Downloadable Version

(REPRINTED UNDER LICENSE FROM THE SAN ANTONIO BUSINESS JOURNAL)

By Zoe Gottlieb

Peraton, a national security-focused technology company, has opened an office inside the Capital Factory at Port San Antonio. From left to right: Peraton Capital Factory team members Andrew Hill, Ana Hix, Justin Burley and Bridget Bushman-Fischer. Image courtesy of Peraton.

The office, which is strategically located near defense contractors, cybersecurity providers and the Sixteenth Air Force, a United States Air Force organization focused on information warfare, will help deepen its existing relationships in the Alamo City and "fuel synergies with federal agencies, industry, academia, and San Antonio's tech corridor," company officials say.

"The Port is thrilled to welcome Peraton to a distinguished list of brands on the campus, serving our defense and commercial markets," said Will Garrett, vice president of talent, technology development and integration at Port San Antonio. "Peraton has been in San Antonio supporting the Defense Health Agency, both from the port's campus and other locations, for a number of years, but this specific new office location ... brings the full breadth and depth of their electronic warfare capabilities that will add yet another unique mix of solutions, technology and talent to the port's campus."

Peraton supports the DHA with several hundred employees at Port San Antonio and the intelligence community with a handful of employees in the San Antonio area. In an interview with the Business Journal, Tom Afferton, president of Peraton's Cyber Mission Sector, said the company was interested in opening an office at the port because of its proximity to the Air Force and the Air Force Lifecycle Management Center.

"They support a lot of the work the Air Force does in cybersecurity and information warfare, and that is an area that we were looking to expand our presence in San Antonio," Afferton said.

Peraton reports it is seeking to expand its work in San Antonio to include cybersecurity, systems engineering and developing capabilities for the Air Force, U.S. Cyber Command and the intelligence community. In support of this expansion, the company is actively recruiting for 35 positions in San Antonio, with an emphasis on cybersecurity, systems engineering, software development and intelligence analysis. Many of the positions require security clearance – but not all, especially those working with civilian agencies and the DHA.

The open positions are well suited for veterans, particularly those with cybersecurity experience. Ranked among the "Top Veteran-Friendly Companies in 2023" by U.S. Veterans Magazine, Peraton is an authorized SkillBridge organization and offers apprenticeships for veterans wishing to explore new industries.

"We have a program where we have people from the military that want to change their focus entirely. Maybe they were more involved with transportation and logistics, and now they want to become involved with cybersecurity," said Jeff Berlet, senior technology director for Peraton's Cyber Mission Sector. "We have an apprenticeship program to allow those military retirees to regain or learn those skills and then (join) entry-level cyber positions at Peraton."

Peraton's investment in San Antonio will extend beyond its hiring efforts. As a member of the University of Texas at San Antonio's National Security Collaboration Center, Berlet said the company plans to spend research and development dollars on technology innovations in San Antonio. While most of those funds will go toward cybersecurity research, Peraton will also invest in advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning and large language model research. Peraton also supports the local Armed Forces Communications and Electronic Association chapter and sponsors the annual Alamo AFCEA Chapter Event.

Following in the footsteps of Leidos, GDIT and IntelliGenesis, Peraton's arrival marks the fourth cybersecurity company in under a year to plant its flag at Port San Antonio.

"Very specific to the Boeing Center and our Tech Port strategy, we expect for Peraton to support the acceleration of talent across the campus," Garrett said.