Systems Engineer - SME

Peraton; Virginia (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is seeking a Systems Engineer - SME to advance national airspace modernization under the FAA BNATCS contract. This on-site role is based in Herndon, VA with an alternate location in Bowie, MD, and requires U.S.

citizenship and ability to obtain a public trust. You will perform end-to-end systems engineering across requirements, design, integration, verification, and validation, develop architectures, conduct trade studies, and produce clear technical documentation to support aviation

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required and ability to obtain/maintain Public Trust clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree with 12 years experience or Master’s with 10 years, or Associate’s with 14 years, or HS diploma/equivalent with 16 years experience.
• Experience in full lifecycle systems engineering (requirements, design, integration, verification, and validation).
• Ability to conduct trade studies, system analyses, and performance evaluations.
• Experience developing and managing technical requirements, interfaces, and architecture documentation.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Requirements development

System design

Integration

Verification & Validation

Trade studies

System analyses

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering or related discipline

Master’s degree in Systems Engineering or related discipline

Associate’s degree in related discipline

High School diploma or equivalent with experience

Tools

MBSE

SysML

DOORS

Cameo

Job description

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 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.
• 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.

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.

Join a team shaping the future of airspace safety and surveillance. As the 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.

Work Location:

• This position is 100% on-site, primarily located in Herndon, VA, with an alternate work location available in Bowie, MD. Candidates must be able to work on-site at one of these locations based on program requirements.

In this position, you will:

• 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.