Datalinks Test Engineer - Mid-Level

Astrion; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology firm is seeking a Mid-Level Datalinks Test Engineer at Eglin AFB, FL. This role involves test planning, execution, and communication with clients within the Tactical Data Links Test Flight. Candidates should hold a relevant technical degree, possess strong engineering skills, and have the ability to obtain a Secret clearance. The position requires on-site presence and offers opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment, supporting cutting-edge military communications technology.

Qualifications

• 3-10 years of relevant experience in a technical field.
• Possess a strong foundation in TDL and data link technologies.
• Ability to participate in a test team.

Responsibilities

• Design and document test equipment architectures.
• Coordinate test resources for program testing activities.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for TGBC program involvement.

Skills

Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance

Relevant engineering experience in TDL and networking

Strong work ethic

Excellent communication skills

Experience with Microsoft Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline

Tools

Wireshark

tcpdump

Job description

Overview

Datalinks Test Engineer- Mid Level

Location: Eglin, AFB

Job Status: Full-time

Clearance: Secret

Travel: 35%

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Datalinks Test Engineer- Mid Level located at the Eglin, AFB in Valparaiso, FL. Our Tactical Data Links (TDL) Test Flight (TGBC) is searching for an experienced data link professional and/or test engineer to join the United States Air Force’s premier TDL Developmental Test (DT) Team. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and being on the cutting edge of innovative communications technology, this is the place for you. We provide several opportunities to learn and grow, ranging from on-the-job training with other team members to formal courses for unique technology areas.

We realize that no one will possess all the qualifications listed below. We are looking for people that have a strong engineering background and/or TDL foundation and have the drive and motivation to learn all other required/preferred areas. Position responsibilities can span from serving as a test lead responsible for planning, developing, and executing all aspects of a test event to assisting another test lead as a team member.

This position provides support to the 46 Test Squadron/TGBC at Eglin AFB as a mid-level Test Engineer. This is NOT a remote position.

Required Qualifications / Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline and 3-10 years of relevant experience. Additional relevant experience may be substituted for education.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. US Citizenship is required.
• Relevant engineering and/or technical experience in areas related to TDL, data link radios, radio frequency waves and propagation, and computer networking.
• Ability to participate on a test team to meet exercise, demonstration, or test requirements.
• Ability to execute test scripts, run test procedures, develop block diagrams, and collect data for post-test analysis and reporting.
• Strong work ethic; Comfortable working in a team environment with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate and present technical details both written and verbally.
• Experience developing and authoring documents such as briefings, plans, reports, executive summaries, white papers, and staff actions.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Suite of Office applications.
• Able to travel to contractors' facilities, test sites, and other locations, CONUS and OCONUS, up to 25% of the time.
• Able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted.

Preferred Qualifications / Skills

• Working knowledge of tactical datalink systems (Link 16, SADL, JREAP, etc.).
• Proficiency in network analysis, including practical experience with tools like Wireshark and tcpdump, and a deep understanding of networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, etc.).
• Proficiency with Windows and Linux operating systems.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages (C++, Java, Python, etc.)
• Proficiency with scripting languages (Bash, PowerShell) is beneficial.
• Working knowledge in software development methodologies (Agile, Waterfall).
• Proficiency with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Proficiency in cloud-based service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
• Proficiency in hardware integration and testing procedures
• Proficiency in troubleshooting hardware issues and identifying root causes
• Proficiency with electronic test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, multimeters)
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Simulink, or other relevant modeling and simulation tools.
• Proficiency in other specialized software tools relevant to the position (e.g., network analysis software, protocol analyzers).
• Working knowledge with MBSE tools and languages (e.g., SysML, Cameo MagicDraw) is a plus.
• Familiar with DoD and Air Force test instructions DODI5000.89_DAFI99-103 Capabilities Based Test and Evaluation and Technical Order 00-35D-54 USAF Deficiency Reporting, Investigation, and Resolution.
• Possess a current and active Top Secret security clearance.
• Bachelor of Science in a technical field.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary face to the customer and TGBC focal point for all test planning, execution, and reporting activities for which TGBC is chartered to support.

• Design, coordinate, document, and brief test equipment architectures required to meet information exchange requirements (voice and data communications) specific to assigned program operations.
• Advise the government in decision making relevant to lead command responsibilities and to assigned capabilities and/or programs.
• Assist program offices in developing technical requirements associated with supported capabilities and/or programs and translating user operational requirements statements into the appropriate requirements format(s).
• Author, review and edit program documentation, including test plans, concept of operations, test cards, data-analysis plans, and formal reports.
• Coordinate test resources with Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB) program managers for use of and support to program testing activities.
• Maintain a comprehensive schedule of program activities, including TGBC support requirements and personnel utilization.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive library and/or continuity database used to capture all lessons learned, planning, execution, and reporting documentation relative to TGBC program involvement.
• Develop and present briefings to test community, program office and senior-level personnel on program activities.
• Utilize software tools to conduct in-depth data reduction and analysis which will be used to inform leadership of program activities pursuant to established objectives and technical performance criteria.
• Travel to various sites to participate in planning, execution, data analysis, report generation, etc., of program-related activities.
• Attends meetings as necessary to provide briefings, information, and recommendations.
• Support any additional test activities as assigned by TGBC leadership.