Systems Engineering, Senior Advisor

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

We're seeking an expert-level systems engineer to provide strategic program management and SETA support for multiple AI/ML and data analytics initiatives within a mission-critical intelligence environment. This role requires a dynamic leader who can interface with senior government stakeholders, coordinate cross-functional teams and vendors, drive complex projects from concept through deployment, and provide technical guidance on government contracting and acquisition activities.

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Project Management and Technical Leadership

Establish scope, metrics, roadmaps, and deliverables for AI/ML and data analytics projects
• Prioritize requirements with program teams using Agile methodologies
• Identify risks and develop/monitor mitigations
• Provide technical support and guidance to COTRs on contract performance and technical matters
• Monitor and respond to action items, process access requests, and coordinate preparation of weekly highlights
• Support division leadership by maintaining high-level awareness of all AI/ML projects across the division
• Mentor junior staff and interns

Systems Engineering, Documentation, and Knowledge Management

• Document workflows, processes, and requirements
• Produce a wide range of documentation including senior leadership briefings, strategic plans, CONOPS, risk matrices, etc.
• Maintain knowledge repositories (Confluence, Hive) and distribution lists

Stakeholder Engagement and Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate and facilitate TEMs with government stakeholders, development teams, and vendors
• Serve as liaison between division and department front office team
• Coordinate vendor activities across multiple contracts, removing blockers and ensuring alignment
• Facilitate demonstrations, training sessions, and outreach activities
• Coordinate weekly division meetings with comprehensive action tracking and follow-up

Technical Evaluation and Analysis

• Test and evaluate developing AI/ML platforms and capabilities to assess functionality and readiness
• Analyze data and create user feedback mechanisms to inform development priorities and decision-making

Required Qualifications

Education and Clearance

• Active TS/SCI with poly clearance
• Minimum of 12 years of experience with BS/BA, 10 years with MS/MA, or 7 years with PhD
• Four additional years of relevant experience may be substituted for degree

Leadership and Government Engagement

• Proven ability to interface with senior government leadership and influence critical program decisions
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including technical teams, project managers, and end users
• Knowledge of government contracting and acquisition processes, including FAR, OTA, and COTR roles
• Ability to provide technical support and guidance to COTRs

Systems Engineering and Project Management

• Strong experience with Agile methodologies and sprint-based development
• Understanding of software and system development lifecycles
• Experience managing full project lifecycles from concept through deployment
• Experience documenting workflows, processes, and CONOPS
• Knowledge of requirements gathering, analysis, and prioritization methods
• Experience identifying project risks and developing/monitoring mitigations

AI/ML and Data Analytics

• Experience with AI/ML technologies and model integration into systems
• Familiarity with machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn)
• Understanding of deep learning concepts and architectures
• Experience evaluating or testing developing AI/ML platforms
• Ability to collect, analyze, and visualize data to support decision-making
• Experience capturing UI/UX requirements to inform product development
• Experience working with large language models (LLMs)

Communication and Coordination

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with ability to tailor messaging to technical and executive audiences
• Strong facilitation and coordination skills across cross-functional teams
• Experience producing technical documentation, presentations, A&A artifacts, and leadership briefings

Tools and Technical Skills

• Self-starter with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with collaboration and knowledge management platforms (Confluence, Hive)
• Proficiency with MS Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and SharePoint
• Strong organizational skills managing multiple concurrent priorities in a fast-paced environment

Desired Qualifications

Technical Knowledge

• Background in cloud computing (AWS preferred; Google Cloud beneficial)
• Understanding of containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Knowledge of DevOps/DevSecOps practices, including CI/CD and version control (Git)
• Familiarity with enterprise data architectures, data analytics platforms, and ETL processes
• Understanding of distributed computing frameworks and NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra)

Mission and SETA Experience

• Experience providing SETA support to software development efforts
• Familiarity with intelligence analysis workflows and targeting tools
• Experience coordinating multiple concurrent vendor contracts

Leadership and Professional Development

• Experience mentoring interns or junior staff
• Certifications such as PMP, Scrum Master, or Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits.