Advanced Capabilities Engineer - DIA Programs Lead

About Peraton

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: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees solve the most daunting challenges that our customers face. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

About The Role

Advanced Capabilities Engineer - DIA Programs Lead

Within Peraton's Space and Mission Solutions sector, there is an immediate need for a cleared Advanced Capabilities Engineer (ACE) to serve as the primary technical proposal lead for Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) opportunities. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Reston, VA with ability to have a regular presence at DIA facilities and program offices as required.

As an ACE, you sit at the intersection of technical strategy and proposal execution. You are not a pure technologist, and you are not a pure proposal writer - you are the person who translates deep DIA mission understanding into winning technical approaches.

This role is designed for a systems engineer or technical architect who has led or significantly contributed to technical volumes on competitive DIA proposals - and who is ready to step into a role where that skill is the primary contribution. You will work closely with the DIA Mission Domain Expert, the CTO Office's Next-Gen Technology Engineers, and the Growth Organization to ensure Peraton's DIA pursuits are technically differentiated from the first day of capture through final proposal submission.
What you'll do:

• Lead the development of technical volumes and technical approaches for DIA proposals, owning the content from outline through final submission
• Engage with DIA program offices and technical directorates during pre-RFP phases to build understanding of requirements, evaluation criteria, and mission priorities
• Collaborate with the DIA Mission Domain Expert to translate customer relationships and mission insight into technically differentiated proposal strategies
• Work with Next-Gen Technology Engineers in AI/data fusion, networking, and cloud to incorporate emerging capabilities into DIA technical solutions - with particular emphasis on analytics modernization and emergent technology insertion
• Conduct competitive analysis and develop differentiation strategies that highlight Peraton's unique technical value for DIA pursuits, including recompete defense strategies for incumbent work
• Support bid/no-bid assessments by providing technically grounded Pwin analysis and honest evaluation of Peraton's competitive position
• Participate in color team reviews - both as author and as reviewer - providing and receiving substantive technical feedback
• Maintain awareness of DIA acquisition pipeline, technology priorities, and program office activity to inform pursuit strategy, with particular focus on MARS/MIDB data architecture, network management, and analytics modernization efforts
• Mentor junior engineers and proposal contributors on technical writing, solution architecture, and proposal best practices

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 8+ years of experience with a BS/BA in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, or related field; OR 6+ years with MS/MA; OR 3+ years with PhD. 4 years of additional work experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's degree
• Direct experience supporting DIA programs - you understand DIA's organizational structure, acquisition processes, and mission priorities from having worked within that environment
• Demonstrated experience leading or significantly contributing to technical volumes on competitive DIA proposals - you have owned sections, not just reviewed them
• Strong systems engineering, data architecture background or analytics background - ability to architect solutions, develop concepts of operations, and translate requirements into technically differentiated approaches
• Experience with one or more of the following DIA mission areas: intelligence analytics and data exploitation, network management and enterprise IT infrastructure, MARS/MIDB data systems, or emergent technology insertion and transition
• Proven ability to work effectively in fast-paced proposal environments with compressed timelines and evolving requirements
• 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
• Prior career within DIA, a major DIA contractor, or a closely affiliated defense intelligence program office
• Experience on DIA analytics programs, ADOS, MARS/MIDB data feeds, or enterprise IT and network management contracts
• Familiarity with DIA acquisition frameworks, contracting vehicles, and program office structures across technical and functional directorates
• Understanding of DIA's analytics modernization priorities, including cloud-based data exploitation, AI-enabled sense-making, and enterprise data integration
• Experience with emergent technology insertion processes - translating R&D or CRAD outputs into program-of-record technical approaches within the DIA environment
• Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and digital engineering practices in classified environments
• Experience working alongside or in support of a business development or capture team on DIA opportunities

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.

Details

Target Salary Range: $135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Benefits Statement: Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits.

Application Statements: The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in the role and the Company. During the review of your application, you may be required to participate in an on-camera interview, as well as participate in a process to verify your identity.

EEO:Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.