Telecommunications Systems Engineer - SME (FENS)

Peraton; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 179,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is seeking a Telecommunications Systems Engineer SME (FENS) to advance FAA ENH capabilities within the NAS. The role focuses on designing, deploying, migrating and managing secured network infrastructure aligned with FAA standards.

The ideal candidate combines network and security expertise to support global telecommunications infrastructures (SD-WAN, MPLS, LAN/WAN) and will work on-site in Herndon, VA with potential Bowie, MD assignments. Strong TC/IP and security skills are required.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain Public Trust clearance.
• Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of experience or equivalent combinations.
• Experience supporting telecommunications or network-based systems.
• Ability to translate high-level requirements into system designs and verification strategies.
• Experience with IP-based networks, transport systems, or mission-critical communications.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical review for complex systems engineering efforts; drive architecture decisions and risk mitigation.
• Support lifecycle systems engineering and translate requirements into designs and verification plans.
• Advise on migration strategy, integration sequencing, and test campaigns.
• Advise on modeling and trade studies to meet performance, reliability, and security objectives.
• Translate operational requirements into robust system architectures and verification strategies.

Skills

TCP/IP

DNS/DHCP

Routing protocols

SD-WAN/MPLS

Security frameworks

Network management tools

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Science Logic

SolarWinds

Splunk

NetScout

Datadog

Job description

Telecommunications Systems Engineer - SME (FENS)

Job Locations

US-VA-Herndon | US-MD-Bowie

Responsibilities

Join Peraton in advancing the safety, efficiency, and modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) through the FAA's Enterprise Network Service (FENS) program. As a trusted partner to the Federal Aviation Administration, Peraton delivers the mission-critical systems and services that keep millions of passengers and aircraft moving safely every day.

We're looking for forward-thinking professionals who thrive in complex, high-impact environments and want their work to matter. If you're passionate about innovation, collaboration, and shaping the future of air traffic management, this is your opportunity to make a real difference alongside leaders in aviation, engineering, data science, and systems integration.

Systems Engineer, SME | Telecom - FENS

Role Overview

In this role, you will serve as a Telecommunications System Engineer SME to manage complex engineering and technology initiatives in support of the FAA Enterprise Network Services (FENS) program. In this role, you will design, deploy, migrate and manage the Secured Network Infrastructure in alignment with FAA standards and mission objectives.

The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of Network and Security technical experience, with the ability to migrate and manage complex system architectures-including global telecommunications and network infrastructures (SD-WAN, MPLS, and enterprise LAN/WAN environments).

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.

What You'll Do

• Provide technical review for complex systems engineering efforts, driving architecture decisions, verification strategies, and risk mitigation.
• Support systems engineering activities across the lifecycle, translating requirements into system designs and verification plans.
• Advise program leadership on technical baselines, Migration strategy, integration sequencing, and test campaigns.
• Advise on modeling and trade studies to ensure systems meet performance, reliability, and security objectives. Coordinate with stakeholders to manage requirements, traceability and technical risk.
• Translate requirements into system designs and verification plans; support integration, modeling, and technical risk management.
• Translate operational and technical requirements into robust system architectures, interface definitions, and verification strategies.
• Develop and maintain requirements traceability matrices to ensure alignment between system requirements, design artifacts, and test outcomes.
• Support system integration efforts, ensuring telecommunications solutions meet performance, resiliency, and security objectives.
• Provide advisory input on telecommunications modernization efforts and infrastructure upgrades.

Why This Role Matters

The FAA's ability to modernize and operate the National Airspace System depends on the flawless execution of highly technical projects that underpin aviation safety, system reliability, cybersecurity, and global connectivity. As a Technical Project Manager for FAA Enterprise Network Services (FENS) program, you play a critical role-aligning diverse technical teams, managing risk early, and ensuring outcomes that directly support national aviation priorities.

Your work will help ensure that U.S. air traffic systems remain safe, resilient, and technologically advanced in an increasingly interconnected global aviation environment.

Qualifications

Position Requirements:

• U.S. citizenship required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
• Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of experience (or equivalent combination: Master's 10+, Associate's 14+, HS diploma 16+)
• Demonstrated experience supporting telecommunications or network-based systems.
• Experience translating high-level requirements into system designs, integration plans, and verification strategies.
• Experience with telecommunications architectures, including IP-based networks, transport systems, or mission-critical communications environments.
• Experience with TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPNs, and routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP)
• Experience with Enterprise Network Management Tools (e.g., Science Logic, SolarWinds, Splunk, NetScout, Datadog) to maintain full asset visibility and real-time security monitoring.
• Solid understanding of SD-WAN, MPLS, TIC 3.0 and LAN/WAN technologies
• Experience in Implementing robust security frameworks within the network edge, including NGFW policies, IPSec/SSL VPN tunnels, micro-segmentation, and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) models.
• Familiarity with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama, or similar platforms) and Network topology documentation tools (e.g., Visio, Lucidchart)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with National Airspace System (NAS) architecture and modernization initiatives (e.g., NextGen).
• Certifications: INCOSE CSEP preferred.
• Technical Certifications such as Cisco CCNA/CCNP, CompTIA Network+, Juniper JNCIA/JNCIS.
• Advanced Excel skills for data analysis, reporting, and visualization.
• Strong ability to interpret complex data and deliver actionable insights.
• Proven experience designing efficient workflows.
• Expertise in managing and optimizing processes for compliance and performance.

#FENS

#BNATCS

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

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

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