Senior Datalinks Engineer, UAS Systems Expert

SilkRoad; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off

Job summary

COLSA is seeking a senior Datalinks Engineer to serve as the primary technical authority for UAS datalinks within the PM UAS Technical Management Division. The role requires leading complex engineering and acquisition activities, interfacing with government labs, and partners while shaping enterprise datalink strategy.

The candidate will work independently, provide strategic guidance, and collaborate across diverse teams to resolve highly technical RF and communications challenges affecting UAS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or related technical field.
• 12+ years of work experience in 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 technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency with MS PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Must have unique experience, knowledge and skill set that is 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%.
• Ability to lift up to 10 lbs routinely and up to 25 lbs occasionally.

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.
• Support Product Offices across Small UAS, Tactical UAS, Launched Effects, Long-Endurance platforms, and emerging UAS portfolios.
• Conduct requirements analysis, technical oversight, architecture assessments, risk evaluations, trade studies, and contractor coordination.
• Represent PM UAS datalink strategy in Army, Joint, partner-nation, and coalition forums.
• Support special projects and cross-functional engineering initiatives directed by the Chief Engineer or Division leadership.
• 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

Datalinks

RF Systems

Systems Engineering

Technical Leadership

DoD Experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

COLSA is seeking a senior Datalinks Engineer to serve as the primary technical authority for UAS datalinks within the PM UAS Technical Management Division. The role requires leading complex engineering and acquisition activities, interfacing with government labs, and partners while shaping enterprise datalink strategy.

The candidate will work independently, provide strategic guidance, and collaborate across diverse teams to resolve highly technical RF and communications challenges affecting UAS