Systems Engineering, Senior Advisor

Peraton; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is seeking an expert-level Systems Engineer to provide strategic program management and SETA support for AI/ML and data analytics initiatives in a mission-critical intelligence environment. You will interface with senior government stakeholders, coordinate cross-functional teams and vendors, and guide contract performance through acquisition processes.

The role requires leadership across multiple projects, mentoring junior staff, and generating high-level documentation and strategic

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with poly clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI/ML and data analytics projects end-to-end.

Skills

Systems engineering

Project management

Agile

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Documentation

Knowledge management

Technical liaison

Communication

Mentorship

Education

BS/BA plus 12+ years experience

MS/MA plus 10+ years experience

PhD plus 7+ years experience

Tools

Confluence

Hive

MS Outlook

PowerPoint

Word

Excel

SharePoint

Git

Job description

Responsibilities

We're seeking an expert-level systems engineer to provide strategic program management and SETA support for multiple AI/ML and data analytics initiatives within a mission-critical intelligence environment. This role requires a dynamic leader who can interface with senior government stakeholders, coordinate cross-functional teams and vendors, drive complex projects from concept through deployment, and provide technical guidance on government contracting and acquisition activities.

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Project Management and Technical Leadership

• Establish scope, metrics, roadmaps, and deliverables for AI/ML and data analytics projects
• Prioritize requirements with program teams using Agile methodologies
• Identify risks and develop/monitor mitigations
• Provide technical support and guidance to COTRs on contract performance and technical matters
• Monitor and respond to action items, process access requests, and coordinate preparation of weekly highlights
• Support division leadership by maintaining high-level awareness of all AI/ML projects across the division
• Mentor junior staff and interns

Systems Engineering, Documentation, and Knowledge Management

• Document workflows, processes, and requirements
• Produce a wide range of documentation including senior leadership briefings, strategic plans, CONOPS, risk matrices, etc.
• Maintain knowledge repositories (Confluence, Hive) and distribution lists

Stakeholder Engagement and Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate and facilitate TEMs with government stakeholders, development teams, and vendors
• Serve as liaison between division and department front office team
• Coordinate vendor activities across multiple contracts, removing blockers and ensuring alignment
• Facilitate demonstrations, training sessions, and outreach activities
• Coordinate weekly division meetings with comprehensive action tracking and follow-up

Technical Evaluation and Analysis

• Test and evaluate developing AI/ML platforms and capabilities to assess functionality and readiness
• Analyze data and create user feedback mechanisms to inform development priorities and decision-making

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Education and Clearance

• Active TS/SCI with poly clearance
• Minimum of 12 years of experience with BS/BA, 10 years with MS/MA, or 7 years with PhD
• Four additional years of relevant experience may be substituted for degree

Leadership and Government Engagement

• Proven ability to interface with senior government leadership and influence critical program decisions
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including technical teams, project managers, and end users
• Knowledge of government contracting and acquisition processes, including FAR, OTA, and COTR roles
• Ability to provide technical support and guidance to COTRs

Systems Engineering and Project Management

• Strong experience with Agile methodologies and sprint-based development
• Understanding of software and system development lifecycles
• Experience managing full project lifecycles from concept through deployment
• Experience documenting workflows, processes, and CONOPS
• Knowledge of requirements gathering, analysis, and prioritization methods
• Experience identifying project risks and developing/monitoring mitigations

AI/ML and Data Analytics

• Experience with AI/ML technologies and model integration into systems
• Familiarity with machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn)
• Understanding of deep learning concepts and architectures
• Experience evaluating or testing developing AI/ML platforms
• Ability to collect, analyze, and visualize data to support decision-making
• Experience capturing UI/UX requirements to inform product development
• Experience working with large language models (LLMs)

Communication and Coordination

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with ability to tailor messaging to technical and executive audiences
• Strong facilitation and coordination skills across cross-functional teams
• Experience producing technical documentation, presentations, A&A artifacts, and leadership briefings

Tools and Technical Skills

• Self-starter with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with collaboration and knowledge management platforms (Confluence, Hive)
• Proficiency with MS Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and SharePoint
• Strong organizational skills managing multiple concurrent priorities in a fast-paced environment

Desired Qualifications

Technical Knowledge

• Background in cloud computing (AWS preferred; Google Cloud beneficial)
• Understanding of containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Knowledge of DevOps/DevSecOps practices, including CI/CD and version control (Git)
• Familiarity with enterprise data architectures, data analytics platforms, and ETL processes
• Understanding of distributed computing frameworks and NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra)

Mission and SETA Experience

Expe