5G/6G Subject Matter Expert

Catalina Associates, LLC; Arlington (VA); Remote; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Catalina Associates seeks a highly experienced 5G/6G Subject Matter Expert (SME) to serve as primary technical authority on commercial wireless technologies for the FutureG program. This contractor role can be performed remotely with occasional travel to the Pentagon and DoD stakeholders.

You will provide strategic technical oversight, evaluate Open RAN, 5G/6G architectures, AI/ML integration, RF engineering, and ISAC research vectors, delivering briefings and technical reports to senior

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering or equivalent.
• 10+ years in the commercial wireless industry.
• Secret clearance required, Top Secret preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative commercial wireless expertise to guide programs.
• Oversee Open RAN and network architectures, including MEC and network slicing.
• Lead integration of 5G/6G tech with Tactical Radios and DoD systems.
• Evaluate ISAC concepts and AI/ML for spectrum management and resilience.
• Deliver high-level briefings and technical reports to leadership.

Skills

5G/6G architectures

Open RAN

RF engineering

AI/ML in networks

Cybersecurity

Tactical Radio integration

Interoperability

Technical briefing

Education

BSEE or BSCE or equivalent

Tools

Open Source networking

SDN concepts

Job description

Organization: DoW OUSW(R&E) FutureG
Role: 5G/6G Subject Matter Expert (SME), Contractor
Location: Pentagon
Clearance Level Required:Eventually obtain Secret/Top Secret/SC

Catalina Associates is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of 5G/6G Subject Matter Expert (SME). This position can be performed remotely, and will require occasional travel.

About Catalina Associates
Catalina Associates is a Woman-Owned Small Business consulting firm that partners with government clients to advance innovation, accelerate RDT&E missions, and deliver PMO-as-a-Service solutions that drive measurable impact. Guided by core values—professionalism, respect, performance, creativity, acceptance, integrity, initiative, and open communication—we foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture grounded in trust and accountability. Our teams support complex challenges across defense, homeland security, public health, science, and emerging technology domains, bringing drive and creativity to every engagement.

Catalina Associates offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to keep our team supported, empowered, and thriving.

Opportunity Overview
The FutureG program is seeking a highly experienced 5G/6G Subject Matter Expert (SME) to serve as a primary technical authority on commercial wireless technologies. This role is critical in providing strategic technical oversight, evaluation, and guidance for FutureG research programs. The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between cutting-edge commercial telecommunications advancements and mission-specific research objectives, ensuring the successful integration of next-generation wireless capabilities into Department of War (DoW) operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Oversight & Strategy: Provide authoritative commercial wireless, 5G, and 6G expertise to guide, evaluate, and oversee FutureG research and development programs.
• 5G/6G Cybersecurity & Resilience: Drive the development and evaluation of advanced cybersecurity protocols tailored for 5G/6G architectures (e.g., Zero Trust). Ensure network resilience in contested environments through the application of Anti-jam techniques and LPx (Low Probability of Intercept/Detection/Exploitation) waveforms.
• Open RAN & Advanced Architectures: Champion the evaluation and integration of Open RAN (O-RAN) standards and Open Source telecommunications software. Oversee research into Network Slicing and Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) to enable agile, decentralized network deployments.
• Tactical Integration: Lead initiatives to integrate and converge commercial 5G/6G technologies with existing and future Tactical Radios. Ensure interoperability between commercial standards and military communication systems.
• Next-Generation Research Vectors: Guide research into emerging 6G paradigms, specifically Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). Evaluate capabilities that allow networks to act as both communication links and environmental sensors.
• AI/ML Integration: Analyze and integrate Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) algorithms into wireless network architectures to optimize spectrum management, self-healing networks, and predictive maintenance.
• RF Engineering & Multi-Domain Operations: Assess Radio Frequency (RF) engineering designs, spectrum sharing techniques, and the integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) / SATCOM to ensure seamless connectivity across domains.
• Strategic Communication & Leadership: Translate complex technical concepts into actionable intelligence. Deliver high-level briefings, technical reports, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, program stakeholders, and cross-functional engineering teams.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Bachelor of Computer Engineering (BSCE) or equivalent technical degree.
• Experience: A minimum of 10+ years of demonstrated experience in the commercial wireless industry.
• Clearance: At least a Secret Clearance required, Top Secret preferred.

Core Technical Skills:

• Deep expertise in 5G network architectures, Open RAN, and emerging 6G research vectors (e.g., ISAC).
• Strong foundational understanding of RF engineering principles, spectrum management, and Tactical Radio integration.
• Applied knowledge of telecommunications Cybersecurity, Anti-jam methodologies, and LPx operations.
• Applied knowledge of AI/ML within telecommunications and network automation.
• Familiarity with Open Source networking and software-defined architectures.

Soft Skills:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to present complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• A working knowledge of the importance and role of standards bodies (e.g., 3GPP, ITU, O-RAN Alliance) or industry consortia. Previous experience is desired.
• Prior experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) or Department of War (DoW) research, development, and acquisition initiatives.

Interested applicants should send their resume to [e-mail] .

To Apply, send your cover letter and resume to [e-mail]. Be sure to include your name and the position you are inquiring about in the subject line.