SME / Engineer NEXCOM

Responsibilities

Join Peraton in advancing the safety, efficiency, and modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) through the FAA’s Brand New Air Traffic Control System (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. This is your chance to make an impact on one of the world’s most vital transportation infrastructures, working alongside leaders in aviation, engineering, data science, and systems integration.

 

At Peraton, you won’t just support the mission — you’ll define it.

 

This position will be onsite in Bethesda, MD. 

Position Overview

The Radio Technology Subject Matter Expert (SME) Engineer serves as a senior technical authority responsible for the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of complex radio communication systems. This role focuses on Air/Ground radios and related radio system disciplines supporting mission-critical operations.

The SME Engineer provides high-level technical guidance for system upgrades, performance analysis, standards development, and operational compliance with government and industry regulations. This position requires a blend of deep technical expertise, strategic communication skills, and lifecycle project oversight.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Act as a subject matter expert for Air/Ground radio systems and related communication technologies

• Design, evaluate, and optimize complex radio system architectures

• Troubleshoot advanced system performance and interoperability issues

• Develop and maintain technical standards, procedures, and best practices

System Performance & Compliance

• Conduct performance analysis and system validation

• Ensure systems meet operational, regulatory, and industry compliance requirements

• Support system upgrades, modernization efforts, and technology integration initiatives

Stakeholder Consultation

• Translate complex technical requirements into clear, strategic presentations for senior leadership and government stakeholders

• Provide technical advisement to program leadership, partners, and cross-functional teams

Project & Lifecycle Management

• Manage lifecycle maintenance schedules for specialized operational equipment

• Oversee inventory control and asset management for communication systems

• Support planning and execution of sustainment and modernization projects

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years with BS/BA; Minimum of 10 years with MS/MA; Minimum of 7 years with Ph.D., 16 years in lieu of degree
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain a Public Trust Clearance

• Experience working with Air/Ground radio systems or comparable communication technologies

• Strong background in radio frequency (RF) systems, diagnostics, and troubleshooting

• Knowledge of government and industry standards related to communication systems

• Ability to develop technical documentation, standards, and procedures

• Demonstrated experience briefing technical topics to non-technical stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting government or defense-related communication systems

• Familiarity with lifecycle sustainment and configuration management processes

• Project management experience in technical or engineering environments

Key Skills

• Advanced technical problem-solving

• Systems analysis and optimization

• Technical communication and stakeholder engagement

• Project coordination and lifecycle planning

• Inventory and asset management

Peraton Overview

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: la