Advanced Capabilities Engineer – DIA Programs Lead

Peraton•Reston, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Within Peraton's Space and Mission Solutions sector, there is an immediate need for a cleared Advanced Capabilities Engineer (ACE) to serve as the primary technical proposal lead for Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) opportunities. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Reston, VA with ability to have a regular presence at DIA facilities and program offices as required. As an ACE, you sit at the intersection of technical strategy and proposal execution. You are not a pure technologist, and you are not a pure proposal writer — you are the person who translates deep DIA mission understanding into winning technical approaches. This role is designed for a systems engineer or technical architect who has led or significantly contributed to technical volumes on competitive DIA proposals — and who is ready to step into a role where that skill is the primary contribution. You will work closely with the DIA Mission Domain Expert, the CTO Office's Next-Gen Technology Engineers, and the Growth Organization to ensure Peraton's DIA pursuits are technically differentiated from the first day of capture through final proposal submission.

Requirements

A minimum of 8+ years of experience with a BS/BA in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, or related field; OR 6+ years with MS/MA; OR 3+ years with PhD. 4 years of additional work experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's degree
Direct experience supporting DIA programs — you understand DIA's organizational structure, acquisition processes, and mission priorities from having worked within that environment
Demonstrated experience leading or significantly contributing to technical volumes on competitive DIA proposals — you have owned sections, not just reviewed them
Strong systems engineering, data architecture background or analytics background — ability to architect solutions, develop concepts of operations, and translate requirements into technically differentiated approaches
Experience with one or more of the following DIA mission areas: intelligence analytics and data exploitation, network management and enterprise IT infrastructure, MARS/MIDB data systems, or emergent technology insertion and transition
Proven ability to work effectively in fast-paced proposal environments with compressed timelines and evolving requirements
Strong written communication skills — ability to write clear, compelling, evaluator-focused technical content
An active TS/SCI is required

Nice To Haves

An active TS/SCI with polygraph is highly desired
Prior career within DIA, a major DIA contractor, or a closely affiliated defense intelligence program office
Experience on DIA analytics programs, ADOS, MARS/MIDB data feeds, or enterprise IT and network management contracts
Familiarity with DIA acquisition frameworks, contracting vehicles, and program office structures across technical and functional directorates
Understanding of DIA's analytics modernization priorities, including cloud-based data exploitation, AI-enabled sense-making, and enterprise data integration
Experience with emergent technology insertion processes — translating R&D or CRAD outputs into program-of-record technical approaches within the DIA environment
Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and digital engineering practices in classified environments
Experience working alongside or in support of a business development or capture team on DIA opportunities

Responsibilities

Lead the development of technical volumes and technical approaches for DIA proposals, owning the content from outline through final submission
Engage with DIA program offices and technical directorates during pre-RFP phases to build understanding of requirements, evaluation criteria, and mission priorities
Collaborate with the DIA Mission Domain Expert to translate customer relationships and mission insight into technically differentiated proposal strategies
Work with Next-Gen Technology Engineers in AI/data fusion, networking, and cloud to incorporate emerging capabilities into DIA technical solutions — with particular emphasis on analytics modernization and emergent technology insertion
Conduct competitive analysis and develop differentiation strategies that highlight Peraton's unique technical value for DIA pursuits, including recompete defense strategies for incumbent work
Support bid/no-bid assessments by providing technically grounded Pwin analysis and honest evaluation of Peraton's competitive position
Participate in color team reviews — both as author and as reviewer — providing and receiving substantive technical feedback
Maintain awareness of DIA acquisition pipeline, technology priorities, and program office activity to inform pursuit strategy, with particular focus on MARS/MIDB data architecture, network management, and analytics modernization efforts
Mentor junior engineers and proposal contributors on technical writing, solution architecture, and proposal best practices