Aviation Project Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities

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.  Lead the work that keeps America flying safely.

At Peraton, we don't just manage projects-we deliver the systems that protect and advance U.S. air travel. We are seeking a Technical Project Manager - SME to lead complex, high-visibility engineering and technology initiatives supporting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This role sits at the heart of aviation modernization, where disciplined execution, technical excellence, and mission impact converge. If you thrive in environments where precision matters, collaboration is essential, and your work has national significance, this role offers both challenge and purpose.

Work Location:

• This position is required to be on-site, primarily located in Herndon, VA, with an alternate work location available in Bowie, MD. Candidates must be able to work on-site at one of these locations based on program requirements.

In this position, you will:

Program Execution

• Own the full lifecycle of sophisticated network, infrastructure, and software projects-from concept through deployment.
• Translate complex engineering requirements into executable plans, schedules, and budgets using Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid methodologies.
• Align technical delivery with long-term FAA modernization goals and program priorities.
• Support requirements analysis, system testing, readiness reviews, and operational transitions.
• Champion continuous improvement, bringing structure, consistency, and efficiency to complex engineering efforts.
• Drive projects to successful completion while meeting FAA standards, cost targets, and delivery commitments.

Technical Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams spanning software, hardware, networking, RAN, and systems integration.
• Partner closely with vendors, engineers, and program leaders to ensure seamless execution across all technical domains.
• Provide clear, confident briefings and milestone updates to FAA and senior program stakeholders.

Risk Management with Real Impact

• Anticipate and resolve technical risks, dependencies, and integration challenges-especially within network and infrastructure deployments.
• Ensure issues are identified early and addressed decisively to protect mission outcomes.

Trusted Stakeholder Partner

• Serve as the primary bridge between technical teams, program management, and FAA leadership.
• Maintain transparent communication and strong relationships that enable informed decisions and sustained confidence.

Why You'll Want This Role:

Few roles offer the opportunity to apply deep technical and project management expertise at a scale that truly matters. In this position, your leadership directly supports aviation safety, cybersecurity, and infrastructure modernization across the National Airspace System. 

Your work will:

• Influence systems relied upon by millions of travelers every day
• Support FAA initiatives that enhance safety, capacity, and resilience
• Place you at the center of high-profile, mission-critical programs

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• Must have the ability to obtain / maintain a Public Trust clearance.
• Bachelor's degree and 12 years experience or Masters degree and 10 years experience or Associate's degree and 14 years experience or HS diploma/equivalent and 16 years experience.
• Demonstrated success managing technical, engineering, or IT infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of project management principles, risk management, and performance tracking.
• Proven ability to manage project scope, schedules, budgets, risks, and dependencies using structured project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid).
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience briefing senior leadership and external customers.
• Hands-on experience with risk identification, mitigation, and issue resolution in technical project environments.
• Proven ability to develop and manage detailed project schedules and budgets.
• Ability to conduct technical reviews, validation activities, and post-implementation assessments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exposure to FAA programs or NAS systems.

• Experience supporting FAA NextGen, air traffic management systems, or federal technology modernization efforts.

• Degree in Engineering Management, Business Administration (MBA), or Systems Engineering.

• PMP (Project Management Professional) or PMI-ACP certification.

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

• Background working in high-availability, safety-critical, or regulated environments (e.g., aviation, defense, transportation, or critical infrastructure).

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills with a track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget.

#BNATCS

Peraton Overview

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.

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.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME