Advanced Capabilities Engineer – USSF 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 United States Space Force (USSF) opportunities. This is a full-time, on-site position based at Peraton locations in the Reston, Virginia area, with travel to be with proposal teams or engage with programs. 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 mission understanding into winning technical approaches. You have spent enough of your career on USSF programs to understand how the Space Force thinks, what it values, and what a credible technical solution looks like in their eyes. This role is designed for a mid-career systems engineer or technical architect who has led or significantly contributed to technical volumes on competitive government proposals — and who is ready to step into a role where that skill is the primary contribution. You will work closely with the Mission Domain Expert for USSF, the CTO Office's Next-Gen Technology Engineers, and the Growth Organization to ensure Peraton's USSF 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, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; or 6+ years with MS/MA; or 3+ years with PhD.
Direct experience supporting USSF or Air Force Space Command programs — you understand USSF'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 government proposals — you have owned sections, not just reviewed them
Strong systems engineering background — ability to architect solutions, develop concepts of operations, and translate requirements into technical approaches
Experience with one or more of the following USSF mission areas: ground systems and command and control, satellite communications, space domain awareness, or launch and range operations
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
Experience on specific USSF programs such as Space C2, Protected Tactical Waveform, Advanced Battle Management System, or Space Systems Command ground architecture programs
Familiarity with USSF acquisition frameworks including the Space Acquisition System and Space Enterprise Consortium contracting vehicles
Understanding of resilient space architecture concepts, proliferated LEO integration, and space domain awareness modernization
Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and digital engineering practices
INCOSE certification (ASEP, CSEP) or PMP certification
Experience working alongside or in support of a business development or capture team

Responsibilities

Lead the development of technical volumes and technical approaches for USSF proposals, owning the content from outline through final submission
Engage with USSF program offices and technical stakeholders during pre-RFP phases to build understanding of requirements, evaluation criteria, and mission priorities
Collaborate with the USSF Mission Domain Expert to translate customer relationships and mission insight into technically differentiated proposal strategies
Work with Next-Gen Technology Engineers in networking, cloud, and digital engineering to incorporate emerging capabilities into USSF technical solutions
Conduct competitive analysis and develop differentiation strategies that highlight Peraton's unique technical value for USSF pursuits
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 USSF acquisition pipeline, technology priorities, and program office activity to inform pursuit strategy
Mentor junior engineers and proposal contributors on technical writing, solution architecture, and proposal best practices