<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<linkbase xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#CoverPage" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/CoverPage" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheet" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheet" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityParenthetical" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#OrganizationAndBusinessOperations" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/OrganizationAndBusinessOperations" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#SignificantAccountingPolicies" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/SignificantAccountingPolicies" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#PublicOffering" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/PublicOffering" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactions" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#DeferredUnderwritingCompensation" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/DeferredUnderwritingCompensation" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxes" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/IncomeTaxes" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrust" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrust" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#FairValueMeasurement" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/FairValueMeasurement" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#StockholdersEquity" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/StockholdersEquity" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#SubsequentEvents" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/SubsequentEvents" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#SignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesTables" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementTables" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/FairValueMeasurementTables" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#SubsequentEventsTables" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/SubsequentEventsTables" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsAdditionalInformationDetails" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#SignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfNumeratorAndDenominatorUsedToCompluteBasicAndDulitedNetIncomeLossPerShareDetails" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfNumeratorAndDenominatorUsedToCompluteBasicAndDulitedNetIncomeLossPerShareDetails" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#SignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#PublicOfferingAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/PublicOfferingAdditionalInformationDetails" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetails" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#DeferredUnderwritingCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/DeferredUnderwritingCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesSummaryOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDetails" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/IncomeTaxesSummaryOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDetails" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesComponentsOfProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetails" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsOfProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetails" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/IncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetails" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrustAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrustAdditionalInformationDetails" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementScheduleOfAssetsMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/FairValueMeasurementScheduleOfAssetsMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#StockholdersEquityAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/StockholdersEquityAdditionalInformationDetails" />
<roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#SubsequentEventsDetails" roleURI="http://www.pae.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails" />
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/CoverPage">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:label="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_631376" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_631399" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_631376" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_631399" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_631401" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_631399" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_631401" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_631402" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_631401" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_631402" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_631403" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_631402" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_631403" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_WarrantsMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_WarrantsMember_631472" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_631402" xlink:to="loc_pae_WarrantsMember_631472" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_631399" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_631381" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_631381" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentAnnualReport" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentAnnualReport_631412" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentAnnualReport_631412" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_631385" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_631385" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_631429" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_631429" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_631430" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_631430" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_631379" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_631379" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_631380" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_631380" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_631382" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_631382" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_631383" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_631383" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_631384" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_631384" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_631386" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_631386" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_631387" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_631387" use="optional" order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer_631388" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer_631388" use="optional" order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_631389" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_631389" use="optional" order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers_631390" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers_631390" use="optional" order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_631562" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_631562" use="optional" order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_631391" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_631391" use="optional" order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_631393" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_631393" use="optional" order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_631392" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_631392" use="optional" order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityExTransitionPeriod" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityExTransitionPeriod_631395" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityExTransitionPeriod_631395" use="optional" order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_631396" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_631396" use="optional" order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityPublicFloat" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityPublicFloat_631398" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityPublicFloat_631398" use="optional" order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_631409" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_631409" use="optional" order="29" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_631477" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_631477" use="optional" order="30" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_631479" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_631479" use="optional" order="31" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_631480" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_631480" use="optional" order="32" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_631483" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_631483" use="optional" order="33" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_631484" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_631484" use="optional" order="34" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_631511" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_631511" use="optional" order="35" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_631523" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_631523" use="optional" order="36" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:label="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_631524" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_631524" use="optional" order="37" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:label="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_631535" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_631535" use="optional" order="38" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:label="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_631545" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_631405" xlink:to="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_631545" use="optional" order="39" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheet">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_29" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_30" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_30" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_31" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_31" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_32" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_32" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_37" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_37" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_CommonClassFMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_CommonClassFMember_38" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_32" xlink:to="loc_pae_CommonClassFMember_38" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_33" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_33" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_34" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_34" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_39" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_39" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent_41" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent_41" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_42" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_42" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_631685" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_631685" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrustNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrustNoncurrent_43" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrustNoncurrent_43" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_44" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_44" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_35" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_35" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_46" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_46" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_AccrualForStateFranchiseTaxesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_pae_AccrualForStateFranchiseTaxesCurrent_47" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_35" xlink:to="loc_pae_AccrualForStateFranchiseTaxesCurrent_47" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent_49" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent_49" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_50" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_50" use="optional" order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensationLiabilityNonCurrent" xlink:label="loc_pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensationLiabilityNonCurrent_51" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_35" xlink:to="loc_pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensationLiabilityNonCurrent_51" use="optional" order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_52" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_52" use="optional" order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_53" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_53" use="optional" order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent_54" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent_54" use="optional" order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_36" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_36" use="optional" order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_55" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_55" use="optional" order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_56" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_56" use="optional" order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_57" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_57" use="optional" order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_58" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_58" use="optional" order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_59" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_59" use="optional" order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_60" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_60" use="optional" order="29" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_62" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_63" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_63" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_64" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_64" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_65" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_65" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_67" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_67" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_CommonClassFMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_CommonClassFMember_68" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_65" xlink:to="loc_pae_CommonClassFMember_68" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_66" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_66" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued_69" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued_69" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_71" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_71" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityRedemptionPricePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityRedemptionPricePerShare_70" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityRedemptionPricePerShare_70" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_72" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_72" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_73" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_73" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_74" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_74" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_75" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_75" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_76" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_76" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_77" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_77" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_78" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_78" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_80" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_81" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_81" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_82" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_82" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_83" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_83" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_86" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_86" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_CommonClassFMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_CommonClassFMember_87" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_83" xlink:to="loc_pae_CommonClassFMember_87" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_84" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_84" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfessionalFees" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfessionalFees_88" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfessionalFees_88" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes_89" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes_89" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_90" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_90" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeNonoperating" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeNonoperating_91" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeNonoperating_91" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_92" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_92" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_93" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_93" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_94" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_94" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract_85" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract_85" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicAndDilutedShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicAndDilutedShare_95" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract_85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicAndDilutedShare_95" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_97" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_98" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_98" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_99" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_99" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_100" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_100" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_104" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_100" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_104" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_105" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_100" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_105" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_101" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_101" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_102" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_101" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_102" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_106" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_102" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_106" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_CommonClassFMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_CommonClassFMember_107" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_102" xlink:to="loc_pae_CommonClassFMember_107" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares_632170" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares_632170" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_632171" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_632171" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_108" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_108" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_109" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_109" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationForfeited" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationForfeited_110" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationForfeited_110" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationForfeited" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationForfeited_111" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationForfeited_111" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_112" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_112" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_113" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_113" use="optional" order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued_114" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued_114" use="optional" order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalUnderwritersDiscounts" xlink:label="loc_pae_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalUnderwritersDiscounts_115" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" xlink:to="loc_pae_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalUnderwritersDiscounts_115" use="optional" order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_116" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_116" use="optional" order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedDeferredIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_pae_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedDeferredIssuanceCosts_117" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" xlink:to="loc_pae_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedDeferredIssuanceCosts_117" use="optional" order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_ReclassificationsOfPermanentToTemporaryEquity" xlink:label="loc_pae_ReclassificationsOfPermanentToTemporaryEquity_118" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" xlink:to="loc_pae_ReclassificationsOfPermanentToTemporaryEquity_118" use="optional" order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_ReclassificationFromPermanentToTemporaryEquityInShares" xlink:label="loc_pae_ReclassificationFromPermanentToTemporaryEquityInShares_119" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" xlink:to="loc_pae_ReclassificationFromPermanentToTemporaryEquityInShares_119" use="optional" order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_120" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_120" use="optional" order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_121" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_121" use="optional" order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_122" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_122" use="optional" order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityParenthetical">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_124" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_125" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_124" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_125" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_126" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_125" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_126" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_127" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_126" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_127" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_129" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_127" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_129" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_128" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_125" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_128" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_130" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_128" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_130" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_131" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_128" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_131" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_SaleOfWarrantsPricePerWarrant" xlink:label="loc_pae_SaleOfWarrantsPricePerWarrant_132" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_128" xlink:to="loc_pae_SaleOfWarrantsPricePerWarrant_132" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued_133" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_128" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued_133" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityRedemptionPricePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityRedemptionPricePerShare_134" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_128" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityRedemptionPricePerShare_134" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_136" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_137" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_136" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_137" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_141" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_137" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_141" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPropertyAndOtherTaxesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPropertyAndOtherTaxesPayable_142" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_137" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPropertyAndOtherTaxesPayable_142" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpense_143" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_137" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpense_143" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredOfferingCosts" xlink:label="loc_pae_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredOfferingCosts_144" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_137" xlink:to="loc_pae_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredOfferingCosts_144" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes_638385" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_137" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes_638385" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable_145" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_137" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable_145" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities_146" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_137" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities_146" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_147" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_137" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_147" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_138" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_136" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_138" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments_148" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_138" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments_148" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_ReinvestmentOfTrustAccountEarnings" xlink:label="loc_pae_ReinvestmentOfTrustAccountEarnings_149" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_138" xlink:to="loc_pae_ReinvestmentOfTrustAccountEarnings_149" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_150" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_138" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_150" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_139" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_136" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_139" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_151" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_139" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_151" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants_152" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_139" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants_152" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyNotesAndAdvancesPayable" xlink:label="loc_pae_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyNotesAndAdvancesPayable_153" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_139" xlink:to="loc_pae_ProceedsFromRelatedPartyNotesAndAdvancesPayable_153" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_154" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_139" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_154" use="optional" order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PaymentsOfRelatedPartyNotesAndAdvancesPayable" xlink:label="loc_pae_PaymentsOfRelatedPartyNotesAndAdvancesPayable_155" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_139" xlink:to="loc_pae_PaymentsOfRelatedPartyNotesAndAdvancesPayable_155" use="optional" order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PaymentOfUpfrontUnderwritingDiscount" xlink:label="loc_pae_PaymentOfUpfrontUnderwritingDiscount_156" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_139" xlink:to="loc_pae_PaymentOfUpfrontUnderwritingDiscount_156" use="optional" order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PaymentOfAccruedOfferingCosts" xlink:label="loc_pae_PaymentOfAccruedOfferingCosts_157" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_139" xlink:to="loc_pae_PaymentOfAccruedOfferingCosts_157" use="optional" order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_158" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_139" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_158" use="optional" order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_159" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_136" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_159" use="optional" order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_160" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_136" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_160" use="optional" order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_161" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_136" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_161" use="optional" order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_140" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_136" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_140" use="optional" order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensation" xlink:label="loc_pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensation_162" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_140" xlink:to="loc_pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensation_162" use="optional" order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_OfferingCostsIncludedInAccruedExpenses" xlink:label="loc_pae_OfferingCostsIncludedInAccruedExpenses_163" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_140" xlink:to="loc_pae_OfferingCostsIncludedInAccruedExpenses_163" use="optional" order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid_164" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_140" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid_164" use="optional" order="29" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/OrganizationAndBusinessOperations">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_166" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NatureOfOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NatureOfOperations_167" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_166" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NatureOfOperations_167" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/SignificantAccountingPolicies">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_169" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_170" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_169" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_170" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/PublicOffering">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PublicOfferingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_pae_PublicOfferingAbstract_172" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PublicOfferingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_pae_PublicOfferingDisclosureTextBlock_173" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_PublicOfferingAbstract_172" xlink:to="loc_pae_PublicOfferingDisclosureTextBlock_173" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_175" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_176" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_175" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_176" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/DeferredUnderwritingCompensation">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensationAbstract_178" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensationDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensationDisclosureTextBlock_179" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensationAbstract_178" xlink:to="loc_pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensationDisclosureTextBlock_179" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/IncomeTaxes">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_181" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_182" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_181" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_182" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrust">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrustAbstract" xlink:label="loc_pae_InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrustAbstract_184" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrustTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_pae_InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrustTextBlock_185" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrustAbstract_184" xlink:to="loc_pae_InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrustTextBlock_185" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/FairValueMeasurement">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_187" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_188" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_187" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_188" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/StockholdersEquity">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_190" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_191" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_190" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_191" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/SubsequentEvents">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_193" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_194" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_193" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_194" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_196" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_197" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_196" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_197" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_198" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_196" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_198" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRisk" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRisk_199" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_196" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRisk_199" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_200" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_196" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicy_200" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_OfferingCostPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_pae_OfferingCostPolicyTextBlock_201" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_196" xlink:to="loc_pae_OfferingCostPolicyTextBlock_201" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_RedeemableCommonStockPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_pae_RedeemableCommonStockPolicyTextBlock_202" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_196" xlink:to="loc_pae_RedeemableCommonStockPolicyTextBlock_202" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UseOfEstimates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_203" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_196" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_203" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_204" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_196" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_204" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock_205" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_196" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock_205" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_TrustAccountPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_pae_TrustAccountPolicyTextBlock_206" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_196" xlink:to="loc_pae_TrustAccountPolicyTextBlock_206" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_207" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_196" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_207" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesTables">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_210" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_211" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_210" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_211" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_213" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock_214" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_213" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock_214" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock_215" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_213" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock_215" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_216" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_213" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_216" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/FairValueMeasurementTables">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_218" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTextBlock_219" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_218" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTextBlock_219" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/SubsequentEventsTables">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract_631832" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock_631833" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract_631832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock_631833" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsAdditionalInformationDetails">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_221" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsTable_222" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_221" xlink:to="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsTable_222" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_632237" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsTable_222" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_632237" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_632238" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_632237" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_632238" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_632240" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_632238" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_632240" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_632241" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsTable_222" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_632241" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_632242" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_632241" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_632242" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_EapMergerSubIncMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_EapMergerSubIncMember_632243" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_632242" xlink:to="loc_pae_EapMergerSubIncMember_632243" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_EapMergerSubIiLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_EapMergerSubIiLlcMember_632246" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_632242" xlink:to="loc_pae_EapMergerSubIiLlcMember_632246" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_632247" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsTable_222" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_632247" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_632248" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_632247" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_632248" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_ProposedPaeBusinessCombinationMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_ProposedPaeBusinessCombinationMember_632250" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_632248" xlink:to="loc_pae_ProposedPaeBusinessCombinationMember_632250" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_ShayHoldingCorporationMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_ShayHoldingCorporationMember_634323" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_632248" xlink:to="loc_pae_ShayHoldingCorporationMember_634323" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis_634470" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsTable_222" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis_634470" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain_634471" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis_634470" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain_634471" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_634473" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain_634471" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_634473" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_CommonClassFMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_CommonClassFMember_634503" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain_634471" xlink:to="loc_pae_CommonClassFMember_634503" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_pae_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTypeAxis_634495" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsTable_222" xlink:to="loc_pae_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTypeAxis_634495" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_pae_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTypeDomain_634496" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTypeAxis_634495" xlink:to="loc_pae_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTypeDomain_634496" use="optional" order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_AdditionalStockConsiderationMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_AdditionalStockConsiderationMember_634499" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTypeDomain_634496" xlink:to="loc_pae_AdditionalStockConsiderationMember_634499" use="optional" order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_223" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsTable_222" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_223" use="optional" order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_224" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_223" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_224" use="optional" order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember_228" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_224" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrivatePlacementMember_228" use="optional" order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_225" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsTable_222" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_225" use="optional" order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_226" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_225" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_226" use="optional" order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_229" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_226" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_229" use="optional" order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_230" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_226" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_230" use="optional" order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsTable_222" xlink:to="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" use="optional" order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent_632233" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent_632233" use="optional" order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_632263" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_632263" use="optional" order="29" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_632266" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_632266" use="optional" order="30" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_632273" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_632273" use="optional" order="31" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_MaximumAdditionalEarnOutPaymentsToBePaid" xlink:label="loc_pae_MaximumAdditionalEarnOutPaymentsToBePaid_632327" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_pae_MaximumAdditionalEarnOutPaymentsToBePaid_632327" use="optional" order="32" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessFromCashHeldInTrustAccount" xlink:label="loc_pae_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessFromCashHeldInTrustAccount_632386" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_pae_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessFromCashHeldInTrustAccount_632386" use="optional" order="33" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement_632389" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement_632389" use="optional" order="34" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts_634439" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts_634439" use="optional" order="35" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_632403" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_632403" use="optional" order="36" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_SharesSubjectToCancellationInBusinessCombination" xlink:label="loc_pae_SharesSubjectToCancellationInBusinessCombination_632411" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_pae_SharesSubjectToCancellationInBusinessCombination_632411" use="optional" order="37" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_SharesSubjectToCancellationInPrivatePlacement" xlink:label="loc_pae_SharesSubjectToCancellationInPrivatePlacement_632430" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_pae_SharesSubjectToCancellationInPrivatePlacement_632430" use="optional" order="38" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_DiscountPriceIssuedInPrivatePlacementForParticipants" xlink:label="loc_pae_DiscountPriceIssuedInPrivatePlacementForParticipants_632446" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_pae_DiscountPriceIssuedInPrivatePlacementForParticipants_632446" use="optional" order="39" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockVotingRights" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockVotingRights_632452" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockVotingRights_632452" use="optional" order="40" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_632495" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_632495" use="optional" order="41" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare_634355" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare_634355" use="optional" order="42" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_RegulatoryWithdrawalOfInterestFromTrustAccountAnnualLimit" xlink:label="loc_pae_RegulatoryWithdrawalOfInterestFromTrustAccountAnnualLimit_233" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_pae_RegulatoryWithdrawalOfInterestFromTrustAccountAnnualLimit_233" use="optional" order="43" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_RegulatoryWithdrawalOfInterestFromTrustAccountMaximumPeriod" xlink:label="loc_pae_RegulatoryWithdrawalOfInterestFromTrustAccountMaximumPeriod_234" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_pae_RegulatoryWithdrawalOfInterestFromTrustAccountMaximumPeriod_234" use="optional" order="44" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_ThresholdPeriodToCompleteBusinessCombinationFromClosingOfPublicOffering" xlink:label="loc_pae_ThresholdPeriodToCompleteBusinessCombinationFromClosingOfPublicOffering_236" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_pae_ThresholdPeriodToCompleteBusinessCombinationFromClosingOfPublicOffering_236" use="optional" order="45" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PercentageOfFairMarketValueToAssetsHeldInTrustAccount" xlink:label="loc_pae_PercentageOfFairMarketValueToAssetsHeldInTrustAccount_237" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_pae_PercentageOfFairMarketValueToAssetsHeldInTrustAccount_237" use="optional" order="46" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_DissolutionExpensesMaximumAllowed" xlink:label="loc_pae_DissolutionExpensesMaximumAllowed_242" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsLineItems_227" xlink:to="loc_pae_DissolutionExpensesMaximumAllowed_242" use="optional" order="47" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfNumeratorAndDenominatorUsedToCompluteBasicAndDulitedNetIncomeLossPerShareDetails">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_244" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_245" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_244" xlink:to="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_245" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_246" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_245" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_246" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_247" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_246" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_247" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_251" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_247" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_251" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_CommonClassFMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_CommonClassFMember_252" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_247" xlink:to="loc_pae_CommonClassFMember_252" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_248" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_245" xlink:to="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_248" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_NumeratorAbstract" xlink:label="loc_pae_NumeratorAbstract_249" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_248" xlink:to="loc_pae_NumeratorAbstract_249" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_253" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_NumeratorAbstract_249" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_253" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_DenominatorAbstract" xlink:label="loc_pae_DenominatorAbstract_250" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_248" xlink:to="loc_pae_DenominatorAbstract_250" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted_254" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_DenominatorAbstract_250" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted_254" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted_255" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted_255" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_257" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_258" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_257" xlink:to="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_258" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_259" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_258" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_259" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_260" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_259" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_260" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IPOMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IPOMember_266" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_260" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IPOMember_266" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_261" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_258" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_261" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_262" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_261" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_262" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_267" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_262" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_267" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_263" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_258" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_263" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_264" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_263" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_264" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_268" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_264" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_268" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_265" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_258" xlink:to="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_265" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFDICInsuredAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFDICInsuredAmount_270" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_265" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFDICInsuredAmount_270" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCostsIncludingUnderwritersFees" xlink:label="loc_pae_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCostsIncludingUnderwritersFees_271" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_265" xlink:to="loc_pae_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCostsIncludingUnderwritersFees_271" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_272" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_265" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_272" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_ThresholdNetTangibleAssetsForRedemptionOfPublicShares" xlink:label="loc_pae_ThresholdNetTangibleAssetsForRedemptionOfPublicShares_273" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_265" xlink:to="loc_pae_ThresholdNetTangibleAssetsForRedemptionOfPublicShares_273" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued_274" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_265" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued_274" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationLikelihoodOfUnfavorableSettlement" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationLikelihoodOfUnfavorableSettlement_275" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_265" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationLikelihoodOfUnfavorableSettlement_275" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_276" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_265" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_276" use="optional" order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrustNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrustNoncurrent_277" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_265" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrustNoncurrent_277" use="optional" order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_RedemptionPercentageToAllowReleaseOfFundsHeldInTrust" xlink:label="loc_pae_RedemptionPercentageToAllowReleaseOfFundsHeldInTrust_278" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_265" xlink:to="loc_pae_RedemptionPercentageToAllowReleaseOfFundsHeldInTrust_278" use="optional" order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_ThresholdPeriodToCompleteBusinessCombinationFromClosingOfPublicOffering" xlink:label="loc_pae_ThresholdPeriodToCompleteBusinessCombinationFromClosingOfPublicOffering_279" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_265" xlink:to="loc_pae_ThresholdPeriodToCompleteBusinessCombinationFromClosingOfPublicOffering_279" use="optional" order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PercentageOfRedemptionIfBusinessCombinationNotCompleted" xlink:label="loc_pae_PercentageOfRedemptionIfBusinessCombinationNotCompleted_280" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_265" xlink:to="loc_pae_PercentageOfRedemptionIfBusinessCombinationNotCompleted_280" use="optional" order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_RegulatoryWithdrawalOfInterestFromTrustAccountMaximumPeriod" xlink:label="loc_pae_RegulatoryWithdrawalOfInterestFromTrustAccountMaximumPeriod_281" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_265" xlink:to="loc_pae_RegulatoryWithdrawalOfInterestFromTrustAccountMaximumPeriod_281" use="optional" order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/PublicOfferingAdditionalInformationDetails">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PublicOfferingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_pae_PublicOfferingAbstract_288" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_289" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_PublicOfferingAbstract_288" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_289" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_634068" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_289" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_634068" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_634076" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_634068" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_634076" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_634082" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_634076" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_634082" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_634108" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_289" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_634108" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_634109" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_634108" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_634109" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PrivatePlacementWarrantMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_PrivatePlacementWarrantMember_634110" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_634109" xlink:to="loc_pae_PrivatePlacementWarrantMember_634110" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_290" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_289" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_290" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_291" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_290" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_291" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_297" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_291" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_297" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_292" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_289" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_292" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_293" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_293" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WarrantMember_298" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_293" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WarrantMember_298" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_294" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_289" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_294" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_295" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_294" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_295" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IPOMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IPOMember_299" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_295" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IPOMember_299" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember_300" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_295" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember_300" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_289" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" use="optional" order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_RedemptionPricePerWarrant" xlink:label="loc_pae_RedemptionPricePerWarrant_634059" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" xlink:to="loc_pae_RedemptionPricePerWarrant_634059" use="optional" order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_SharePriceThresholdPrice" xlink:label="loc_pae_SharePriceThresholdPrice_634062" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" xlink:to="loc_pae_SharePriceThresholdPrice_634062" use="optional" order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_634119" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_634119" use="optional" order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_SaleOfStockInitialPublicOfferingUnitsSold" xlink:label="loc_pae_SaleOfStockInitialPublicOfferingUnitsSold_301" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" xlink:to="loc_pae_SaleOfStockInitialPublicOfferingUnitsSold_301" use="optional" order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_303" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_303" use="optional" order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_304" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_304" use="optional" order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_NumberOfSharesThatContributeEachUnit" xlink:label="loc_pae_NumberOfSharesThatContributeEachUnit_305" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" xlink:to="loc_pae_NumberOfSharesThatContributeEachUnit_305" use="optional" order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_306" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_306" use="optional" order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_308" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_308" use="optional" order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_WarrantExercisableTermIfBusinessCombinationIsCompleted" xlink:label="loc_pae_WarrantExercisableTermIfBusinessCombinationIsCompleted_309" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" xlink:to="loc_pae_WarrantExercisableTermIfBusinessCombinationIsCompleted_309" use="optional" order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_WarrantExercisableTermFromClosingOfPublicOffer" xlink:label="loc_pae_WarrantExercisableTermFromClosingOfPublicOffer_310" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" xlink:to="loc_pae_WarrantExercisableTermFromClosingOfPublicOffer_310" use="optional" order="29" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_WarrantExpirationTerm" xlink:label="loc_pae_WarrantExpirationTerm_311" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" xlink:to="loc_pae_WarrantExpirationTerm_311" use="optional" order="30" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_ThresholdPeriodToCompleteBusinessCombinationFromClosingOfPublicOffering" xlink:label="loc_pae_ThresholdPeriodToCompleteBusinessCombinationFromClosingOfPublicOffering_312" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" xlink:to="loc_pae_ThresholdPeriodToCompleteBusinessCombinationFromClosingOfPublicOffering_312" use="optional" order="31" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PercentageOfUpfrontUnderwritingDiscount" xlink:label="loc_pae_PercentageOfUpfrontUnderwritingDiscount_313" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" xlink:to="loc_pae_PercentageOfUpfrontUnderwritingDiscount_313" use="optional" order="32" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PaymentOfUpfrontUnderwritingDiscount" xlink:label="loc_pae_PaymentOfUpfrontUnderwritingDiscount_314" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" xlink:to="loc_pae_PaymentOfUpfrontUnderwritingDiscount_314" use="optional" order="33" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PercentageOfDeferredUnderwritingDiscount" xlink:label="loc_pae_PercentageOfDeferredUnderwritingDiscount_315" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" xlink:to="loc_pae_PercentageOfDeferredUnderwritingDiscount_315" use="optional" order="34" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PaymentOfDeferredUnderwritingDiscount" xlink:label="loc_pae_PaymentOfDeferredUnderwritingDiscount_316" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_296" xlink:to="loc_pae_PaymentOfDeferredUnderwritingDiscount_316" use="optional" order="35" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetails">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_318" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_319" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_318" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_319" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_633840" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_319" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_633840" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_633841" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_633840" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_633841" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_DirectorMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_DirectorMember_633844" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_633841" xlink:to="loc_srt_DirectorMember_633844" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_320" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_319" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_320" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_321" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_320" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_321" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrincipalOwnerMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrincipalOwnerMember_327" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_321" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrincipalOwnerMember_327" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_322" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_319" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_322" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_323" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_322" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_323" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_FounderSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_FounderSharesMember_329" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_323" xlink:to="loc_pae_FounderSharesMember_329" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PrivatePlacementWarrantsMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_PrivatePlacementWarrantsMember_332" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_323" xlink:to="loc_pae_PrivatePlacementWarrantsMember_332" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_SponsorLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_SponsorLoanMember_333" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_323" xlink:to="loc_pae_SponsorLoanMember_333" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_AdministrativeServiceAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_AdministrativeServiceAgreementMember_334" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_323" xlink:to="loc_pae_AdministrativeServiceAgreementMember_334" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_324" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_319" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_324" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_325" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_324" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_325" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_CommonClassFMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_CommonClassFMember_330" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_325" xlink:to="loc_pae_CommonClassFMember_330" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_331" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_325" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_331" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_326" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_319" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_326" use="optional" order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_335" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_335" use="optional" order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_336" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_336" use="optional" order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_337" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_337" use="optional" order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_StockTransferredDuringPeriodFromOneOwnerToAnotherShares" xlink:label="loc_pae_StockTransferredDuringPeriodFromOneOwnerToAnotherShares_338" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_326" xlink:to="loc_pae_StockTransferredDuringPeriodFromOneOwnerToAnotherShares_338" use="optional" order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationForfeited" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationForfeited_339" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensationForfeited_339" use="optional" order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PercentageOfOutstandingSharesOfCommonStockHeldByInitialStockholders" xlink:label="loc_pae_PercentageOfOutstandingSharesOfCommonStockHeldByInitialStockholders_340" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_326" xlink:to="loc_pae_PercentageOfOutstandingSharesOfCommonStockHeldByInitialStockholders_340" use="optional" order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1_341" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1_341" use="optional" order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_342" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_342" use="optional" order="26" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_SaleOfWarrantsPricePerWarrant" xlink:label="loc_pae_SaleOfWarrantsPricePerWarrant_343" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_326" xlink:to="loc_pae_SaleOfWarrantsPricePerWarrant_343" use="optional" order="27" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants_344" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants_344" use="optional" order="28" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByEachWarrantOrRight" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByEachWarrantOrRight_345" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByEachWarrantOrRight_345" use="optional" order="29" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_346" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_346" use="optional" order="30" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromUnsecuredNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromUnsecuredNotesPayable_347" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromUnsecuredNotesPayable_347" use="optional" order="31" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction_348" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction_348" use="optional" order="32" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_RelatedPartyTransactionMonthlyAmountPayablePerAgreement" xlink:label="loc_pae_RelatedPartyTransactionMonthlyAmountPayablePerAgreement_349" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_326" xlink:to="loc_pae_RelatedPartyTransactionMonthlyAmountPayablePerAgreement_349" use="optional" order="33" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/DeferredUnderwritingCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensationAbstract_351" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensationLiabilityNonCurrent" xlink:label="loc_pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensationLiabilityNonCurrent_352" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensationAbstract_351" xlink:to="loc_pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensationLiabilityNonCurrent_352" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PercentageOfDeferredUnderwritingDiscount" xlink:label="loc_pae_PercentageOfDeferredUnderwritingDiscount_353" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensationAbstract_351" xlink:to="loc_pae_PercentageOfDeferredUnderwritingDiscount_353" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_DeferredUnderwritingDiscountIfBusinessCombinationNotCompleted" xlink:label="loc_pae_DeferredUnderwritingDiscountIfBusinessCombinationNotCompleted_354" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_DeferredUnderwritingCompensationAbstract_351" xlink:to="loc_pae_DeferredUnderwritingDiscountIfBusinessCombinationNotCompleted_354" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/IncomeTaxesSummaryOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDetails">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_356" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_357" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_357" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_IncomeTaxReconciliationNonDeductibleTransactionExpenses" xlink:label="loc_pae_IncomeTaxReconciliationNonDeductibleTransactionExpenses_632199" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_356" xlink:to="loc_pae_IncomeTaxReconciliationNonDeductibleTransactionExpenses_632199" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_358" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_358" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments_632198" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments_632198" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_359" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_359" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_360" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_360" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsOfProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetails">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_362" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_363" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_363" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit_364" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_363" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit_364" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_366" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_366" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_367" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_367" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_368" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_367" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_368" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_370" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_370" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_371" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_371" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_373" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract_374" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_373" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract_374" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccruals" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccruals_638791" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract_374" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccruals_638791" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwards_375" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract_374" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwards_375" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_377" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract_374" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_377" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_376" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract_374" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_376" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_638782" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract_374" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_638782" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/IncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetails">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_379" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLimitationsOnUse" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLimitationsOnUse_380" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_379" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLimitationsOnUse_380" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_381" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_379" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_381" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrustAdditionalInformationDetails">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrustAbstract" xlink:label="loc_pae_InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrustAbstract_383" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_384" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_pae_InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrustAbstract_383" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_384" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_385" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_384" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_385" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_386" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_385" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_386" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashMember_390" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_386" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashMember_390" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_387" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_384" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_387" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_388" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_388" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_391" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_388" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_391" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_389" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_384" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_389" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrustNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrustNoncurrent_392" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_389" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrustNoncurrent_392" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/FairValueMeasurementScheduleOfAssetsMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_394" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_395" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_395" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_396" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_395" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_396" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_397" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_396" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_397" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_401" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_401" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_398" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_395" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_398" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_399" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_398" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_399" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_402" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_399" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_402" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_400" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_395" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_400" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrustFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_pae_InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrustFairValueDisclosure_405" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_400" xlink:to="loc_pae_InvestmentsAndCashHeldInTrustFairValueDisclosure_405" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_406" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_406" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/StockholdersEquityAdditionalInformationDetails">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_408" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_409" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_409" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_632071" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_409" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_632071" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_632072" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_632071" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_632072" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_632073" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_632072" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_632073" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_632077" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_409" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_632077" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_632078" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_632077" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_632078" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_632079" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_632078" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_632079" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_410" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_409" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_410" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_411" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_410" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_411" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_413" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_411" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_413" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_CommonClassFMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_CommonClassFMember_414" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_411" xlink:to="loc_pae_CommonClassFMember_414" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_412" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_409" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_412" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_632031" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_632031" use="optional" order="13" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_CapitalStockUnitsAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_pae_CapitalStockUnitsAuthorized_633449" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_pae_CapitalStockUnitsAuthorized_633449" use="optional" order="14" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_415" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_415" use="optional" order="15" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_416" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_416" use="optional" order="16" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_NumberOfVotesForEachShare" xlink:label="loc_pae_NumberOfVotesForEachShare_417" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_pae_NumberOfVotesForEachShare_417" use="optional" order="17" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_CommonStockPermanentAndTemporaryEquityNumberOfSharesIssuedAndOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_pae_CommonStockPermanentAndTemporaryEquityNumberOfSharesIssuedAndOutstanding_418" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_pae_CommonStockPermanentAndTemporaryEquityNumberOfSharesIssuedAndOutstanding_418" use="optional" order="18" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued_419" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued_419" use="optional" order="19" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_420" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_420" use="optional" order="20" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_421" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_421" use="optional" order="21" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_422" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_422" use="optional" order="22" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_423" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_423" use="optional" order="23" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_424" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_424" use="optional" order="24" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_425" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_425" use="optional" order="25" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
<presentationLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pae.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails">
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract_631858" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_631860" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationAbstract_631858" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_631860" use="optional" order="1" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_631898" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_631860" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_631898" use="optional" order="2" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_631900" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_631898" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_631900" use="optional" order="3" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_PAEBusinessCombinationMember" xlink:label="loc_pae_PAEBusinessCombinationMember_633436" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_631900" xlink:to="loc_pae_PAEBusinessCombinationMember_633436" use="optional" order="4" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_631907" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_631860" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_631907" use="optional" order="5" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_631908" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_631907" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_631908" use="optional" order="6" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_631878" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_631860" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_631878" use="optional" order="7" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_631879" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_631878" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_631879" use="optional" order="8" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenueNetIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_pae_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenueNetIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTaxes_631880" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_631878" xlink:to="loc_pae_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenueNetIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTaxes_631880" use="optional" order="9" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_pae_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTaxes_631885" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_631878" xlink:to="loc_pae_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTaxes_631885" use="optional" order="10" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_631887" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_631878" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_631887" use="optional" order="11" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
<loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pae-20191231.xsd#pae_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted" xlink:label="loc_pae_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted_631891" />
<presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_631878" xlink:to="loc_pae_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted_631891" use="optional" order="12" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
</presentationLink>
</linkbase>
