Lead Alaska/Airspace Manager

Joint Activities

$176K — $282K *
Aerospace & Defense
15+ years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 16+ years of experience managing complex federal or mission-critical programs, focusing on weather observation and automation.
  • US Citizen with ability to obtain Public Trust and Top Secret clearance.
  • Direct familiarity with FAA operations, AWOS, and airspace challenges in Alaska.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams in testing and sustaining NAS operations.
  • Expertise in program management aligned to FAA schedules using Agile practices.
  • Proven ability to coordinate with FAA leadership and stakeholders in diverse, remote environments.
  • Strong knowledge of aviation safety standards, risk management, and continuity planning.

Responsibilities

  • Lead planning and execution of weather observation modernization initiatives in Alaska.
  • Oversee acquisition, integration, testing, and sustainment of weather systems.
  • Ensure compliance with FAA standards and safety regulations.
  • Develop and maintain program-level plans and performance metrics for mission delivery.
  • Coordinate with FAA and NAS stakeholders to align modernization objectives.
  • Identify and mitigate risks related to system performance and data integrity.
  • Direct stakeholder engagement and outreach to improve mission effectiveness.

Benefits

  • Healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Retirement savings plan with employer match.
  • Paid time off and holiday leave.
  • Opportunities for professional development and certification support.
Full Job Description
Responsibilities

Peraton is  seeking a Lead Alaska/Airspace Manager to direct modernization initiatives that enhance weather observation capabilities across Alaska’s critical and unique airspace. This role will lead the deployment and lifecycle management of Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS), Visual Weather Observing Systems (VWOS), and weather camera networks, while advancing the Alaska Automation Capability (AAC) in support of Alaska Flight Service. 

 

This role bridges program planning, program management, stakeholder engagement, acquisition and integration, supply chain management, testing, deployment, sustainment, and compliance—ensuring alignment with FAA BNATCS goals and uninterrupted NAS operations. 

 

This position is based in Anchorage, Alaska.

 

Responsibilities 

  • Lead and drive planning, coordination, and execution of weather observation modernization initiatives in Alaska, including AWOS, VWOS, weather camera networks, and AAC improvements. 
  • Oversee acquisition, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of weather systems to ensure interoperability across FAA automation, communications, surveillance, and voice systems. 
  • Ensure compliance with FAA standards, safety regulations, cybersecurity requirements (FISMA, NIST, ATO), and operational continuity objectives. 
  • Develop and maintain program-level plans, schedules, risks, and performance metrics to ensure on-time, mission-aligned delivery. 
  • Coordinate with FAA leadership, facility managers, and stakeholders across the NAS to ensure alignment of Alaska weather observation modernization with BNATCS objectives. 
  • Identify and mitigate risks related to system performance, infrastructure, environmental constraints, or data integrity. 
  • Lead stakeholder engagement and outreach across FAA, industry, local/tribal communities, and Alaskan operators to improve usability and mission effectiveness. 
  • Direct sustainment and lifecycle management of weather observation capabilities, including upgrades, maintenance, and decommissioning of legacy systems. 
  • Support operational readiness activities (acceptance testing, evaluations, readiness reviews) and provide executive-level reporting to FAA BNATCS leadership. 
  • Drive quality assurance by validating that deployed systems meet FAA objectives for safety, reliability, scalability, and operational effectiveness. 
  • Foster a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven culture across FAA, industry, and community partners. 
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • 16+ years of experience managing complex federal or mission-critical programs, with focus on weather observation, automation, or airspace integration. 
  • US Citizen with ability to obtain Public Trust and Top Secret clearance.
  • Direct familiarity and experience with FAA operations in Alaska, including AWOS, VWOS, weather cameras, and airspace challenges. 
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams through acquisition, testing, deployment, and sustainment in the NAS, with emphasis on maintaining operational continuity. 
  • Expertise in program management aligned to FAA schedules and program increments, with experience in Agile practices. 
  • Proven ability to coordinate with FAA leadership, industry stakeholders, and local/tribal communities in diverse and remote operating environments. 
  • Strong knowledge of aviation safety standards, risk management, and continuity planning. 
  • Familiarity with FAA policies, standards, and regulatory frameworks for automation, telecommunications, surveillance, and weather system integration. 
  • Understanding of cybersecurity and data protection requirements (FISMA, NIST, FAA IT policies) for NAS systems. 
  • Prior experience managing large, geographically distributed programs with interdependent stakeholders. 
  • Proficiency in program management and collaboration tools (Jira, Confluence, MS Project). 

 Preferred Qualifications:

  • PMP Certification. 
  • Cisco CCNP or CCIE certification. 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aviation, Atmospheric Science, Program/Project Management, or related field (advanced degree preferred). 

#BNATCS

 

 

Target Salary Range$176,000 - $282,000. 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.

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