Air Vehicle Systems Engineer

Peraton•Lexington Park, MD

2d•$104,000 - $166,000•Onsite

About The Position

Peraton is seeking an experienced Air Vehicle Systems Engineer to provide Naval Aviation expertise in support of its NAVAIR customer at Patuxent Naval Air Station in Lexington Park, Maryland. This leadership position supports the Air System Group and an assigned Program Management Office. The systems engineering work applies to air vehicle aeromechanics, structures, materials, and multiple subsystems. Services and products include airworthiness, acquisition, sustainment, and project management. The role requires professionalism, the ability to organize and prioritize high-visibility work across geographically dispersed, technically diverse teams, and the ability to communicate complex technical challenges, mitigations, and resolutions throughout the organization in support of the Naval Aviation Enterprise mission. The engineer may operate as a subject matter expert or project/program manager and will lead or oversee NAVAIR- or Component/Command-level programs spanning research, acquisition, testing, evaluation, innovation, in-service work, and reengineering. The role provides systems engineering expertise and coordination across engineering disciplines, program offices, government organizations, laboratories, Fleet Readiness Centers, vendors, manufacturers, and industry partners. It also includes technical management, risk management, airworthiness coordination, and review of contractor designs and technical products. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a specified engineering or computer science discipline from an ABET-accredited university and relevant experience, or a master’s degree in systems engineering or another engineering-related discipline with relevant experience. A Department of Defense Secret clearance must be obtainable and maintainable, and U.S. citizenship is required. The position is based at Patuxent Naval Air Station in Lexington Park, Maryland. The stated typical salary range is $104,000–$166,000. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or Chemical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university, with 8 years of experience; alternatively, a Master of Science in Systems Engineering and/or another engineering-related discipline with 6 years of experience. A master’s degree is preferred when paired with the bachelor’s-degree pathway.
At least 5 years of Naval Aviation Systems Engineering experience; 10 years is desired.
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple high-priority efforts while maintaining requirements.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense Secret clearance.
U.S. citizenship.
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with stakeholders while following applicable security permissions.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with CAMEO SysML Model-Based Systems Engineering and/or architecture.
Air vehicle experience in areas including materials, aerodynamics, vehicle performance, vehicle modeling and simulation, handling qualities, dynamics, flight controls, strength, loads, fatigue, hydraulics, pneumatics, environmental control systems, fire protection, anti-icing, landing gear, wheels, bearings, fasteners, transparencies, internal and external cargo, latches, doors, aircraft surveillance, corrosion protection, non-destructive inspection techniques, fuel systems, and aerial refueling.
Experience working on PMA 275 or V-22 products or services in industry or government; alternatively, translatable skill sets that support program mission success.
Experience leading and/or participating as an engineering subject matter expert in root cause corrective action efforts.
Experience leading and/or participating as a subject matter expert in systems engineering technical reviews, with knowledge of the process and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Operate as a subject matter expert and/or project or program manager for NAVAIR- or Component/Command-level programs involving research, acquisition, testing, evaluation, innovation, in-service work, or reengineering; recommend cost, schedule, and performance tradeoffs.
Provide systems engineering services and products, including technical reviews, requirements tailoring, statements of work, technical evaluations, risk management, investigations, and system requirements.
Set the direction of technical work performed by other personnel, review their work, and coordinate progress and technical insights.
Promote transfer of federally owned or originated technology to state and local governments and the private sector, as appropriate.
Provide engineering expertise to class desks and integrated product teams in support of Program Management and Air Systems Group efforts; guide program management and contractor personnel through the systems engineering process and secure timely technical support from other government activities.
Collaborate with technical teams to develop technical approaches, cost estimates, manpower and facilities requirements, and milestones aligned with program objectives.
Technically manage, integrate, and coordinate work by engineers and technical experts across divisions or sites, including collaboration with Technical Warrant holders, industry partners, and other government services.
Coordinate software, process development, and testing performed within and outside government entities, including laboratories, Fleet Readiness Centers, vendors, air vehicle organizations, and manufacturers.
Resolve conflicts and provide systems engineering guidance on changes to technical approaches and program objectives, ensuring relevant stakeholders are included.
Coordinate horizontally across Air Vehicle Engineering Department disciplines; develop and coordinate airworthiness requirements and identify data products needed for interim flight clearances.
Represent the Naval Air Systems Command Air Vehicle Engineering Department at meetings and conferences with contractors and other government activities, as appropriate.
Review contractor designs, test plans, developmental data, and specifications; recommend changes and additional investigation; and report progress and problems to team members, program managers, and Navy management.
Develop rationale and advocate for changes resulting from feasibility limitations, state-of-the-art enhancements, and modified operational requirements.
Maintain awareness of critical risk areas and identify, analyze, and mitigate risks according to the program risk management plan.
Represent NAWCAD with ONR, NAVAIR, DARPA, and other government sponsors as an Air Vehicle technical point of contact, as appropriate.