Technical Lead - Digital Twin Research and Aviation Modeling

ResponsibilitiesPeraton Labs is seeking a Technical Lead to directly support digital twin research and development efforts within the BNATCS CTO organization by helping shape, coordinate, and execute technical efforts related to aviation digital twins, NAS modeling and simulation, data integration, and future-state airspace modernization analysis. Within this role you will help ensure digital twin efforts are not just technically sophisticated, but also usable, explainable, operationally relevant, and aligned to the long-term modernization of the National Airspace System.The ideal candidate will bring a strong combination of aviation domain knowledge, modeling and simulation experience, systems engineering judgment, and technical leadership. This person will help translate FAA modernization needs into executable digital twin concepts, simulation requirements, analytical products, and technical roadmaps that support BNATCS planning, validation, and decision-making.This role is intended for a senior technical leader who can work with aviation SMEs, systems engineers, data scientists, AI/ML engineers, software teams, program leadership, and FAA stakeholders to ensure digital twin efforts are technically credible, operationally relevant, and aligned to FAA BNATCS mission objectives.Key responsibilities may include:Help lead technical planning and execution of digital twin research efforts supporting BNATCS CTO objectivesSupport the development of digital twin concepts, architectures, use cases, and technical roadmaps for NAS modernizationAssist with adapting Peraton Labs’ agentic AI and digital twin capabilities to BNATCS program needsDefine modeling and simulation requirements based on FAA operational needs, system engineering objectives, safety considerations, and stakeholder prioritiesGuide the design of digital twin capabilities representing NAS elements such as airspace operations, surveillance, communications, facilities, ground systems, procedures, and human-in-the-loop considerationsEstablish model interoperability approaches, data exchange expectations, model fidelity guidance, and integration patterns across digital twin and simulation environmentsWork with data, AI/ML, software, and systems engineering teams to identify and integrate required data sources, data dependencies, model inputs, outputs, assumptions, and validation methodsEvaluate how digital twin environments can support operational analysis, system validation, technology insertion, facility modernization, outage analysis, resilience planning, and future NAS concept evaluationIdentify technical risks, dependencies, integration challenges, sequencing concerns, and capability gaps associated with digital twin developmentTranslate complex simulation results, model outputs, and analytical findings into clear, actionable insights and products for technical and non-technical stakeholdersEvaluate emerging tools, technologies, vendor capabilities, open-source solutions, and Peraton Labs R&D efforts for potential application to digital twin research and developmentEnsure digital twin efforts align with BNATCS program objectives, Model-Based Systems Engineering practices, CTO advanced analytics initiatives, and FAA stakeholder needsQualificationsRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree with 16+ years of experience, Master’s degree with 14+ years, or 10+ years with a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Operations Research, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field 7+ years of relevant experience in aviation systems, aerospace systems, modeling and simulation, digital twins, systems engineering, advanced analytics, or complex technical integrationDemonstrated experience leading or contributing to modeling, simulation, digital twin, or system-of-systems analytical environmentsStrong understanding of aviation operations, air traffic management, NAS systems, FAA operations, aerospace modernization, or related complex operational environmentsExperience translating operational needs, stakeholder questions, or system constraints into technical requirements, simulation approaches, analytical methods, or research plansFamiliarity with model fidelity tradeoffs, simulation validation, data integration, technical architecture development, and model interoperability conceptsAbility to identify technical risks, integration dependencies, assumptions, limitations, and validation requirements for complex analytical or simulation-based effortsStrong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief senior technical, government, and industry stakeholdersAbility to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments with evolving requirements, incomplete data, and complex stakeholder needsUS Citizenship with ability to obtain/maintain an FAA Public Trust suitabilityDesired QualificationsDirect experience supporting FAA, NAS modernization, NextGen, ERAM, STARS, TFDM, DataComm, SWIM, or