Engineering Lead - Flight Safety

Overview

About Peraton Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and beyond. We are a leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider delivering trusted solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates across land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace, partnering with essential government agencies and supporting every branch of the U.S. armed forces.

Our employees solve the most daunting challenges our customers face. Visit  to learn more.

About The Role Peraton is looking for an Engineering Lead (Flight Safety) to support a national security program space war fighting mission based in Springfield, VA. The Engineering Lead will oversee ensuring all program and partnered space-based assets are protected and forewarned against on-orbit collision risks and ground system threats (e.g., laser, RF jamming). They are a subject matter expert on conjunction analysis (CA) tools with expertise in orbital mechanics and Flight Safety hazards, continuously integrating new tools to improve efficiency and reduce risk.

The role also includes hands-on training for team members and leading meetings and collaboration efforts in alignment with policy and leadership across mission elements and partner agencies.

• Drive system engineering & integration activities for system tools furnished to Flight Safety
• Lead flight safety and integration meetings and support planning, exercise, and system development collaboration efforts
• Execute command shell (Bash) and Python scripts through GUI & command prompts, troubleshooting within Linux OS in classified networks
• Perform routine CA screenings (e.g., ASW "Super Combo" runs) with various ephemeris sources; identify and report risks
• Screen satellite positions (TLEs, state vector, and ephemeris sources) for pre/post-launch assessments and hypothetical or planned burn ephemeris against known threats and on-orbit conjunction risks; disseminate results
• Oversee and improve checklist and job aid development
• Task sensors to reduce RSO covariance and increase PoC accuracy for collision avoidance decision-making
• Operate orbit propagating software, navigate GUIs, and ensure proper inputs and reporting criteria to deliver products to owner/operator and customer
• Provide advanced training to the team and assist in on-the-job training to uphold knowledge standards
• Participate in exercise planning and scenario execution for scheduled events
• Work with the engineering team to report bugs and advocate for software enhancements to improve mission success
• Ensure all critical 24/7 flight safety tasks are performed and implement contingency procedures during outages
• This position is contingent upon award of contract

• 12+ years of combined experience in flight safety (conjunction assessment) and/or space operations requiring flight safety tools (e.g., STK, ASW) with a BS in Engineering (Physics, Electrical, Optics, Aerospace, or related field); 16 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree; 11+ years with MS in related fields
• 7 years of applied knowledge in orbital mechanics, conjunction assessment, or related satellite operations
• 5+ years in assigned National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) or partnered IC organizations
• 3+ years of prior NRO systems engineering experience involving RSO vulnerability analysis
• 2+ years with ASW Super Combo tool or STK Level 2 certification in lieu of Super Combo experience
• Advanced oral & written communication skills
• Active TS/SCI with adjudicated CI Poly

• 14+ years of combined prior experience as a flight safety analyst, orbital analyst, battlespace awareness operator, or satellite mission planner at a ground station
• SME-level understanding of orbital mechanics, flight safety tools, and mission applications
• Knowledge of foreign/domestic space & ground threat capabilities and space surveillance networks
• Prior space launch custody and/or maneuver processing experience
• Ability to read and understand Bash and Python scripts
• Prior experience tasking space surveillance resources and maintaining custody of RSOs
• Experience advising and collaborating with military and civilian leaders
• Experience leading operational teams and managing projects

Target Salary Range: $146,000 - $234,000. This range reflects typical compensation for this position and is influenced by experience, education, location, and contract considerations. Depending on the role, overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus may apply.

Benefits:
Peraton offers benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, HSA, disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), PTO, and paid holidays. A full listing is available at

Application Duration:
The application period is estimated to be 30 days from posting, subject to change based on business needs and candidate availability.

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics…