Automation Systems Workstream Safety Lead

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.

 

Help shape the future of U.S. airspace safety and efficiency. We are seeking a Automation Systems Workstream Safety Lead to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. The ideal candidate will provide oversight, technical leadership, and safety assurance for FAA automation initiatives. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring that automation systems across the National Airspace System (NAS) meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and compliance. You will As a safety lead, you will play a critical role in protecting aviation infrastructure and the traveling public.This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain in-depth experience in federal contracting while supporting high-visibility aviation programs.

 

In this position, you will:

• Lead the safety oversight of automation systems workstreams, ensuring compliance with FAA and federal safety standards.

• Develop, implement, and monitor safety risk management processes, including hazard identification and mitigation strategies.

• Provide technical leadership on safety assessments, safety cases, and assurance documentation.

• Collaborate with system architects, engineers, and subcontractors to embed safety requirements into system designs.

• Oversee verification, validation, and testing of automation solutions to ensure safe performance under operational loads.

• Prepare and present safety assessments, risk reports, and recommendations to FAA leadership.

• Ensure alignment with FAA safety management systems (SMS), regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices.

• Serve as the point of contact for safety-related reviews, audits, and compliance activities.

• Mentor and guide engineering teams in applying safety standards, processes, and best practices.

• Monitor emerging technologies to assess potential safety impacts of new automation solutions.

• Conduct safety reviews, risk assessments, and compliance audits.
• Collaborate with engineers, program managers, and subcontractors to integrate safety considerations into system designs, testing, and operations. 
• Support system verification, validation, and certification activities.

Why This Role Matters

 

The FAA is the cornerstone of aviation safety and innovation. The Automation Systems Workstream Safety Lead ensures that as automation scales, it is implemented without compromise to safety and operational integrity. By embedding safety frameworks, compliance standards, and risk management into every stage of automation initiatives, you will directly protect lives, safeguard infrastructure, and ensure public confidence in the future of aviation systems.

Basic Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• Must have the ability to obtain / maintain a Public Trust clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience or Masters degree and 6 years or or Associate’s degree and 10 years’ experience or HS diploma/equivalent and 12 years experience.  
• Experience in safety engineering, systems safety, or automation systems oversight.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations, standards, and Safety Management Systems (SMS).
• Experience with safety risk management, hazard analysis, and failure mode assessments (FMEA/FMECA).
• Familiarity with automation systems, control systems, or large-scale IT/engineering programs.
• Proficiency with safety analysis tools and modeling techniques.
• Experience preparing audit-ready safety documentation and compliance artifacts.
• Proven ability to manage safety-related risks in complex, mission-critical environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct FAA or NAS configuration management experience.
• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Systems Engineering, Aviation Safety, or related discipline.
• Certifications such as CSEP (Certified Systems Engineering Professional), CSSGB/CSSBB (Six Sigma Safety/Quality), or CSP (Certified Safety Professional).
• Direct experience with FAA safety programs, DOT aviation safety initiatives, or DHS critical infrastructure safety projects.
• Familiarity with DO-178C/DO-254 standards for software and hardware safety assurance.
• Experience integrating AI/ML or advanced automation with safety oversight frameworks.
• Recognized contributions to safety standards development or safety policy guidance.
• Knowledge of federal aviation modernization programs, including FAA NextGen initiatives.
• Strong background in incident investigation and root cause analysis.

#BNATC

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.

$86,000 - $138,000. 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.

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