Aviation Safety SME

Peraton • Bethesda, MD

2d

About The Position

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. Be a trusted voice for safety in the nation’s airspace. Peraton is seeking an Aviation Safety SME to support high-impact Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs. In this role, you will serve as a critical link between FAA leadership, aviation operators, and local communities ensuring safety remains at the forefront as FAA modernization and operational initiatives move forward. You will help translate FAA safety standards into real-world practice, support compliance and Safety Management System (SMS) adoption, and lead meaningful engagement that strengthens trust across the aviation community. Why This Role Matters This is more than a safety role it’s an opportunity to lead, influence, and make a national impact in aviation. Safety is the foundation of the National Airspace System. As an Aviation Safety SME, your work directly supports the FAA’s mission to keep U.S. air travel safe, resilient, and globally trusted. You will help ensure stakeholders are informed, aligned, and ready playing a vital role in safeguarding aviation operations nationwide.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• Must have the ability to obtain / maintain a Public Trust clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree and 12 years of experience or Masters degree and 10 years or Associate’s degree and 14 years experience or HS diploma/equivalent and 16 years experience.
• Experience in aviation safety, stakeholder relations, or program coordination.
• Strong knowledge of aviation safety standards, Safety Management Systems (SMS) principles, and regulations.
• Experience coordinating with federal, state or local aviation authorities.
• Experience developing community engagement and outreach campaigns in aviation contexts.
• Strong understanding of aviation safety challenges in diverse operational environments.
• Experience supporting incident response, investigations, or safety risk management.
• Certification in Safety Management (e.g., Certified Safety Professional [CSP], Certified Systems Engineering Professional [CSEP] with safety emphasis, ASP - Associate Safety Professional, SMS Safety Mgmt Specialist, CHST Construction Safety).

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with FAA NextGen programs and NAS modernization efforts.
• Experience supporting FAA NextGen modernization programs or NAS-related initiatives.
• Experience supporting federal agencies, preferably FAA, DOT, DHS, or DoD.
• Master’s degree in Aviation Safety, Systems Engineering, or Public Policy.
• Professional certifications such as AAAE Certified Member (C.M.).
• Direct experience supporting FAA safety offices, airports, or airline safety programs.
• Familiarity with international aviation safety standards (ICAO, EUROCONTROL, or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary safety liaison between FAA leadership, operators, and aviation stakeholders.
• Act as a bridge between FAA technical teams and external partners, translating safety standards into clear, actionable practices.
• Support the rollout of FAA safety initiatives, programs, and compliance activities.
• Lead safety communications, outreach, and stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Gather and synthesize feedback from local operators and communities to inform FAA planning and decision-making.
• Facilitate safety briefings, workshops, and information sessions for diverse audiences.
• Monitor and track adoption of Safety Management System (SMS) practices.
• Support incident communications, investigations, and corrective action tracking.
• Ensure FAA safety policies and modernization efforts remain aligned with local operational needs.
• Prepare audit-ready safety documentation, compliance reports, and executive-level updates.
• Provide clear recommendations and insights to FAA leadership to support continuous safety improvement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level