Technical Project Manager - SME

About the role

Join Peraton in advancing the safety, efficiency, and modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) through the FAA's Business, National Airspace, and Technical Computing Services (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.

Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of sophisticated network, infrastructure, and software projects—from concept through deployment.
• Translate complex engineering requirements into executable plans, schedules, and budgets using Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid methodologies.
• Align technical delivery with long-term FAA modernization goals and program priorities.
• Support requirements analysis, system testing, readiness reviews, and operational transitions.
• Champion continuous improvement, bringing structure, consistency, and efficiency to complex engineering efforts.
• Drive projects to successful completion while meeting FAA standards, cost targets, and delivery commitments.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams spanning software, hardware, networking, RAN, and systems integration.
• Partner closely with vendors, engineers, and program leaders to ensure seamless execution across all technical domains.
• Provide clear, confident briefings and milestone updates to FAA and senior program stakeholders.
• Anticipate and resolve technical risks, dependencies, and integration challenges-especially within network and infrastructure deployments.
• Ensure issues are identified early and addressed decisively to protect mission outcomes.
• Serve as the primary bridge between technical teams, program management, and FAA leadership.
• Maintain transparent communication and strong relationships that enable informed decisions and sustained confidence.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• Ability to obtain / maintain a Public Trust clearance.
• Bachelor's degree and 12 years experience or Masters degree and 10 years experience or Associate's degree and 14 years experience or HS diploma/equivalent and 16 years experience.
• Demonstrated success managing technical, engineering, or IT infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of project management principles, risk management, and performance tracking.
• Proven ability to manage project scope, schedules, budgets, risks, and dependencies using structured project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid).
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience briefing senior leadership and external customers.
• Hands-on experience with risk identification, mitigation, and issue resolution in technical project environments.
• Proven ability to develop and manage detailed project schedules and budgets.
• Ability to conduct technical reviews, validation activities, and post-implementation assessments.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success managing technical, engineering, or IT infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of project management principles, risk management, and performance tracking.
• Proven ability to manage project scope, schedules, budgets, risks, and dependencies using structured project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid).
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience briefing senior leadership and external customers.
• Hands-on experience with risk identification, mitigation, and issue resolution in technical project environments.
• Proven ability to develop and manage detailed project schedules and budgets.
• Ability to conduct technical reviews, validation activities, and post-implementation assessments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to FAA programs or NAS systems.
• Experience supporting FAA NextGen, air traffic management systems, or federal technology modernization efforts.
• Degree in Engineering Management, Business Administration (MBA), or Systems Engineering.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) or PMI-ACP certification.
• Professional certifications such as CSEP (Certified Systems Engineering Professional) or ITIL Foundations.
• Background working in high-availability, safety-critical, or regulated environments (e.g., aviation, defense, transportation, or critical infrastructure).
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills with a track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget.

Details

This role sits at the heart of aviation modernization, where disciplined execution, technical excellence, and mission impact converge. If you thrive in environments where precision matters, collaboration is essential, and your work has national significance, this role offers both challenge and purpose.

Work Location

This position is required to be on-site, primarily located in Herndon, VA, with an alternate work location available in Bowie, MD. Candidates must be able to work on-site at one of these locations based on program requirements.

Why You'll Want This Role

Few roles offer the opportunity to apply deep technical and project management expertise at a scale that truly matters. In this position, your leadership directly supports aviation safety, cybersecurity, and infrastructure modernization across the National Airspace System. Your work will:

• Influence systems relied upon by millions of travelers every day.
• Support FAA initiatives that enhance safety, capacity, and resilience.
• Place you at the center of high-profile, mission-critical programs.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• Ability to obtain / maintain a Public Trust clearance.
• Bachelor's degree and 12 years experience or Masters degree and 10 years experience or Associate's degree and 14 years experience or HS diploma/equivalent and 16 years experience.
• Demonstrated success managing technical, engineering, or IT infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of project management principles, risk management, and performance tracking.
• Proven ability to manage project scope, schedules, budgets, risks, and dependencies using structured project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid).
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience briefing senior leadership and external customers.
• Hands-on experience with risk identification, mitigation, and issue resolution in technical project environments.
• Proven ability to develop and manage detailed project schedules and budgets.
• Ability to conduct technical reviews, validation activities, and post-implementation assessments.

Target Salary Range

$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Benefits Statement

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.

Application Statements

The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.