute test strategies, including verification procedures and customer acceptance criteria
Manage system integration across hardware, software, and operational domains
Serve as a key technical interface with FAA stakeholders, customers, and program leadership
Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment, integration, and delivery success
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Progressive systems engineering experience, including technical leadership responsibilities
Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of experience, OR
Master’s degree with 6+ years
PhD with 3+ years
12+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree
Demonstrated experience supporting FAA NAS programs, surveillance systems, and/or radar-based architectures
Strong expertise in
Systems architecture and lifecycle engineering
Requirements development, management, and traceability
Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and configuration management
Formal design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and CCB processes
Verification, validation, and compliance methodologies
Proven ability to translate complex operational needs into actionable engineering solutions
Experience working across multidisciplinary engineering teams (systems, software, hardware, test)
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical stakeholders
U.S. Citizenship required
Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Public Trust clearance
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting FAA programs such as ATO, NextGen, or other NAS modernization initiatives
Prior experience with surveillance systems including radar, ADS-B, or sensor fusion technologies
Familiarity with FAA standards and documentation (e.g., JO 7110 series, NAS Enterprise Architecture)
Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., Cameo, MagicDraw, DOORS, SysML)
Knowledge of cloud-based or distributed system architectures within mission-critical environments
Experience supporting system integration in large-scale, real-time operational environments
Active or prior Public Trust or security clearance
PMP, INCOSE CSEP, or other relevant professional certifications
Exposure to Agile or DevSecOps practices within systems engineering environments
#BNATCS
Target Salary Range $112,000 - $179,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
Benefits Statement
Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits.
Application Statements The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in the role and the Company. During the review of your application, you may be required to participate in an on-camera interview, as well as participate in a process to verify your identity. Use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools of any kind during Peraton interviews is strictly prohibited unless the candidate has obtained prior written authorization. All interview responses must be the candidate’s own.
- EEO
- EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.
