Principal Systems Engineer - Link 16

Socket.dev; Marietta (GA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401K match

Paid time off

Holidays

Remote opportunities

EAP

Career growth

Job summary

Socket.dev seeks a senior Systems Engineer to lead DoD communications and avionics programs. You will own requirements development, traceability, and verification for Link 16 and MIDS-JTRS, and drive system integration, testing, and qualification across cross‑functional teams.

10+ years of experience, excellent communication, and the ability to obtain a security clearance are essential. Remote work opportunities may be available depending on role and program needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline.
• 10+ years of systems engineering experience in DoD or avionics.
• Deep experience with Link 16 data links and MIDS-JTRS terminals.

Skills

Link 16

MIDS-JTRS

System integration

HIL testing

Root cause analysis

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline

Tools

DOORS

Job description

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.

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.