Systems Engineer - SME

Peraton; Bowie (MD); On-site; USD 112,000 - 179,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is seeking a Systems Engineer SME in Bowie, Maryland, to support the modernization of the National Airspace System. Your role will involve integrating complex systems to enhance safety and performance in air traffic management.

Ideal candidates should have a strong systems engineering background and be able to handle full lifecycle engineering tasks. The salary range for this position is $112,000 - $179,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• 12 years of experience for a Bachelor's degree or 10 years with a Master's.
• Experience in full lifecycle systems engineering.
• Ability to obtain/maintain a Public Trust clearance.

Responsibilities

• Perform end-to-end systems engineering across the full lifecycle.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Prepare technical documentation and deliver presentations.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Requirements Development

Integration and Verification

Technical Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Associate's degree

High school diploma/equivalent

Tools

MBSE

SysML

DOORS

Cameo

Job description

Job Overview

Join Peraton in advancing the safety, efficiency, and modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) through the FAA's Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) contract. As a trusted partner to the Federal Aviation Administration, Peraton helps deliver the systems and services that keep our nation’s skies safe and connected.

We’re looking for innovative professionals who thrive in mission‑critical environments and are passionate about shaping the future of air traffic management. This is your chance to make an impact on one of the world’s most vital transportation infrastructures, working alongside leaders in aviation, engineering, data science, and systems integration.

At Peraton, you won’t just support the mission – you’ll define it.

Work Location

This position will work on site in the DC Metro area. Once operations are fully established, we will consider telework options however, this is not guaranteed.

Responsibilities

As a Systems Engineer SME you’ll play a key role in designing, integrating, and analyzing complex systems that keep our skies secure. From advanced radar technologies to mission‑critical surveillance solutions, your expertise will directly support the FAA’s efforts to modernize and maintain the National Airspace System.

• Perform end‑to‑end systems engineering across the full lifecycle: requirements, design, integration, verification, and validation.
• Drive the development of concepts, architectures, trade studies, and system analyses to optimize performance.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders to ensure objectives are achieved and requirements are met.
• Prepare and deliver technical documentation, reports, and presentations to clearly communicate findings and recommendations.
• Contribute to trade studies and analyses under the mentorship of senior engineers.
• Participate in system‑level reviews and provide hands‑on support for integration and testing activities.

Why This Role Matters

Your work will directly impact national transportation safety and innovation‑helping develop and refine systems used by millions of travelers and aviation professionals every day. You’ll collaborate with top engineers, analysts, and FAA stakeholders to deliver solutions that meet the highest performance standards.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Must have the ability to obtain / maintain a Public Trust clearance
• Bachelor’s degree and 12 years’ experience or Masters degree and 10 years’ experience or Associate’s degree and 14 years’ experience or HS diploma/equivalent and 16 years’ experience
• Systems Engineering experience supporting complex, integrated hardware and/or software systems.
• Experience performing full lifecycle systems engineering activities including requirements development, system design, integration, verification, and validation (V&V).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct trade studies, system analyses, and performance evaluations.
• Experience developing and managing technical requirements, interface definitions, and architecture documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or similar federal agencies (DOT, DHS, DoD).
• Familiarity with National Airspace System (NAS) architecture, radar systems, surveillance technologies, or air traffic management systems.
• Experience with advanced radar, sensor integration, or mission‑critical surveillance systems.
• Knowledge of FAA modernization initiatives (e.g., NextGen).
• Experience using systems modeling tools such as MBSE, SysML, DOORS, Cameo, or similar requirements management platforms.
• Familiarity with safety‑critical systems engineering and compliance‑driven environments.
• Experience supporting system certification, readiness reviews, or operational deployment.
• Professional certifications such as INCOSE ASEP/CSEP, PMP, or related credentials.
• Degree in Systems Engineering or related discipline.

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.

EEO

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