Data Links and Communication Engineer

Odyssey Systems Consulting Group; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite position

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Odyssey Systems Consulting Group seeks a Data Links and Communication Engineer SME to support AFLCMC/HNA. You will lead tactical data link initiatives, advise on architectures, and ensure interoperability across Joint platforms.

The role requires advanced engineering expertise, TS clearance, and extensive DoD collaboration to advance network-enabled weapon systems and combat data networks.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering (ABET accreditation) with 15 years in Data Links and Communications Engineering.
• Active Top Secret clearance required.
• Experience with DT&E/OT&E and DoD stakeholders.
• Experience with AFLCMC or related Air Force acquisition organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for tactical data links, communications systems, interoperability, and network-enabled weapon capabilities.
• Provide engineering expertise in development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of Air Force and Joint communications systems.
• Interface with Federal, DoD, USAF, Army, and Joint organizations to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Support DT&E and OT&E activities and interoperability assessments across weapon systems and platforms.
• Mentor junior engineers and advise program leadership on technical, schedule, cost, and performance considerations.

Skills

Data links

Communications engineering

Tactical data links

Interoperability

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering (ABET accredited)

Job description

Data Links and Communication Engineer

Location: Hanscom AFB (Bedford, MA)

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) Communications and Networks Directorate.

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

Selected candidate will possess advanced technical knowledge and recognized expertise in Data Links and Communications Engineering, supporting the development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of Air Force and Joint communications capabilities. The successful candidate will serve as a technical leader, advising government stakeholders and mentoring junior and mid-level engineers while ensuring communications architectures meet mission, interoperability, and operational requirements.

• 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.
• Interface with Federal, DoD, USAF, Army, 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, High Frequency (HF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF), 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.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

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

Education: Master’s degree in Engineering with ABET accreditation and 15 years of experience in Data Links and Communications Engineering, 5 years of which must be in the DoD.

• Experience with tactical communications systems, data links, interoperability, and network-enabled weapon systems.
• Experience supporting Link 16, Combat Net Radio (CNR), High Frequency (HF), and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) communications environments.
• Experience supporting Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E) and Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) efforts.
• Experience collaborating with Joint, Air Force, Army, and DoD stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting AFLCMC, Air Combat Command, Joint Staff, or related Air Force acquisition organizations.
• 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 interoperability working groups and tactical data link initiatives.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities