Senior Datalinks Engineer: On-Site UAS Systems Expert

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

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