Lead Data Architect - Aviation Analytics

Peraton; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 234,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton in Herndon, VA seeks a Lead Data Architect for Aviation Analytics to define the data backbone for FAA BNATCS CTO, guiding data strategy, acquisition, and modernization to support analytics, visualization, and AI-enabled workflows across multiple data streams.

The role requires senior leadership in complex, multi-domain environments, expertise in ETL and data fusion, and the ability to align data architecture with mission objectives while maintaining security clearances.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in data engineering, software engineering, aerospace, systems engineering, or related fields.
• Experience leading data-focused initiatives in complex environments.
• Experience with data identification, data acquisition, ETL, and multi-source data integration.
• Familiarity with data capture, transformation, and preparation for analytics.

Responsibilities

• Lead data strategy and execution supporting DCC and CTO-driven capabilities.
• Identify, assess, and prioritize data sources for analytics, visualization, and AI-enabled workflows.
• Coordinate data acquisition across internal teams, stakeholders, and partners.
• Define and improve data fusion, modernization of data capture, and data pipeline readiness.
• Guide ETL and data preparation to support dashboards, analytics models, and AI/ML use cases.
• Partner with systems, software, and analytics teams to align data architecture with mission needs.
• Identify data gaps, dependencies, quality issues, and integration challenges.

Skills

Data architecture

Data engineering

ETL

Data fusion

Stakeholder management

Cross-team collaboration

Tools

Cloud data platforms

APIs

Job description

Lead Data Architect - Aviation Analytics

Job Locations: US-VA-Herndon | US-MD-Annapolis Junction | US-NJ-Basking Ridge

Responsibilities

Peraton Labs is seeking a Lead Data Architect - Aviation Analytics to support FAA BNATCS CTO in identifying, acquiring, modernizing, integrating, and operationalizing data required for advanced analytics, visualization, and agentic AI-enabled workflows. This role will serve as a senior data leader across FAA BNATCS and Peraton Labs data streams and will help ensure that the Digital Command Center (DCC) is built on a strong data foundation. The ideal candidate combines strategic data leadership with practical experience in multi-domain data environments, ETL, and data fusion.

Within this role you will define the data backbone behind advanced analytics and AI-enabled mission support. You will play a critical role in ensuring the right data is available, usable, and ready to support highly visible capabilities that inform decision-making and modernization at scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead data strategy and execution supporting DCC and CTO-driven capabilities
• Identify, assess, and prioritize data sources needed to support analytics, visualization, and AI-enabled workflows
• Coordinate data acquisition efforts across internal teams, stakeholders, and program partners
• Define and improve approaches for data fusion, modernization of data capture, and data pipeline readiness
• Guide ETL and data preparation efforts needed to support dashboards, analytics models, and downstream AI/ML use cases
• Partner with systems, software, and analytics teams to align data architecture with mission needs
• Help identify data gaps, dependencies, quality issues, and integration challenges affecting program success

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 12+ years of relevant experience in data engineering, software engineering, aerospace, systems engineering, systems/enterprise architecture, or related fields
• Experience leading data-focused initiatives in complex technical or operational environments
• Demonstrated experience with data identification, data acquisition, ETL, and multi-source data integration
• Experience with advanced data analysis and data fusion
• Familiarity with modern data capture, transformation, and preparation approaches that support advanced analytics
• Ability to work across multiple teams and stakeholders to align data efforts with mission objectives
• US Citizenship with ability to obtain/maintain an FAA Public Trust suitability
• Must be local and able to commute to one of our following locations: Annapolis Junction, MD, Bowie, MD, or Herndon, VA

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with synthetic data generation
• Familiarity with FAA systems or aviation operational data environments
• Experience supporting analytics platforms, dashboards, AI/ML pipelines, or decision‑support systems
• Knowledge of metadata, lineage, governance-aware data practices, or data architecture strategy
• Experience with cloud data platforms, APIs, and modern data engineering ecosystems

Target Salary Range

$146,000 - $234,000. 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.

EEO

Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.