About this role
Position Overview:
SAIC is seeking an accomplished growth executive to lead business development, strategic client engagement, and market expansion across its FAA Mission Systems portfolio.
The ideal candidate brings extensive knowledge of the FAA's operational mission, particularly air traffic management, training, simulation, and National Airspace System modernization, combined with demonstrated success driving growth within the aerospace, aviation technology, or federal government contracting industry.
Candidates with prior senior executive experience at the FAA, particularly within the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), are highly desirable. However, the primary selection criteria will be demonstrated industry leadership, FAA mission expertise, established client relationships, and a proven ability to develop pipelines and win major contracts.
This position carries direct accountability for qualified pipeline growth, new business bookings, strategic captures, and expansion of SAIC's FAA Mission Systems business.
Required Education and Experience:
- Must have a Bachelors degree and 17 years of experience, Masters and 15 years of experience. May accept additional years of experience in lieu of a degree.
- Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in aviation, aerospace, federal mission systems, or government contracting, including significant business development or client leadership responsibilities.
- Minimum three years of industry experience with a major aerospace, aviation technology, defense, or federal government contracting organization.
- Demonstrated success developing and executing growth strategies for large, complex federal programs, preferably within the FAA market.
- Proven experience building and managing qualified business development pipelines and contributing materially to major competitive contract wins.
- Strong understanding of FAA mission systems, including air traffic management, simulation, training, NAS modernization, or related aviation operational capabilities.
- Knowledge of federal acquisition processes, competitive procurement strategies, and large-scale systems integration programs.
- Ability to develop and maintain executive-level relationships across government and industry.
- Experience leading cross-functional business development, capture, technical, and operational teams.
- Strong executive presence, strategic thinking, and demonstrated commercial accountability.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior senior executive or senior leadership experience within the FAA, particularly the Air Traffic Organization (ATO).
- Former FAA Executive Director, Vice President, Associate Administrator, or equivalent senior leadership position.
- Significant experience with a major FAA mission systems contractor or aviation technology provider, including Peraton, Leidos, RTX, Boeing, Indra, Thales, or comparable organizations.
- Established relationships with senior FAA mission, operational, acquisition, and modernization leadership.
- Demonstrated success shaping and winning major FAA air traffic management, training, simulation, or NAS modernization contracts.
- Experience developing and executing strategic partnerships with aviation OEMs, systems integrators, and technology providers.
- Familiarity with international air traffic management technologies and their applicability to the NAS.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- The ideal candidate is a highly respected aviation industry executive with deep FAA mission knowledge, strong executive relationships, and a demonstrated record of business growth.
- A former senior FAA ATO executive who has successfully transitioned into industry and spent at least three years in a growth-oriented role with a major government contractor would be particularly attractive.
- Equally compelling would be a seasoned industry executive who has spent significant time supporting the FAA, understands its mission and acquisition environment, and has successfully led major business development and capture initiatives.
- Above all, SAIC seeks a growth leader, not simply a former government executive or strategic advisor. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to translate mission understanding, client engagement, and industry partnerships into measurable pipeline growth and contract wins.