Peraton Labs FAA Lead

Peraton • Annapolis Junction, MD

80d • $146,000 - $234,000

About The Position

Peraton is a next-generation national security company delivering trusted and disruptive solutions to the most challenging problems facing government agencies in defense, intelligence, space, cyber, and civilian sectors. Through our mission-focused innovation and deep technical expertise, we operate on the cutting edge of national security. We are seeking a technically strong, mission-driven Peraton Labs FAA Lead to guide the strategic direction, execution, and growth of aviation- and airspace-focused research, development, and transition efforts at Peraton Labs. This is a high-impact leadership role at the intersection of science, technology, and national airspace modernization, directly supporting the FAA and other stakeholders in advancing the future of aviation systems.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• Must have the ability to obtain / maintain a Public Trust clearance.
• 16+ years of relevant technical and leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading R&D and transition of complex systems in aviation, autonomy, or AI domains.
• Proven record of managing federal programs and delivering results in research-intensive, high-assurance environments.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML, autonomy, agent-based systems, or automation in regulated domains.
• Excellent communication skills and experience briefing senior government and internal leadership.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to FAA programs or NAS systems.
• Advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D. strongly preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of aviation systems, UAS integration, AI applications, or satellite navigation systems.
• Experience participating in national advisory committees or providing strategic guidance for federal research programs.
• Familiarity with FAA research environments or facilities like the William J. Hughes Technical Center.
• Published research or recognized contributions to aerospace, human factors, or emerging aviation technologies.
• Familiarity with FAA regulations, national airspace policies, or international aviation standards (e.g., ICAO).

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior technical and programmatic leader for Peraton Labs' FAA-aligned initiatives and R&D campaigns.
• Define and guide the technical roadmap for airspace modernization, AI-enabled aviation, and autonomy research efforts.
• Provide scientific and engineering oversight across research, prototyping, testing, and transition of complex aviation systems.
• Influence FAA and government strategies around UAS integration, agentic AI, satellite-based navigation, and air traffic automation.
• Represent Peraton Labs as a subject matter expert (SME) in external engagements, including with FAA program managers, national labs, academia, and industry.
• Oversee a portfolio of multi-million dollar aviation and technology programs, ensuring high-quality delivery across scope, schedule, and budget.
• Drive program execution through rigorous systems engineering practices, milestone planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead proposal efforts and contribute to capture strategy for future FAA aviation programs.
• Align technical and operational priorities across contract deliverables, R&D goals, and emerging sponsor needs.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and analysts working on aviation, AI, and autonomy projects.
• Provide career development guidance, performance management, and technical mentoring to mid- and junior-level staff.
• Foster a culture of innovation, technical rigor, mission alignment, and accountability.
• Promote diversity of thought and support the development of early-career professionals in emerging technologies.

Benefits

• Salary range: $146,000 - $234,000, determined by various factors including experience, education, and geographic location.
• Eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services
• Education Level: Master's degree