Principal Systems Engineer - Link 16

Lynx Software Technologies, Inc.; Marietta (GA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost Medical / Dental / Vision

401K with generous employer match

Paid Time Off + 11 holidays

Remote work opportunities based on rol

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Career growth and professional develop

Job summary

Thompson Software Solutions (TSS) is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership for the development, integration, and verification of a MIDS-JTRS block upgrade program. The role requires deep expertise in Link 16 data link systems and close collaboration with software and hardware teams.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of systems engineering experience in DoD programs, experience with ICDs and system verification, and strong leadership of cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a technical field.
• 10+ years of systems engineering experience in DoD/avionics programs.
• Deep experience with Link 16 and MIDS-JTRS terminals.
• Experience with Block Upgrade or data link modernization.
• Experience with requirements management, tracing, and verification.
• Experience authoring ICDs, system specs, and verification docs.
• Strong leadership of cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for development, integration, and verification of a MIDS-JTRS block upgrade program.
• Lead systems engineering across the full product lifecycle, including requirements, architecture, interfaces, design, integration, and customer acceptance.
• Collaborate with software and hardware teams and mentor engineers.

Skills

Link 16 expertise

MIDS-JTRS

System integration leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related

Tools

IBM DOORS

Interface Control Documents (ICDs)

Jira

Confluence

Bitbucket

Job description

Job Title: Principal Systems Engineer - Link 16

Salary Range: $160,000 - $200,000 + Bonus Eligible

Company Overview

Founded in 2004 with locations in Atlanta, GA, Fort Worth, TX, Denver, CO, & Huntsville, AL,Thompson Software Solutions (TSS) is a mission-drivenaerospace anddefense software and systems engineering company supporting the U.S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development, integration, test, and deployment of safety & mission-critical software systems that power next-generationaircraft, defense platforms, and space technologies. Our team understands what it takes to modernize complex embedded systems whilemaintainingthe rigor, compliance, and reliabilityrequiredfor mission and safety-critical environments.

As a defense-focused company of highly skilled and dedicated engineers, we take pride in solving complex technical challenges that directlyimpactnational security and operational readiness. We partner closely with customers across the military aviation and space domains to deliver resilient, future-ready solutions with portability, sustainability, and long-term mission success in mind.

Description

We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership for the development, integration, and verification of a MIDS-JTRS block upgrade program. This individual will lead the systems engineering effort across the full product lifecycle, including requirements development, system architecture, interface definition, design, integration, verification, and customer acceptance.

The ideal candidate has deep expertise in Link 16 tactical data link systems, MIDS-JTRS terminals, and complex defense communication systems. This role requires close collaboration with software and hardware teams while serving as a technical leader for the effort.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of systems engineering experience supporting complex DoD communications, mission systems, or avionics programs.
• Deep experience with Link 16 tactical data links and MIDS-JTRS terminals.
• Experience supporting MIDS-JTRS Block Upgrade or other tactical data link modernization efforts.
• Demonstrated experience developing, allocating, and managing system and subsystem requirements, including requirements traceability and verification.
• Experience authoring system specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), system design documentation, and verification documentation.
• Strong understanding of Link 16 architectures, tactical message standards, network participation groups (NPGs), and terminal operation.
• Experience leading system integration, verification, validation, and qualification testing.
• Experience developing and executing system-level, integration, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex hardware/software integration issues and perform root cause analysis.Experience supporting major engineering reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and customer acceptance events.
• Strong technical leadership skills with experience leading cross-functional engineering teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading a MIDS-JTRS upgrade program or other Link 16 modernization program.
• Experience with MIL-STD-6016, STANAG 5516, J-series messages, and tactical data link protocols.
• Experience with Software Communications Architecture (SCA) and Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) technologies.
• Experience using IBM DOORS for requirements management.Experience supporting airborne mission systems, C4ISR, or tactical communications programs.
• Experience working in Agile development environments.
• Experience using Atlassian tools including Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket.
• Experience supporting formal customer qualification, certification, and fielding activities.

Sound Exciting? We have very robust benefits including:

• Low-cost Medical / Dental / Vision coverage options
• 401K with generous employer match
• Responsible Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays
• Remote work opportunities based on role
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career growth and professional development opportunities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.