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
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.
Peraton OverviewPeraton 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 do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.
Target Salary Range$146,000 - $234,000. 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. EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Skills Required
- 8+ years of experience with a BS/BA in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, or a related field; alternatively, 6+ years with an MS/MA, 3+ years with a PhD, or four additional years of work experience in lieu of a bachelor's degree
- Direct experience supporting Defense Intelligence Agency programs, including knowledge of DIA organizational structure, acquisition processes, and mission priorities
- Experience leading or significantly contributing to technical volumes on competitive DIA proposals
- Strong systems engineering, data architecture, or analytics background, including solution architecture and concepts of operations development
- Experience in at least one DIA mission area: intelligence analytics and data exploitation, network management and enterprise IT infrastructure, MARS/MIDB data systems, or emergent technology insertion and transition
- Ability to work effectively in fast-paced proposal environments with compressed timelines and evolving requirements
- Strong written communication skills and ability to produce clear, compelling, evaluator-focused technical content
- Active TS/SCI security clearance
- Active TS/SCI with polygraph
- Prior career within DIA, a major DIA contractor, or a closely affiliated defense intelligence program office
- Experience with 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
- Knowledge of DIA analytics modernization priorities, including cloud-based data exploitation, AI-enabled sense-making, and enterprise data integration
- Experience translating R&D or CRAD outputs into program-of-record technical approaches within the DIA environment
- Experience with MBSE tools and digital engineering practices in classified environments
- Experience supporting business development or capture teams on DIA opportunities
Peraton Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Peraton and has not been reviewed or approved by Peraton.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare offerings are described as broad, including medical, dental, vision, mental health support, and specialty programs like virtual physical therapy and surgical/cancer care navigation. Medical coverage is also characterized as a standout part of the overall package in terms of perceived quality.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support includes a 401(k) with employer matching and is repeatedly positioned as a strong component of total rewards. The 401(k) benefit is frequently singled out as one of the most valued parts of the package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off benefits are positioned as robust, including PTO, holidays, paid sick days, and floating holidays, with some roles offering notably generous accrual. Leave breadth is reinforced by related programs such as short/long-term disability and bereavement leave.
Peraton Insights
What We Do
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 do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.
Why Work With Us
We are fearlessly solving the world’s most complex challenges to keep people safe and secure. You can be a part of protecting and promoting that freedom around the world.
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