Next-Gen Technology Engineer - Space Networks & Intelligent Systems

Next-Gen Technology Engineer - Space Networks & Intelligent Systems

Peraton's Space and Mission Solutions sector, there is an immediate need for a Space Networks & Intelligent Systems emergent technologist to drive innovation and solution excellence across our US Intelligence and Space Community portfolio. This is a full-time, on-site position based at Peraton locations in Reston, Virginia, with flexibility to travel to customer sites for classified and non-classified solution activities.

As a Next-Gen Technology Engineer (NTE), reporting directly to the Sector CTO, you will be the technical visionary responsible for modernizing large-scale heterogeneous space and ground networks—transforming legacy architectures into agile, adaptive, and dynamic systems that meet tomorrow's mission demands. You will leverage AI and machine learning to enable intelligent automation, dynamic routing, and network optimization while maintaining pragmatic alignment with customer readiness and adoption timelines.

This role is ideal for professionals who desire to combine cutting-edge technical knowledge with mission knowledge—someone who is innovative but understands that innovation must be roadmapped to customer-specific realities. You will enhance proposals, infuse existing programs with emergent capabilities, and mentor the broader workforce to embed these skills across the organization.

What you'll do:

• Lead the design and architecture of next-generation space-ground network solutions that are agile, adaptive, and resilient for inclusion in government proposals
• Apply AI/ML techniques for network automation, intelligent routing, traffic optimization, and predictive maintenance across heterogeneous satellite and terrestrial systems
• Develop end-to-end system understanding spanning space segments, ground stations, user terminals, and network operations centers
• Create customer-specific technology roadmaps that balance innovation ambition with realistic adoption timelines—recognizing that not all customers are ready for AI-enabled solutions
• Collaborate with business development, capture teams, and program managers to translate technical capabilities into compelling value propositions and winning solutions
• Architect secure integration between mission networks and commercial cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), including edge processing and hybrid data transport
• Ensure interoperability across government, commercial, and international partner networks — define and apply standards for protocols, interfaces, and cross-domain communications
• Apply federal cybersecurity frameworks and mission assurance requirements to network architecture design, including Zero Trust and DoD security standards
• Inform and execute the sector CTO's networking and communications technical strategy
• Develop long-term architectural roadmaps aligned with mission, program, and customer objectives; translate those roadmaps into actionable pursuit strategies
• Maintain current awareness of emerging communications technologies, DoD and IC investment priorities, and relevant program office activity
• Infuse existing programs with emergent network technologies, working within the constraints of ongoing operations while identifying modernization opportunities
• Mentor, train, and/or educate technical staff on modern network architectures and AI-enabled capabilities, ensuring knowledge transfer and reducing single-point-of-failure risks
• Articulate technical solutions and their mission impact to senior leadership, customers, and governance review boards
• Stay current on emergent technologies in satellite communications, software-defined networking, network function virtualization, and AI/ML applications

Required Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience with a BS/BA in Computer Science, Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, Information Technology, or related field; OR 6+ years with MS/MA in Computer Science, Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, Information Technology, or related field; OR 4+ years with PhD with relevant research focus.
• Minimum of Top-Secret clearance with SCI eligibility. The candidate must maintain the clearance 
• Demonstrated expertise in large-scale heterogeneous network architectures involving satellite communications (LEO, MEO, GEO constellations, cislunar, and/or deep space) and ground-based systems
• Hands-on experience with modern networks (agile, software-defined, and adaptive architectures) with strong knowledge of IP networking, RF systems, optical transport, and secure communications architectures
• Working knowledge of AI/ML applications for network automation, intelligent routing, or predictive analytics
• End-to-end understanding of space-ground network systems including network topology, routing protocols, ground segment integration, and enterprise network management
• Experience architecting large-scale, mission-critical networks for government or defense programs to include leading or contributing to the transition of legacy systems to new architectures
• Experience with systems engineering tasks across the full lifecycle: design, architecture, development, integration, test, and transition of ground systems
• Familiarity with cloud platforms and hybrid network architectures
• Understanding that technology adoption varies by customer—ability to tailor solutions and roadmaps to specific organizational readiness levels
• Full-time on-site availability with ability to collaborate at senior levels across business development, engineering, and program teams

 Desired Qualifications:

• Active/current TS/SCI
• Direct experience supporting NRO, NGA, USSF, DIA, NASA, or NOAA missions and programs
• Understanding or experience with optical communications (ground to space) as part of ground base systems
• Familiarity with Space Development Agency (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) or similar next-generation space network initiatives
• Experience with software-defined networking (SDN), network function virtualization (NFV), and intent-based networking
• Knowledge of optical inter-satellite links, mesh networking, and delay-tolerant networking protocols
• Experience with cybersecurity frameworks including Zero Trust, RMF, and IC/DoD mission assurance requirements
• Experience designing for contested/degraded/intermittent (CDI) environments
• Exposure to DevSecOps practices for network infrastructure and operations
• Relevant certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, or cloud networking certifications
• Experience contributing to proposals and technical volumes for government contracts
• Graduate coursework or research in satellite communications, network optimization, or applied AI/ML
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences
• Self-starter mentality with demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently, and drive results in ambiguous environments

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.