Enterprise Architect (SME)

Peraton•Washington, DC

About The Position

Join Peraton in advancing the safety, efficiency, and modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) through the FAA’s Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) contract. As a trusted partner to the Federal Aviation Administration, Peraton helps deliver the systems and services that keep our nation’s skies safe and connected. We’re looking for innovative professionals who thrive in mission-critical environments and are passionate about shaping the future of air traffic management. This is your chance to make an impact on one of the world’s most vital transportation infrastructures, working alongside leaders in aviation, engineering, data science, and systems integration. At Peraton, you won’t just support the mission — you’ll define it. Help shape the future of U.S. airspace safety and efficiency. We are seeking an Enterprise Architect (SME) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. The ideal candidate will lead the design, integration, and oversight of enterprise architecture frameworks supporting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In this senior role, you will provide strategic technical leadership and guidance to ensure FAA modernization initiatives are aligned with agency objectives, scalable across systems, and compliant with federal standards. Whether you’re mid-career, senior, or ready to lead, your expertise in federal contracts management will directly impact how millions of travelers move safely through the skies. Why This Role Matters The FAA is the cornerstone of aviation safety and innovation. The Enterprise Architect – SME ensures that this transformation is cohesive, scalable, and future-ready. By defining standards, ensuring interoperability, and aligning technology to mission needs, you will directly influence the efficiency, resiliency, and security of U.S. aviation infrastructure. This role ensures that every modernization initiative supports FAA’s long-term mission to deliver safe, efficient, and innovative air travel.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship Required.
Must have the ability to obtain / maintain a Public Trust clearance.
Bachelor’s degree and 12 years of experience or Masters degree and 10 years or Associate’s degree and 14 years’ experience or HS diploma/equivalent and 16 years experience.
Deep understanding of enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, DoDAF, FEAF, Zachman).
Proven experience leading architecture initiatives for federal agencies or large-scale system modernization programs.
Expertise in designing architectures for cloud, data, applications, and infrastructure at enterprise scale.
Demonstrated experience in architecture governance and lifecycle management.
Hands-on knowledge of cloud migration, hybrid architectures, and containerized applications.
Knowledge of cybersecurity integration into enterprise design, including Zero Trust models.

Nice To Haves

Direct FAA or NAS configuration management experience.
Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related field.
Professional certifications such as TOGAF, Zachman, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or CISSP-ISSAP.
Direct experience supporting FAA, DOT, or DHS enterprise IT modernization programs.
Familiarity with NIST enterprise architecture standards and federal enterprise initiatives.
Published thought leadership or contributions to industry standards in enterprise architecture.
Experience with emerging aviation technologies (UAS integration, satellite navigation, AI-driven systems).
Familiarity with FAA systems, NextGen initiatives, or National Airspace System modernization.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and governance of enterprise architecture frameworks to support FAA mission and modernization programs.
Ensure alignment of FAA enterprise architecture with federal standards, industry best practices, and agency strategic objectives.
Provide technical leadership and advisory support to FAA executives, program managers, and engineering teams.
Design and maintain roadmaps for enterprise integration, ensuring interoperability and eliminating redundancy across systems.
Collaborate with cybersecurity, network, and system architects to ensure secure, resilient, and scalable solutions.
Conduct trade studies, gap analyses, and architecture evaluations to support decision-making.
Oversee architecture governance processes, ensuring compliance with FAA standards and technical consistency.
Develop and present executive-level briefings, reports, and recommendations on enterprise architecture strategies.
Provide mentorship and guidance to technical staff, building FAA’s enterprise architecture expertise.
Stay current with emerging technologies and trends (cloud, AI/ML, Zero Trust, 5G, edge computing) to inform FAA strategy.