Surveillance Systems Engineering, Advisor

Joint Activities

$112K — $179K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of systems engineering experience or higher degree with relevant experience
  • Proven leadership in technical environments, particularly regarding FAA NAS programs
  • Strong knowledge of systems architecture and lifecycle methodologies
  • Expertise in requirements management and traceability
  • Experience with design reviews and formal compliance processes
  • Advanced communication skills for liaising with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain FAA Public Trust clearance

Responsibilities

  • Provide senior-level systems engineering leadership across surveillance systems
  • Lead full lifecycle systems engineering activities from concept to deployment
  • Develop and maintain system architectures and requirements
  • Translate operational needs into measurable and testable requirements
  • Conduct design reviews and participate in Configuration Control Board activities
  • Perform technical trade studies and risk assessments for design decisions
  • Ensure compliance through Verification & Validation processes

Benefits

  • Opportunity to influence system architecture and engineering strategy
  • Work alongside experts in aviation and engineering
  • Support a mission-driven federal program
  • Chance to make a significant impact on national airspace safety
  • High visibility role with exposure to leadership and stakeholders
Full Job Description
Responsibilities

Join Peraton in advancing the safety, efficiency, and modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) through the FAA’s Business, National Airspace, and Technical Computing Services (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 mission-driven team at the forefront of U.S. aviation safety and surveillance modernization. As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across critical BNATCS surveillance and supporting domains, helping shape and integrate complex systems that directly support the FAA’s National Airspace System (NAS).

 

This is a high-visibility role for an experienced systems engineering leader who thrives in complex, cross-domain environments and enjoys turning strategic objectives into executable, validated system solutions.

 

During training and orientation this role will be based in Chantilly and then transition to Herndon, Virginia. 

 

As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader supporting surveillance and cross-domain system integration efforts within the NAS. This is a high-visibility opportunity to influence system architecture, guide engineering strategy, and ensure the delivery of scalable, compliant, and operationally effective solutions.

 

You’ll work alongside experts in aviation, engineering, and data systems to translate mission needs into real-world capabilities.

 

What You’ll Do

  • Provide senior-level systems engineering leadership across surveillance systems, including radar integration and NAS-aligned architectures
  • Lead full lifecycle systems engineering activities from concept development through deployment and sustainment
  • Develop and maintain system architectures, requirements, and interface definitions ensuring full traceability
  • Translate operational needs into clear, measurable, and testable system and subsystem requirements
  • Lead and support system design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and Configuration Control Board (CCB) activities
  • Conduct technical trade studies, performance analysis, and risk assessments to inform design decisions
  • Ensure compliance with FAA and industry standards through formal Verification & Validation (V&V) processes
  • Define and execute test strategies, including verification procedures and customer acceptance criteria
  • Manage system integration across hardware, software, and operational domains
  • Serve as a key technical interface with FAA stakeholders, customers, and program leadership
  • Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment, integration, and delivery success
Qualifications Required Qualifications
  • Progressive systems engineering experience, including technical leadership responsibilities
  • Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of experience, OR:
    • Master’s degree with 6+ years
    • PhD with 3+ years
    • 12+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree
  • Demonstrated experience supporting FAA NAS programs, surveillance systems, and/or radar-based architectures
  • Strong expertise in:
    • Systems architecture and lifecycle engineering
    • Requirements development, management, and traceability
    • Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and configuration management
    • Formal design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and CCB processes
    • Verification, validation, and compliance methodologies
  • Proven ability to translate complex operational needs into actionable engineering solutions
  • Experience working across multidisciplinary engineering teams (systems, software, hardware, test)
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • U.S. Citizenship required
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Public Trust clearance
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting FAA programs such as ATO, NextGen, or other NAS modernization initiatives
  • Prior experience with surveillance systems including radar, ADS-B, or sensor fusion technologies
  • Familiarity with FAA standards and documentation (e.g., JO 7110 series, NAS Enterprise Architecture)
  • Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., Cameo, MagicDraw, DOORS, SysML)
  • Knowledge of cloud-based or distributed system architectures within mission-critical environments
  • Experience supporting system integration in large-scale, real-time operational environments
  • Active or prior Public Trust or security clearance
  • PMP, INCOSE CSEP, or other relevant professional certifications
  • Exposure to Agile or DevSecOps practices within systems engineering environments

#BNATCS

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.

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