Datalinks Engineer (Subject Matter Expert/SME)

COLSA; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

COLSA in Huntsville seeks an expert Datalinks Engineer to serve as the primary technical authority for UAS datalinks within the PM UAS Technical Management Division. This senior role demands deep technical expertise, strong systems engineering judgment, and the ability to independently lead complex engineering and acquisition activities.

The selected candidate will support the Chief Engineer, multiple PM UAS Product Offices, government laboratories, and external partners while shaping enterprise

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or related technical field.
• 12 or more years of work experience in the area of expertise.
• Demonstrated experience supporting complex engineering or acquisition programs.
• Strong understanding of RF systems, communications, datalinks, or related mission-system technologies.
• Ability to independently investigate complex technical issues and develop sound solutions.
• Effective communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency with MS PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Must have unique experience, knowledge and skill set required to meet contractual requirements.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
• Ability to work primarily on-site and travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Serve as PM UAS’s primary datalinks subject matter expert and senior technical advisor.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate the enterprise-level datalink strategy and technical roadmap.
• Provide engineering leadership for datalink system development, integration, qualification, fielding, sustainment, and modernization.
• Support RF engineering, communications protocols, waveforms, modems, antennas, radomes, link budgets, EMI/EMV, EW resiliency, and encryption/COMSEC/TRANSEC considerations.
• Lead and participate in technical working groups including the JSIL Interface Control Working Group.
• Represent PM UAS datalink strategy in Army, Joint, partner-nation, and coalition forums.
• Develop and review acquisition documents such as PWS, SOWs, technical requirements, and evaluation criteria.
• Recommend technical approaches based on performance, risk, cost, schedule, and sustainment impacts.

Skills

Systems thinking

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

MS PowerPoint

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

General Summary

COLSA is seeking an expert Datalinks Engineer to serve as the primary technical authority for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) datalinks within the PM UAS Technical Management Division. This is a senior-level role requiring deep technical expertise, strong systems engineering judgment, and the ability to independently lead complex engineering and acquisition activities. The selected candidate will support the Chief Engineer, multiple PM UAS Product Offices, government laboratories, and external partners while shaping enterprise datalink strategy, overseeing technical development, and resolving highly technical RF and communications issues that affect UAS platforms. This position requires broad technical credibility, autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to work across diverse teams and stakeholders.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential functions)

• Serve as PM UAS’s primary datalinks subject matter expert and senior technical advisor.


• Develop, maintain, and communicate the enterprise-level datalink strategy and technical roadmap.


• Provide engineering leadership for datalink system development, integration, qualification, fielding, sustainment, and modernization.


• Support RF engineering, communications protocols, waveforms, modems, antennas, radomes, link budgets, EMI/EMV, EW resiliency, and encryption/COMSEC/TRANSEC considerations.


• Lead and participate in technical working groups including the JSIL Interface Control Working Group.


• Support Product Offices across Small UAS, Tactical UAS, Launched Effects, Long-Endurance platforms, and emerging UAS portfolios.


• Conduct requirements analysis, technical oversight, architecture assessments, risk evaluations, trade studies, and contractor coordination.


• Represent PM UAS datalink strategy in Army, Joint, partner-nation, and coalition forums.


• Support special projects and cross-functional engineering initiatives directed by the Chief Engineer or Division leadership.


• Develop and review acquisition documents such as PWS, SOWs, technical requirements, and evaluation criteria.


• Recommend technical approaches based on performance, risk, cost, schedule, and sustainment impacts.

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or related technical field.


• 12 or more years of work experience in area of expertise.


• Demonstrated experience supporting complex engineering or acquisition programs.


• Strong understanding of RF systems, communications, datalinks, or related mission-system technologies.


• Ability to independently investigate complex technical issues and develop sound solutions.


• Effective communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.


• Proficiency with MS PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook.


• Must have unique experience, knowledge and skill set that is required to meet contractual requirements


• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a DoD Secret clearance.


• Ability to work primarily on-site and travel up to 25%.


• Ability to lift up to 10 lbs routinely and up to 25 lbs occasionally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred.


• 5+ years of directly related experience in datalink engineering.


• Current TS/SCI clearance or demonstrated ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.


• Experience with UAS, Army Aviation, DoD acquisition, or mission-system RF communications.


• Experience with RF system architecture, link budgets, waveforms, spectrum management, or EW resiliency.


• Understanding of AES-256, Type 1 encryption.


• Experience coordinating with C5ISR, AvMC, NSA, NATO, JSIL, and other government/coalition technical organizations.


• Experience developing or reviewing acquisition documentation (PWS, SOW, technical requirements).


• Experience leading interface control working groups or similar cross-organizational engineering forums.


• Technical depth across RF, datalinks, communications, and encryption.


• Ability to think strategically and develop enterprise-level guidance.


• Strong systems thinking and broad engineering judgment.


• High autonomy and initiative.


• Ability to navigate complex organizational environments and build consensus.


• Excellent executive communication and briefing skills.


• Results-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. COLSA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

At COLSA, people are our most valuable resource and centered at our core value. We invite you to unite your talents with opportunity and be a part of our \"Family of Professionals!\" Learn about our employee-centric culture and benefits here: https://www.colsa.com/culture_benefits

Salary Type: Annually

The salary range, if referenced, represents a good faith estimate. COLSA considers various factors when determining base salary offers, but not limited to, location, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements.

COLSA offers a comprehensive and customizeable benefits program which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Supplemental Income Protection Programs, 401(k) with company match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Education & Certification Reimbursement, Employee Discount Program, Paid Time Off and Holidays.

This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 business days. If a candidate has not been selected at that time, it will continue to be posted until a suitable candidate is selected or the position is closed.

Tracking Code: 9792-987
Posted Date: 9/22/2026
Job Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Location of Position: Huntsville, Alabama
Work Arrangement: On Site: 100%
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular
Clearance Required?: Ability to Qualify
Level of Clearance Required: Secret