Advanced Capabilities Engineer – USSF Programs

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 secondary technical proposal lead for United States Space Force (USSF) opportunities, with a focus on satellite communications, optical communications, and cloud-enabled ground architecture. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Reston, VA with flexibility to support USSF program offices and customer facilities as required. As an ACE, you sit at the intersection of technical strategy and proposal execution. You complement the primary USSF ACE by bringing depth in satellite and optical communications, next-generation waveforms, and the modernization of ground architecture toward cloud-native and software-defined approaches. Together, the two USSF ACEs ensure Peraton can surge on large pursuits and maintain continuous technical engagement across the full USSF portfolio. 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 brings specific expertise in USSF communications and ground modernization. You will work closely with the primary USSF ACE, the Mission Domain Expert, and the CTO Office's Next-Gen Technology Engineers to ensure Peraton's USSF pursuits are technically differentiated from the first day of capture through final proposal submission.

Requirements

A minimum of 5+ years of experience with a BS/BA in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; OR 3+ years with MS/MA; OR 1+ year with PhD. 4 years of additional work experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's degree
4 years of additional work experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's degree
Direct experience supporting USSF or Air Force Space Command programs in a communications, ground systems, or space networking capacity
Demonstrated experience leading or significantly contributing to technical volumes on competitive government proposals — you have owned sections, not just reviewed them
Technical expertise in satellite communications — including waveform design, link analysis, or satellite network architecture — or optical communications systems
Understanding of ground system modernization trends including software-defined approaches, cloud-native architectures, and the transition from legacy monolithic systems
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 USSF programs involving Protected Tactical Waveform, Evolved Strategic SATCOM, optical ground stations, or Space Systems Command communications programs
Familiarity with optical inter-satellite link technology, free-space optical communications, and the Laser Communications Relay Demonstration or related programs
Knowledge of software-defined networking applied to space-ground architectures and the transition to disaggregated, resilient ground systems
Experience with cloud-native ground system architectures and DevSecOps practices for space systems
INCOSE certification (ASEP, CSEP) or PMP certification
Experience working alongside or in support of a business development or capture team

Responsibilities

Lead or co-lead the development of technical volumes for USSF proposals focused on satellite communications, optical communications, and ground system modernization
Provide technical depth in communications waveforms, link analysis, and space-ground network architecture for USSF pursuits
Engage with USSF program offices and technical stakeholders during pre-RFP phases to build understanding of requirements and mission priorities in the communications and ground architecture domains
Collaborate with the primary USSF ACE and Mission Domain Expert to ensure technical approaches are coherent, differentiated, and aligned to customer priorities
Work with Next-Gen Technology Engineers in networking and cloud to incorporate software-defined networking and cloud-native ground architecture concepts into USSF solutions
Support competitive analysis and differentiation strategy development for USSF communications and ground modernization pursuits
Participate in color team reviews as both author and reviewer, providing substantive technical feedback on communications and ground architecture content
Maintain awareness of USSF satellite communications programs, optical communications initiatives, and ground architecture modernization priorities
Provide surge capacity to the primary USSF ACE on large, complex pursuits requiring multiple technical leads