Data Links and Communication Engineer

Odyssey; Lincoln (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Odyssey is seeking a Data Links and Communication Engineer SME for an onsite role at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, Massachusetts. This position involves providing technical support to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center in areas such as tactical communications and data link systems.

The qualified candidate will need a Master’s degree in Engineering and at least 15 years of experience in Data Links and Communications Engineering, preferably with a strong focus on interoperability and operational testing. Applicants must have a Top Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Must be a US citizen.
• Must have and maintain an active Top Secret clearance.
• 15 years of experience in Data Links and Communications Engineering, with 5 years in the DoD.

Responsibilities

• Act as a technical SME for tactical data links and communications systems.
• Provide engineering expertise for development and integration of Air Force communications systems.
• Support interoperability testing and meet operational requirements.

Skills

Link 22

Link 16

Tactical Data Links (TDL)

Joint and Coalition Interoperability

Combat Net Radio (CNR)

UHF Communications

Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS)

Variable Message Format (VMF)

United States Message Text Format (USMTF)

Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DACAS)

Communication Security (COMSEC)

Cryptologic Systems

Developmental and Operational Test & Evaluation

Network Enabled Weapon Systems

Systems Integration and Testing

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Position Summary

Odyssey Systems has an exciting opportunity for a Data Links and Communication Engineer SME providing support to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Aerial Networks Division (AFLCMC/HNA). The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) provides comprehensive acquisition and life cycle management support for Air Force weapon systems and capabilities. As part of the Tactical Data Networks Enterprise Program, this position will support the development, integration, testing, deployment, and interoperability of tactical communications and data link systems across Joint and Service platforms. The selected candidate will serve as a recognized Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing technical leadership and guidance to government personnel, program leadership, and engineering teams while supporting the advancement of network‑enabled weapon systems, tactical data links, and communications architectures critical to warfighter operations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) for tactical data links, communications systems, interoperability, and network‑enabled weapon capabilities supporting the Tactical Data Networks Enterprise Program.
• Provide engineering expertise in the development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of Air Force and Joint tactical communications systems.
• Support the integration, interoperability, testing, and operational employment of Link 16 and Link 22 communications networks across Joint and coalition platforms.
• Interface with Federal, DoD, USAF, Army, Navy, coalition, and Joint organizations to ensure communications capabilities comply with applicable operational, security, and interoperability requirements.
• Support Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E) and Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) activities, including interoperability assessments across weapon systems, aircraft, command‑and‑control systems, and Joint platforms.
• Advise Program Managers, Chief Engineers, Integrated Product Team (IPT) Leads, and test organizations on technical, schedule, cost, and performance considerations related to communications and data link systems.
• Support the development and implementation of tactical communications solutions including Combat Net Radio (CNR), Link 16, Link 22, UHF communications, DACAS, USMTF, VMF, and Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) capabilities.
• Develop and document Concepts of Employment (CONEMPs), interface control documentation, network architectures, interoperability requirements, and technical specifications supporting network‑enabled weapon systems.
• Provide technical expertise in cryptologic systems, COMSEC processes, encryption key distribution, and secure communications architectures.
• Support Agile Communications initiatives and Joint interoperability efforts through participation in working groups, configuration control boards, and technical forums.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior and mid‑level engineers supporting the program.

Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen.

Clearance: Must have and be able to maintain an active Top Secret clearance.

Education and Experience: Master’s degree in Engineering and 15 years of experience in Data Links and Communications Engineering, with 5 years of that experience in the DoD.

• Experience with tactical communications systems, data links, interoperability, and network‑enabled weapon systems.
• Experience supporting Link 16 and Link 22 tactical data link environments.
• Experience supporting Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E) and Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) efforts.
• Experience collaborating with Joint, Air Force, Army, Navy, coalition, and DoD stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting AFLCMC, Air Combat Command, Joint Staff, or related Air Force acquisition organizations.
• Experience with tactical data link standards, network design, message implementation, and interoperability testing.
• Experience with cryptologic systems, COMSEC, and encryption key distribution infrastructure.
• Experience with Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS), Variable Message Format (VMF), United States Message Text Format (USMTF), and Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DACAS).
• Experience supporting Joint and coalition interoperability initiatives involving Link 16 and Link 22 networks.

Technical Skills

• Link 22
• Link 16
• Tactical Data Links (TDL)
• Joint and Coalition Interoperability
• Combat Net Radio (CNR)
• UHF Communications
• Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS)
• Variable Message Format (VMF)
• United States Message Text Format (USMTF)
• Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DACAS)
• Communication Security (COMSEC)
• Cryptologic Systems
• Developmental and Operational Test & Evaluation
• Network Enabled Weapon Systems
• Systems Integration and Testing

Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with senior government and contractor personnel.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team environment.
• Ability to lead technical efforts and mentor junior personnel.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Additional Information

Location: Hanscom Air Force Base, Bedford, MA.

Travel: Travel may be required per the customer's discretion.

Onsite Requirement: This is an onsite position.