Communication Navigation Engineer

Diaconia; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Diaconia is seeking a seasoned systems engineer to support Air Force weapon systems, applying engineering principles to improve performance and safety.

You will handle requirements development, system safety, airworthiness processes, and program documentation, and participate in reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR. Strong communication and teamwork are essential in a structured engineering environment.

Qualifications

• ABET-certified engineering degree required.
• Familiarity with U.S. DoD and U.S. Air Force engineering principles and acquisition lifecycle.
• Must have Air Force engineering experience as a contractor, government employee, or service member.
• Must have avionics experience/skillset.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering and scientific principles to improve performance and sustainability of Air Force weapon systems.
• Support MIL-HDBK-516C airworthiness criteria application to aircraft systems and subsystems.
• Assist in translating operational requirements into weapon system requirements for design, development, testing, and deployment.
• Provide rapid response engineering support for critical safety and supportability issues.
• Assist in preparation and review of key program documentation (ICD, ORD/CDD, CONOPS, CPD, SRD, SEP, TEMP, PESHE, PPP, TTPs, IAS, SCG).
• Contribute to milestone reviews and staff briefs; participate in SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, TIM, PMR.

Skills

Avionics expertise

Air Force experience

OSS&E compliance

Security clearance

System safety analysis

Technical communication

Education

ABET Certified Degree

Job description

Description

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Technical Support

• Apply engineering and scientific principles to improve performance and sustainability of existing and future Air Force and joint service weapon systems.
• Support application of MIL-HDBK-516C Airworthiness Certification Criteria to aircraft systems and subsystems.
• Support System Integrity Programs including Mechanical Systems Integrity Program (MECSIP), Critical Safety Item (CSI) management, and airworthiness certification monitoring.

Requirements Development & Analysis

• Assist in translating operational/user requirements into weapon system requirements for design, development, testing, and deployment.
• Support requirement and technology development into actionable plans, policies, and acquisition strategies.
• Conduct system concept development, trade-off assessments, and technical/mission analyses.
• Provide rapid response engineering support to address critical supportability and safety issues.

Documentation & Programmatic Support

• Assist in the preparation and review of key program documentation including ICD, ORD/CDD, CONOPS, CPD, SRD, SEP, TEMP, PESHE, PPP, TTPs, IAS, SCG, and other acquisition and technical documents.
• Contribute to milestone reviews and the development of staff summaries and executive briefings.
• Support and participate in program reviews and working groups (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, TIM, PMR).

Systems Engineering & Airworthiness

• Assist in OSS&E (Operational Safety, Suitability, and Effectiveness) compliance per AF policy.
• Support LCSE processes to ensure OSS&E is maintained throughout the system life cycle.
• Conduct system safety program activities including mishap risk assessments, safety analyses, and mitigation support.
• Participate in United States Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century (AFSO21) initiatives.

Technical Evaluation & Risk Management

• Evaluate prime and subcontractor proposals including ECPs, ACSNs, CCPs, FAA bulletins, and risk assessments.
• Assist in equipment and software deficiency analysis and recommend corrective actions.
• Support IMP, IMS, and Systems Engineering Detail Schedule (SEDS) development and cost estimation.
• Support configuration management, data management, and risk management processes.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or related technical field. Must be ABET Certified Degree https://www.abet.org/
• Familiarity with U.S. DoD and U.S. Air Force engineering principles, airworthiness certification processes, and acquisition lifecycle.
• Must have Air Force Engineering experience as a contractor, US Government employee and/or U.S. Military.
• Must have Avionic Experience/Skillset
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams in a structured engineering environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required DoD Secret or Top Secret Security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with aircraft systems and subsystem certification.
• Knowledge of USAF System Integrity Programs, OSS&E, and AFSO21 initiatives.
• Prior experience with technical document development and milestone review participation.
• Familiarity with risk management, configuration management, and system safety processes.
• Active security clearance.
• Support technical compliance for avionics development, testing, and sustainment including navigation, LOS/BLOS communications, network protocols, IPSec, SOAP/XML, and air data systems.
• Evaluate technical documentation for compliance and airworthiness, summarize findings, and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide subject matter expertise on threat warning and countermeasure systems, including radar warning receivers (e.g., AN/ALR-69A) and infrared countermeasure systems such as LAIRCM.
• Must have knowledge of Avionics and Avionics Systems