Principal Digital Twin & Spatial Computing Architect

Peraton; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 176,000 - 282,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton Labs in the United States seeks a Principal Technical Architect to lead XR, spatial computing, and digital twin initiatives for aviation modernization. You will shape immersive, data-informed solutions and translate complex aviation challenges into actionable roadmaps.

This senior leader will prototype concepts, guide strategy, and deliver demonstrations for executive stakeholders, partnering with government and industry clients while advancing human-centered designs.

Qualifications

• 16+ years of experience in spatial computing, XR, immersive systems, or related fields.
• Significant experience leading XR, VR, AR, MR, or digital twin programs.
• Hands-on Unity/C# development experience.
• Experience leading cross-functional technical teams and briefing senior stakeholders.
• Experience supporting government, public sector, aviation, aerospace, or mission-focused technical efforts.
• US Citizenship with ability to obtain/maintain an FAA Public Trust.

Responsibilities

• Lead XR, spatial computing, immersive simulation, and digital twin strategy for aviation modernization efforts.
• Design and prototype immersive digital twin concepts for future aviation systems, training, planning, and operational decision support.
• Develop and evaluate XR applications using Unity, C#, Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest, PC VR, Android XR, or related platforms.
• Translate aviation modernization needs into human-centered immersive technology solutions.
• Support the evolution of dashboard-based Digital Command Center toward advanced digital twin and immersive decision environments.
• Lead stakeholder demonstrations, technical briefings, proposal support, and executive-level solution discussions.
• Establish reusable frameworks, design patterns, and technical approaches for XR and digital twin development.
• Evaluate emerging XR, AI, simulation, biosensor, spatial audio, and human-machine interface technologies.

Skills

Unity

C#

XR development

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Meta Quest

Apple Vision Pro

PC VR

Android XR

Job description

Principal Digital Twin & Spatial Computing Architect

Job Location: US

Responsibilities

Peraton Labs is seeking a Principal Technical Architect to support aviation modernization and digital twin initiatives for the BNATCS CTO organization. This senior technical leader will help shape immersive, human-centered, and data-informed approaches to future aviation systems by applying deep expertise in XR, spatial computing, simulation, multi-user virtual environments, aviation application development, and digital twin architecture.

This position will lead concept development, prototyping, technical strategy, stakeholder demonstrations, and solution architecture for immersive aviation modernization efforts. This includes developing XR-enabled digital twin concepts, advising on emerging spatial computing technologies, integrating immersive environments with analytics and operational data, and helping translate complex aviation modernization challenges into clear technical roadmaps and decision-ready demonstrations.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive spatial computing experience, significant immersive software delivery experience, and a demonstrable pedigree in XR, spatial computing, or human-centered technology development through recognized collaborators, mentors, technical communities, publications, patents, or long-term contribution to the field. Startup, founder, innovation lab, or early-stage product experience is highly desired, especially as it relates to building new capabilities in ambiguous environments.

Experience supporting the public sector, aviation customers, FAA programs, aerospace modernization, or mission-oriented federal customers is strongly preferred. Candidates applying to this role should be comfortable operating as a technical strategist, hands‑on prototype leader, and customer-facing communicator.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead XR, spatial computing, immersive simulation, and digital twin strategy for aviation modernization efforts
• Design and prototype immersive digital twin concepts for future aviation systems, training, planning, and operational decision support
• Develop and evaluate XR applications using Unity, C#, Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest, PC VR, Android XR, or related platforms
• Translate aviation modernization needs into human-centered immersive technology solutions
• Support the evolution of dashboard-based Digital Command Center capabilities toward more advanced digital twin and immersive decision environments
• Lead stakeholder demonstrations, technical briefings, proposal support, and executive-level solution discussions
• Establish reusable frameworks, design patterns, and technical approaches for XR and digital twin development
• Evaluate emerging XR, AI, simulation, biosensor, spatial audio, and human-machine interface technologies

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 16+ years of experience in spatial computing, XR, immersive systems, virtual environments, advanced interface technology, or related fields
• Bachelors Degree
• Significant experience leading XR, VR, AR, MR, spatial computing, immersive simulation, or digital twin programs
• Hands‑on Unity/C# development experience
• Experience with immersive platforms such as Meta Quest, Apple Vision Pro, PC VR, Android XR, or similar systems
• Strong background in human-centered design, spatial interfaces, simulations, and immersive user experience
• Experience leading cross-functional technical teams and briefing senior stakeholders
• Experience supporting government, public sector, aviation, aerospace, defense, healthcare, training, or other mission-focused technical efforts
• Ability to support ambiguous, research-driven, and mission-focused technical efforts
• US Citizenship with ability to obtain/maintain an FAA Public Trust

Desired Qualifications

• 5+ years of startup, founder, innovation lab, early-stage product, applied R&D, or similar experience
• Experience building applications, prototypes, demonstrations for aviation, air traffic control, airport operations, aerospace, NAS modernization, or FAA
• Experience developing multi-user digital twin, immersive training, or operational visualization environments
• Familiarity with AI/XR convergence, agentic AI, advanced analytics, or data-driven simulation
• Experience with spatial audio, eye tracking, biosensors, or human performance measurement
• Proposal, capture, white paper, patent, publication, or public speaking experience
• Prior support to FAA, NASA, DoD, Space Force, Air Force, Army, Navy, or similar federal customers

Target Salary Range

$176,000 - $282,000. 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.