Test Automation Engineer SME

ResponsibilitiesJoin Peraton in advancing the safety, efficiency, and modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) through the FAA’s Brand New Air Traffic Control System (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.Help shape the future of U.S. airspace safety and efficiency. We are seeking a Test Automation Engineer SME to play a pivotal role in advancing how aviation systems are validated, modernized, and delivered. In this high-impact position, you will provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise to ensure Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) systems undergo rigorous, automated testing across development and modernization lifecycles. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of automation, DevSecOps, and mission-critical aviation systems, while gaining deep exposure to federal programs that directly impact the safety and reliability of the National Airspace System.Work Location:This position is 100% 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.Your ImpactLead the design, optimization, and scaling of test automation frameworks integrated into modern DevSecOps and CI/CD pipelines.Develop and maintain reusable automation libraries and frameworks that drive efficiency and consistency.Create advanced automated test scripts supporting functional, integration, regression, and performance testing.Ensure automation strategies align with safety-critical, compliance-driven, and certification-focused testing needs.Provide subject matter expertise on automation tools, frameworks, and industry best practices.Integrate automated testing into continuous testing pipelines, enabling faster, more confident releases.Collaborate with engineers, architects, and product owners to ensure systems are designed for testability.Manage defect tracking, root cause analysis, and automation-driven remediation efforts.Evaluate and recommend test automation tools and platforms aligned with FAA requirements and constraints.Mentor test engineers and analysts in automation methodologies, scripting, and coding best practices.Conduct code reviews and framework audits to ensure quality, scalability, and long-term reuse.Produce and present automation coverage metrics, dashboards, and executive-level reports.Support test readiness reviews, system certification, and compliance activities for FAA leadership.Serve as a technical leader driving automation strategy and advanced testing initiatives across FAA programs.Why This Opportunity Stands ApartThis role places you at the center of aviation modernization efforts at one of the FAA’s most important technical hubs. You won’t just contribute code you will influence architecture, mentor teams, and help define how secure, scalable systems are built in a regulated, safety-critical environment. You’ll work on nationally significant programs, collaborate with engineering leaders, and help modernize systems that directly impact the safety of U.S. airspace. Few development roles offer this level of visibility, responsibility, and mission alignment.The mission is consequential. The responsibility is real. The impact is nationwide. Your work will:Strengthen the safety of the U.S. aviation system.Support nationally significant modernization initiatives.Place you at the forefront of mission-driven federal engineering.QualificationsBasic Qualifications:U.S. Citizenship Required.Must have the ability to obtain / maintain a Public Trust clearance.Bachelor’s degree and 12 years of experience or Associate’s degree and 14 years’ experience or HS diploma/equivalent and 16 years experience. Proven expertise in test automation tools (Robot Framework and Playwright).Proficiency in programming and scripting languages (Codebeamer or Spira Test).Experience integrating automated tests with CI/CD platforms (Jenkins, GitLab, Azure DevOps).Familiarity with cloud-based automation testing in AWS, Azure, or hybrid environments.Knowledge of test management tools (JIRA, TestRail, HP ALM).Preferred Qualifications:Exposure to FAA programs or NAS systems.Experience with FAA systems, federal modernization efforts, or mission-critical test automation environments.Proven experience with Linux.Proficiency with TypeScript, HTML5, CSS3, and modern JavaScript (ES6+).Strong understanding of API testing tools (Postman, REST Assured, SoapUI).Experience with performance and load testing automation (JMeter, LoadRunner).Experience with relational databases such as PostgreSQL.Familiarity with unit testing frameworks including JUnit, Mocha, and Jasmine.Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker or Kubernetes.Understanding of DevOps principles and CI/CD pipelines.Experience scripting test tools and simulators.Experience supporting performance, stability, and regression test execution.#BNATCPeraton 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$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.Job SummaryRequisition ID: 2026-169903Position Category: Information TechnologyClearance: Public Trust