Peraton Labs
About Peraton
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.
About the Role We are seeking a technically strong, mission‑driven Director 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.
Position Overview As the Director – Peraton Labs FAA, you will direct a portfolio of programs and emerging opportunities focused on AI‑enabled autonomy, air traffic systems, UAS integration, satellite navigation, and other transformative capabilities for the National Airspace System (NAS). This role integrates technical leadership, program management, and personnel development, requiring you to work cross‑functionally across Peraton, FAA sponsors, and external partners.
Key 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 laboratories, 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.
Qualifications
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.
Preferred Qualifications
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).
Target Salary Range: $176,000 – $282,000. This range reflects the typical compensation for this position. Salary may vary based on experience, education, skills, location, and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses in addition to base pay.
EEO:
Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.
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About the Role We are seeking a technically strong, mission‑driven Director 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.
Position Overview As the Director – Peraton Labs FAA, you will direct a portfolio of programs and emerging opportunities focused on AI‑enabled autonomy, air traffic systems, UAS integration, satellite navigation, and other transformative capabilities for the National Airspace System (NAS). This role integrates technical leadership, program management, and personnel development, requiring you to work cross‑functionally across Peraton, FAA sponsors, and external partners.
Key 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 laboratories, 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.
Qualifications
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.
Preferred Qualifications
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).
Target Salary Range: $176,000 – $282,000. This range reflects the typical compensation for this position. Salary may vary based on experience, education, skills, location, and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses in addition to base pay.
EEO:
Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr