Principal Data Links and Communications Engineer

Principal Data Links & Communications Engineer

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Data Links and Communications Engineer to support the USAF Tactical Data Networks Enterprise Branch, which is within the Aerial Networks Division at Hanscom AFB, MA.

WORK LOCATION: Hanscom AFB, MA

JOB STATUS: Fulltime; salaried

SECURITY CLEARANCE: MUST have an active US Security Clearance

Responsibilities:

• Support the development, integration, testing, and deployment of USAF systems and their associated data links.
• Define data link interoperability requirements, interface specifications, and verification/test assessment strategies.
• Collaborate with USAF, DoD, Army, Joint, and federal agencies to ensure communications compliance with FAA, DISA, NSA, JMPS, and other technical and business standards.
• Provide support and interface with stakeholders such as ACC, AFC2IC, JITC, and SPAWAR for C3 infrastructure and key distribution issues.
• Advise and assist Engineers, IPTs, PMs, and Joint Test Teams on planning, performance, schedule, and cost issues related to communications and control.
• Provide subject matter expertise in the following areas:
  
  • Tactical Platform Open Mission Systems (OMS): Architectures, processing environments, and integration into CCWG/OCS reference models.
  • Enterprise Communications: Support integration efforts (e.g., DARPA DyNAMO, Combat Cloud) and contribute to IERs, platform GIG requirements.
  • Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) Waveforms: AEHF/WGS, PTW, Iridium/Inmarsat; advise on infrastructure dependencies and operational integration.
  • J-Series & UCI Protocols: Develop and support schema, IERs, ICDs, and DoDAF architecture products.
  • JMPS Liaison & Communications Planning: Advise on mission planning and contribute to communications requirements for tactical platforms.
  • Agile Communications Initiatives: Engage in dynamic and innovative communication architecture strategies across joint platforms.
• Lead or support the following mission areas:
  
  • Combat Net Radio (CNR): Define networking parameters for flexible, cross-platform CNR integration.
  • Test & Demonstration: Provide engineering support for interoperability testing using UHF CNR and Link 16 with Threshold/Objective platforms.
  • Joint Concept of Employment (CONEMP): Develop and present Joint CONEMPs for LINK-16/UHF CNR compatible environments.
  • Cryptologic Systems: Design joint COMSEC strategies for cryptologic data dissemination to weapons/controllers.
  • Link 16 Networking: Support tactical data link integration strategies and minimize operational disruption for existing users.
  • Interface Control: Document and manage Link-16 J11.X messaging within Joint CM frameworks for interoperability and system evolution.
  • Implementation: Define specs for interoperability across air/ground launch and control systems (e.g., F-15E, F-35, TACP, TLDS).

Qualifications:

Years of Experience: 15 years of relevant experience in Data Links and Communications Engineering, with at least 5 years supporting DoD programs

• Expertise in Link-16, UHF CNR, USMTF, and COMSEC systems
• Knowledge of OMS architectures, AEHF/WGS waveforms, and tactical communications planning
• Proficiency in developing DoDAF products, IERs, and interface specifications
• Familiarity with development and operational testing at system and subsystem levels
• Experience contributing to Joint working groups and configuration control boards

What We Offer

• Competitive salaries
• Continuing education assistance
• Professional development allotment
• Multiple healthcare benefits packages
• 401K with employer matching
• Paid time off (PTO) along with a federally recognized holiday schedule

Who We Are

At Astrion, we innovate, elevate, and shape the world of tomorrow. At our core is our purpose to "Be the Difference". This means we encourage our employees to take action and be the driving force for positive change. We foster an environment where innovative solutions flourish and our company continuously evolves.

We have a culture of care, empathy, and making a tangible difference within our organization and communities. We embrace continuous learning, growth, and innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. We promote collaboration and empowering our teams is at the core of our success.

Join Astrion and Be the Difference in your career and the world!

Astrion is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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