Advanced Capabilities Engineer – USSF Programs

Advanced Capabilities Engineer – USSF Programs

Within Peraton's Space and Mission Solutions sector, there is an immediate need for a cleared Advanced Capabilities Engineer (ACE) to serve as the secondary technical proposal lead for United States Space Force (USSF) opportunities, with a focus on satellite communications, optical communications, and cloud-enabled ground architecture. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Reston, VA with flexibility to support USSF program offices and customer facilities as required.

As an ACE, you sit at the intersection of technical strategy and proposal execution. You complement the primary USSF ACE by bringing depth in satellite and optical communications, next-generation waveforms, and the modernization of ground architecture toward cloud-native and software-defined approaches. Together, the two USSF ACEs ensure Peraton can surge on large pursuits and maintain continuous technical engagement across the full USSF portfolio.

This role is designed for a mid-career systems engineer or technical architect who has led or significantly contributed to technical volumes on competitive government proposals — and who brings specific expertise in USSF communications and ground modernization. You will work closely with the primary USSF ACE, the Mission Domain Expert, and the CTO Office's Next-Gen Technology Engineers to ensure Peraton's USSF pursuits are technically differentiated from the first day of capture through final proposal submission.

What you'll do:

• Lead or co-lead the development of technical volumes for USSF proposals focused on satellite communications, optical communications, and ground system modernization
• Provide technical depth in communications waveforms, link analysis, and space-ground network architecture for USSF pursuits
• Engage with USSF program offices and technical stakeholders during pre-RFP phases to build understanding of requirements and mission priorities in the communications and ground architecture domains
• Collaborate with the primary USSF ACE and Mission Domain Expert to ensure technical approaches are coherent, differentiated, and aligned to customer priorities
• Work with Next-Gen Technology Engineers in networking and cloud to incorporate software-defined networking and cloud-native ground architecture concepts into USSF solutions
• Support competitive analysis and differentiation strategy development for USSF communications and ground modernization pursuits
• Participate in color team reviews as both author and reviewer, providing substantive technical feedback on communications and ground architecture content
• Maintain awareness of USSF satellite communications programs, optical communications initiatives, and ground architecture modernization priorities
• Provide surge capacity to the primary USSF ACE on large, complex pursuits requiring multiple technical leads

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5+ years of experience with a BS/BA in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; OR 3+ years with MS/MA; OR 1+ year with PhD. 4 years of additional work experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's degree
• Direct experience supporting USSF or Air Force Space Command programs in a communications, ground systems, or space networking capacity
• Demonstrated experience leading or significantly contributing to technical volumes on competitive government proposals — you have owned sections, not just reviewed them
• Technical expertise in satellite communications — including waveform design, link analysis, or satellite network architecture — or optical communications systems
• Understanding of ground system modernization trends including software-defined approaches, cloud-native architectures, and the transition from legacy monolithic systems
• Strong written communication skills — ability to write clear, compelling, evaluator-focused technical content
• An active TS/SCI is required

Desired Qualifications:

• An active TS/SCI with polygraph is highly desired
• Experience on USSF programs involving Protected Tactical Waveform, Evolved Strategic SATCOM, optical ground stations, or Space Systems Command communications programs
• Familiarity with optical inter-satellite link technology, free-space optical communications, and the Laser Communications Relay Demonstration or related programs
• Knowledge of software-defined networking applied to space-ground architectures and the transition to disaggregated, resilient ground systems
• Experience with cloud-native ground system architectures and DevSecOps practices for space systems
• INCOSE certification (ASEP, CSEP) or PMP certification
• Experience working alongside or in support of a business development or capture team

Benefits: 

At Peraton, our benefits are designed to help keep you at your best beyond the work you do with us daily. We’re fully committed to the growth of our employees. From fully comprehensive medical plans to tuition reimbursement, tuition assistance, and fertility treatment, we are there to support you all the way.