F-35 Communications Engineer, Senior

ACT1 Federal LLC.; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Life and AD&D Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

FSA

HSA

401K with employer match

Military Leave

Education & Professional Development

Voluntary Insurance & Identity Protec

Job summary

ACT1 Federal LLC. is seeking an experienced F-35 Communications Engineer, Senior, based in Arlington, VA. The role focuses on tactical datalinks and intra-flight communications IO, supporting JPO IO leadership and coordinating with military services and partner nations.

The candidate will lead IO requirements, oversee interface designs, and contribute to verification planning and program briefings, while maintaining active Secret clearance and traveling as needed.

Qualifications

• SECRET Clearance with eligibility for SAR.
• 10+ years of systems-to-systems interface analysis.
• 4 years in test & evaluation (DoD ACAT-I).
• 6 years in C4I datalinks and intra-flight comms (Link-16/VMF).
• Deep understanding of joint/coalition airborne networks and messaging.

Responsibilities

• Orchestrate interface development for F-35 airborne communications upgrades.
• Coordinate IO implementation with US Services and partner nations.
• Validate IERs and IO architecture to satisfy military IO requirements.
• Manage IO requirements docs and PSCNs with the prime contractor engineering staff.
• Support IO verification planning and TEMP inputs.
• Prepare/status updates for IO governance bodies and reviews.
• Participate in joint data-link governing bodies and policy discussions.

Skills

Datalinks

Link-16

MADL

Interoperability

IO SMEs

C4I knowledge

Communication

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

JOB TITLE:F-35 Communications Engineer, Senior

Location:Arlington, VA (Crystal City)

Category: Funded

Schedule (FT/PT): FT

Travel Required: N/A

Shift: Day

Remote Type: On-site

Clearance required: Active Secret Clearance

Division:Aviation

Job Description:

The F-35 Communications Engineer serves as one of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (JPO) Interoperability (IO) Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with a primary focus in providing tactical datalinks and intra-flight communications IO-related analytical and design expertise. The F-35 JPO develops, tests, produces, fields, and sustains F-35 Fifth-Generation combat capability for the United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps along with Partner and Foreign Military Sales nations around the world. This position supports the F-35 IO Government Lead and serves as the primary IO-related requirements oversight lead for the F-35 IO Team.

Responsibilities:

• Orchestrating interface development, implementation, and sustainment upgrades to the F-35 airborne communications capabilities


• Coordinating F-35 airborne communications IO (joint tactical datalinks/ communications) implementation positions with the U.S. Military Services, Partner Nations, and all FMS cases -- includes establishing specific military standards compliant Link-16 as well as F-35-unique Multi-function Advanced Data Link (MADL) message sets with minimum data link implementation recommendations


• Validating F-35 airborne communications-related Information Exchange Requirements (IERs) and associated external IO architecture development -- Includes systems-level IO interface assessments and technical inputs to ensure F-35 information exchanges and the associated communications interface design will satisfy U.S. Military Services and Partner Nation IO requirements within the F-35 joint/coalition operational environment


• Managing F-35 IO-related requirements documents and Proposed Specification Change Notices (PSCNs) inputs to ensure properly integration of IO-related capabilities -- Works directly with the F-35 Prime Contractor engineering staff to update/maintain the F-35 Operational Requirements Specification (ORS)


• Assisting in addressing airborne communications IO assessments of U.S. Military Services/Partner Nation IO-related Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) to ensure airborne communications IO interface requirements are properly integrated in associated F‑35 requirements documents/contract specifications and that the planned/implemented F‑35 communications IO interface design implementation meets joint and coalition force needs


• Supporting airborne communications IO verification test planning and execution to ensure IO-related requirements are adequately verified. Provides IO-related verification requirements and associated C4I support inputs to the F‑35 Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP)


• Preparing and/or contributes to presentations on IO-related program status/accomplishments, issues identification/resolution, and verification support requirements to F‑35 Operational Advisory Group, Requirements Working Group, Senior Warfighters Group, and JSF Executive Steering Board (JSEB) deliberations as well as during IO Advisory Group (IAG) and Lockheed Martin IO‑related reviews


• Participating in joint and Military Service‑specific tactical data link governing bodies and represents the F‑35 JPO in U.S. Government working group deliberations tied to establishing joint/commercial tactical communications policy

Requirements

• SECRET Clearance with eligibility for SAR


• 10 years of systems‑to‑systems level interface analysis experience in an engineering or technical position of which:


• Four years were in a test and evaluation (developmental and/or operational) environment supporting a DoD ACAT‑I Acquisition Program


• Six years involved technical analysis/support of C4I digital datalinks and intra‑flight communications to include Link‑16/Variable Message Format (VMF) with emphasis on tactical datalink communications [Command and Control (C2), Electronic Warfare (EW), or Fighter platform communications] as well as the associated mission planning/operational coordination


• In‑depth technical understanding of joint/coalition airborne communications network interfaces and associated messaging


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications


• Ability to travel (approximately 10%)

ACT1 Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance

Company Paid Short‑Term Disability

Voluntary Long‑Term Disability

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Health Savings Account (HSA)

401K with employer match

Military Leave

Education, Training & Professional Development

Voluntary Accidental Injury/Critical Illness/Hospital Care

Voluntary Pet Insurance, Legal Resources, and Identity Protection

Our people‑first culture prioritizes the benefits of flexibility and collaboration, whether that happens in person or remotely.

• If this position is listed as remote or hybrid, you’ll periodically work from a ACT1 Federal or client site facility.


• If this position is listed as onsite, you’ll work with colleagues and clients in person, as needed for the specific role.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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