Tower Simulation Systems Lead

Peraton is seeking a Tower Simulation Systems Lead to direct modernization initiatives supporting FAA air traffic control tower simulation, training, and operational readiness capabilities across the National Airspace System (NAS). This role will lead the planning, integration, deployment, and lifecycle management of advanced tower simulation environments, including air traffic control training systems, virtual and remote tower technologies, simulation infrastructure, and operational support platforms.

This role bridges program planning, program management, stakeholder engagement, acquisition and integration, supply chain management, testing, deployment, sustainment, and compliance—ensuring alignment with FAA BNATCS goals and uninterrupted NAS operations.

This position is based in Herndon, VA.

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive planning, coordination, and execution of FAA tower simulation modernization initiatives, including tower training systems, simulation platforms, virtual tower capabilities, and operational readiness improvements.
  • Oversee acquisition, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of tower simulation systems to ensure interoperability across FAA automation, communications, surveillance, and voice systems.
  • Ensure compliance with FAA standards, safety regulations, cybersecurity requirements (FISMA, NIST, ATO), and operational continuity objectives.
  • Develop and maintain program-level plans, schedules, risks, and performance metrics to ensure on-time, mission-aligned delivery.
  • Coordinate with FAA leadership, air traffic facilities, training organizations, and stakeholders across the NAS to ensure alignment of tower simulation modernization efforts with BNATCS objectives.
  • Identify and mitigate risks related to simulation system performance, infrastructure integration, operational constraints, or training effectiveness.
  • Lead stakeholder engagement and collaboration across FAA, industry, and operational user communities to improve usability, training outcomes, and mission effectiveness.
  • Direct sustainment and lifecycle management of tower simulation capabilities, including upgrades, maintenance, technology refresh, and decommissioning of legacy systems.
  • Support operational readiness activities (acceptance testing, evaluations, readiness reviews) and provide executive-level reporting to FAA BNATCS leadership.
  • Drive quality assurance by validating that deployed systems meet FAA objectives for safety, reliability, scalability, training effectiveness, and operational performance.
  • Foster a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven culture across FAA, industry, and operational partners.

Required Qualifications

• 16+ years of experience managing complex federal or mission-critical programs, with focus on air traffic control systems, simulation environments, training systems, or NAS integration.
• US Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
• Direct familiarity and experience with FAA tower operations, simulation systems, air traffic control training environments, or virtual/remote tower technologies.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams through acquisition, testing, deployment, and sustainment in the NAS, with emphasis on maintaining operational continuity.
• Expertise in program management aligned to FAA schedules and program increments, with experience in Agile practices.
• Proven ability to coordinate with FAA leadership, operational stakeholders, and industry partners across geographically distributed environments.
• Strong knowledge of aviation safety standards, risk management, and continuity planning.
• Familiarity with FAA policies, standards, and regulatory frameworks for automation, telecommunications, surveillance, voice communications, and simulation system integration.
• Understanding of cybersecurity and data protection requirements (FISMA, NIST, FAA IT policies) for NAS systems.
• Prior experience managing large, geographically distributed programs with interdependent stakeholders.
• Proficiency in program management and collaboration tools (Jira, Confluence, MS Project).

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP certification.
• Cisco CCNP or CCIE certification.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aviation, Computer Science, Simulation & Training Systems, Program/Project Management, or related field (advanced degree preferred).

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