Advanced Capabilities Engineer - DIA Programs Lead

Peraton • Reston, VA

4d • $146,000 - $234,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Peraton’s Space and Mission Solutions sector is seeking a cleared Advanced Capabilities Engineer 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, Virginia, with regular presence at DIA facilities and program offices as required.

The role combines technical strategy with proposal execution. The engineer translates DIA mission understanding into technically differentiated proposal approaches and leads technical volumes from outline through final submission. The position works closely with the DIA Mission Domain Expert, the CTO Office’s Next-Gen Technology Engineers, and the Growth Organization from early capture through proposal submission. Areas of focus include analytics modernization, emergent technology insertion, MARS/MIDB data architecture, and network management.

The position also supports competitive analysis, bid/no-bid assessments, color team reviews, acquisition-pipeline awareness, and mentoring junior engineers and proposal contributors. An active TS/SCI clearance is required.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of experience with a BS/BA in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, or a related field; or at least 6 years with an MS/MA; or at least 3 years with a PhD. Four years of additional work experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
• Direct experience supporting DIA programs, including understanding DIA’s organizational structure, acquisition processes, and mission priorities from work in that environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading or significantly contributing to technical volumes on competitive DIA proposals, including ownership of proposal sections.
• Strong systems engineering, data architecture, or analytics background, with the ability to architect solutions, develop concepts of operations, and translate requirements into differentiated technical approaches.
• Experience in one or more DIA mission areas: intelligence analytics and data exploitation; network management and enterprise IT infrastructure; MARS/MIDB data systems; or emergent technology insertion and transition.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced proposal environments with compressed timelines and evolving requirements.
• Strong written communication skills and ability to write clear, compelling, evaluator-focused technical content.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Active TS/SCI with polygraph.
• 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 analytics modernization priorities, including cloud-based data exploitation, AI-enabled sense-making, and enterprise data integration.
• Experience translating R&D or CRAD outputs into program-of-record technical approaches through emergent technology insertion processes 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 development of technical volumes and technical approaches for DIA proposals, owning content from outline through final submission.
• Engage with DIA program offices and technical directorates during pre-RFP phases to understand requirements, evaluation criteria, and mission priorities.
• Collaborate with the DIA Mission Domain Expert to translate customer relationships and mission insight into differentiated proposal strategies.
• Work with Next-Gen Technology Engineers in AI/data fusion, networking, and cloud to incorporate emerging capabilities into DIA technical solutions, particularly analytics modernization and emergent technology insertion.
• Conduct competitive analysis and develop differentiation strategies for DIA pursuits, including recompete defense strategies for incumbent work.
• Support bid/no-bid assessments with technically grounded Pwin analysis and evaluation of Peraton’s competitive position.
• Participate in color team reviews as both an author and reviewer, providing and receiving substantive technical feedback.
• Maintain awareness of DIA’s acquisition pipeline, technology priorities, and program office activity, with focus on MARS/MIDB data architecture, network management, and analytics modernization.
• Mentor junior engineers and proposal contributors on technical writing, solution architecture, and proposal best practices.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical plans.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Tuition assistance.
• Fertility treatment.
• Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus, depending on the position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior