Advanced Capabilities Engineer - NRO Programs Lead

ResponsibilitiesAdvanced Capabilities Engineer – NRO Programs LeadWithin 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 National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) opportunities. This is a full-time, on-site position based at Peraton locations in the Northern Virginia area, with regular presence at NRO 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 NRO mission understanding into winning technical approaches. You have spent enough of your career on NRO programs to understand how the NRO thinks, what it values, and what a credible technical solution looks like in their eyes.This role is designed for a mid-career systems engineer or technical architect who has led or significantly contributed to technical volumes on competitive NRO proposals — and who is ready to step into a role where that skill is the primary contribution. You will work closely with the NRO Mission Domain Expert, the CTO Office's Next-Gen Technology Engineers, and the Growth Organization to ensure Peraton's NRO 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 NRO proposals, owning the content from outline through final submissionEngage with NRO program offices and technical directorates during pre-RFP phases to build understanding of requirements, evaluation criteria, and mission prioritiesCollaborate with the NRO Mission Domain Expert to translate customer relationships and mission insight into technically differentiated proposal strategiesWork with Next-Gen Technology Engineers in AI/data fusion, networking, and cloud to incorporate emerging capabilities into NRO technical solutionsConduct competitive analysis and develop differentiation strategies that highlight Peraton's unique technical value for NRO pursuitsSupport bid/no-bid assessments by providing technically grounded Pwin analysis and honest evaluation of Peraton's competitive positionParticipate in color team reviews — both as author and as reviewer — providing and receiving substantive technical feedbackMaintain awareness of NRO acquisition pipeline, technology priorities, and program office activity to inform pursuit strategyMentor junior engineers and proposal contributors on technical writing, solution architecture, and proposal best practicesQualificationsRequired Qualifications:A minimum of 8+ years of experience with a BS/BA in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, 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 degreeDirect experience supporting NRO programs — you understand NRO's organizational structure, acquisition processes, and mission priorities from having worked within that environmentDemonstrated experience leading or significantly contributing to technical volumes on competitive NRO proposals — you have owned sections, not just reviewed themStrong systems engineering background — ability to architect solutions, develop concepts of operations, and translate requirements into technical approachesExperience with one or more of the following NRO mission areas: enterprise IT and infrastructure, intelligence data processing and exploitation, ground systems and base-end networking, or systems engineering and integrationProven ability to work effectively in fast-paced proposal environments with compressed timelines and evolving requirementsStrong written communication skills — ability to write clear, compelling, evaluator-focused technical contentAn active TS/SCI with polygraph is requiredDesired Qualifications:Prior career within NRO, a major NRO contractor, or a closely affiliated intelligence community program officeExperience on NRO SE&I contracts, enterprise IT programs, or large-scale classified infrastructure programsFamiliarity with NRO acquisition frameworks, contracting vehicles, and program office structures across technical directoratesUnderstanding of NRO's data architecture modernization priorities, including cloud-based exploitation and enterprise data fabric conceptsExperience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and digital engineering practices in classified environmentsINCOSE certification (ASEP, CSEP) or PMP certificationExperience working alongside or in support of a business development or capture team on NRO opportunitiesBenefits: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$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: 2026-166292Position Category: GrowthClearance: Top Secret/SCI w/Poly