Avionics Subject Matter Expert (SME)

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. 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.

Join a team dedicated to protecting the safety and integrity of U.S. air travel. Peraton is seeking an highly skilled Avionics Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide technical leadership, design oversight, and system integration expertise in support of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) modernization programs. This role will focus on aircraft communications, navigation systems, and site survey assessments to ensure safe, interoperable, and resilient aviation infrastructure. The Avionics SME will guide engineering teams through complex avionics design, integration, testing, and certification processes while ensuring alignment with FAA and industry standards.

In this position, you will:

• Serve as the technical authority for avionics design, integration, and modernization activities.

• Lead site surveys to assess existing avionics installations, communication links, and system readiness for upgrades.

• Provide expertise in aircraft communications systems, including VHF/UHF radios, SATCOM, data link, and radio frequency (RF) networks.

• Support the design, evaluation, and optimization of navigation systems, including GNSS, ILS, DME, and VOR equipment.

• Evaluate and advise on CNS/ATM (Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management) integration and interoperability.

• Review and validate system requirements, interface designs, and configuration control documentation.

• Conduct system safety assessments, risk analyses, and performance validation activities.

• Ensure compliance with FAA, RTCA, ICAO, and industry avionics standards (e.g., DO-160, DO-178C, DO-254).

• Support testing, verification, and certification of avionics systems across laboratory and field environments.

• Prepare and deliver technical reports, site survey documentation, and system integration recommendations for FAA leadership.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation of avionics upgrades across multiple FAA facilities and aircraft types.

Why This Role Matters

The FAA’s mission to ensure the safety, efficiency, and modernization of U.S. airspace depends on innovation in avionics technology. As an Avionics SME, your expertise will directly impact how systems are designed, integrated, and sustained to support the future of aviation. You’ll ensure that every avionics solution—from cockpit systems to radar and communications is reliable, compliant, and aligned with FAA strategic objectives, enabling safer skies and more efficient operations nationwide.

Basic Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• Must have the ability to obtain / maintain a Public Trust clearance. 
• Bachelors degree and 12 years of experience or Master's Degree and 10years’ experience or a High School Diploma and 16 years of experience.
• Hands-on experience in avionics systems design, integration, or certification.
• Proven expertise in aircraft communications, navigation systems, and site survey analysis.
• Strong working knowledge of FAA AMS, RTCA DO-series standards, and federal compliance frameworks.
• Experience with CNS/ATM modernization programs or similar aviation infrastructure initiatives.
• Ability to conduct and document technical assessments and system audits.
• Experience with integration and testing of avionics communication and navigation systems.
• Strong understanding of RF spectrum management, interference mitigation, and antenna systems.
• Ability to lead multi-site survey coordination efforts and generate accurate assessment reports.
• Expertise in system performance analysis, fault isolation, and issue resolution.
• Proven ability to collaborate with aircraft operators, OEMs, and FAA technical centers.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exposure to FAA programs or NAS systems.

• Experience supporting federal, aviation, or government logistics operations.

• Prior experience with FAA NextGen, Technical Operations (TechOps), or Flight Inspection Services programs.
• Degree in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• FAA credentials such as DER (Designated Engineering Representative) or DAE (Designated Airworthiness Engineer).

• Professional certifications such as CSEP (Certified Systems Engineering Professional) or PMP.

• Experience supporting FAA NextGen, NAVAIDS modernization, or airport surveillance systems.

• Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering environments.

• Experience with aviation cybersecurity, GPS interference analysis, and system hardening practices.

• Working knowledge of software and hardware integration under DO-178C and DO-254 guidance.

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