Senior Flight Safety Systems Engineer

Peraton; Fort Belvoir (VA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is seeking a Senior Flight Safety Systems Engineer in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The role focuses on optimizing and integrating systems for flight safety missions. Candidates need 8+ years of experience in systems engineering and a degree in a related field or equivalent experience. An active TS/SCI clearance is required. The target salary range is $135,000 - $216,000, considering various factors. This position is contingent upon contract award.

Qualifications

• 8+ years as a Systems Engineer, Software Integrator, or similar role.
• Active TS/SCI with adjudicated Poly.
• Experience in flight safety tools required.

Responsibilities

• Optimize, test, and integrate critical system tools for Flight Safety mission.
• Lead integration efforts of new data sources in legacy systems.
• Screen pre & post-launch TLEs against RSO catalog.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Software Integration

Conjunction Assessment

Flight Safety Tools

Bash Scripting

Python Scripting

Education

BS/BA in related field

MA/MS in related STEM field

Tools

SuperCombo Tool

STK Software

Job description

Senior Flight Safety Systems Engineer

Job Locations

US-VA-Fort Belvoir

Job Details

• Requisition ID: 2026-166009
• Position Category: Aviation Systems
• Clearance: Top Secret/SCI w/Poly

Responsibilities

As a Senior Flight Safety Systems Engineer supporting a national security program space warfighting mission, you will be responsible for optimizing, testing and integrating critical system tools performing the Flight Safety (FS) mission. Additionally, all flight safety personnel support mission protection screenings, providing conjunction assessment (CA) and ground threat deconfliction analysis & reporting tasks as required. The flight safety team is responsible for ensuring all program and partnered space-based assets are forewarned against on-orbit collision risks and terrestrial threats. As a systems subject‑matter expert (SME) and advanced FS analyst, you will leverage system and mission knowledge to improve tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) for military and/or contractor crew positions conducting 24/7 FS operations. A successful candidate will guide team and develop integrative technical solutions, support training and exercise efforts, and communicate effectively with leadership and external partner agencies as appropriate.

• Lead integration efforts of new data sources in legacy and developing system tools
• Test software in test environments to mitigate bug risks to operations upon deployment
• Improve tactics, technics, and procedures (TTPs) for flight safety and mission protection operations; inform training material changes when necessary
• Execute command shell (Bash) and Python scripts through GUI & command prompts, troubleshooting as needed within Linux OS in classified network environments
• Perform routine RSO asset ephemeris against terrestrial locations and secondary RSOs (i.e., ASW "SuperCombo" runs) and ad hoc in response to non-corporative maneuvers
• Screen pre & post-launch TLEs, state trajectories and on-orbit hypothetical-burn ephemeris against latest resident space object (RSO) catalog to mitigate collision risks
• Operate orbit propagating software expertly, navigate GUIs, understand required field inputs volumes and reporting criteria to deliver products to owner/operator
• Lead flight safety meetings and participate in training and exercise efforts as needed
• Document software and training material and provide OJT instruction to team members

***This position is contingent upon award of contract***

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience working as a Systems Engineer, Software Integrator, Software Developer, Software Testing or performing Conjunction Assessment (CA) screenings with BS/BA in related field; or 12+ years of relevant experience in lieu of degree; or 6+ years of experience with MA/MS degree in related STEM field.
• SuperCombo tool or STK) or STK Level 2 certification in lieu of working experience
• Active TS/SCI with adjudicated Poly

PREFERRED:

• 2+ years' experience with Flight Safety tools (i.e., Astrodynamics Support Workstation (ASW)
• 6+ years of combined experience working in flight safety (conjunction assessment) and/or space operations requiring flight safety system tools (i.e., STK, ASW)
• Advanced understanding of orbital mechanics, flight safety tools and mission scope
• Understanding of foreign/domestic space & ground threat capabilities
• Ability to read, write and understand logic of scripts written in Bash or Python languages
• Prior working experience with National Reconnaissance Office missions and systems
• Experience working and collaborating with military and civilian leaders of all ranks

Target Salary Range

$135,000 - $216,000. 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

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