Tactical Communication Systems Engineer

NexTech Solutions LLC; Gainesville (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

NexTech Solutions LLC is looking for a Tactical Communication Systems Engineer based in Gainesville, Virginia. The engineer will design, build, and support telecommunications systems for tactical security teams. This includes responsibilities for secure voice and data networks and ensuring high availability of mission-critical communications.

The ideal candidate will have over five years of experience in supporting communication systems, strong technical skills, and the ability to operate in high-stress environments. A Secret security clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years experience supporting communication systems for tactical teams.
• Must have active Secret security clearance.
• Physical ability to work using body armor and tactical gear.

Responsibilities

• Deploy, operate, and maintain secure voice and data networks.
• Provide troubleshooting support for communications and tactical data systems.
• Train personnel on communication equipment operation.

Skills

Fluency in English

Technical support for communication systems

Experience with tactical software

Knowledge of military/emergency procedures

Excellent writing and verbal skills

Education

Associates Degree required, Bachelors preferred

Tools

iOS/Android devices

Radio systems

Local area networks

Job description

The Opportunity

The Tactical Communication Systems Engineer designs, builds, deploys, installs, troubleshoots, and supports ad hoc and hasty telecommunications systems to support rapid deployment of tactical security teams. These systems include multiple types of communications equipment and supporting data systems. This role provides imbedded technical competence on a wide variety of tactical software and radio equipment utilized by the Department of State, and ensures the highest availability of mission‑critical communications and networks.

Key Responsibilities (Principal Duties and Accountabilities *Essential Functions)

• Supports U.S. Department of State requirements in multiple overseas theaters in potentially high‑threat environments.
• Deploy, operate, and maintain secure voice and data networks, including SATCOM, LMR systems, P25 radio networks, and MANETs.
• Ensure communications network security and COMSEC compliance, including loading, handling, and zeroization of supported equipment.
• Provide troubleshooting and real‑time operational support for communications and tactical data systems and applications, such as ATAK/WINTAK.
• Develop and install hasty or semi‑complex local area networks to support tactical security team computer systems.
• Train personnel on communication equipment operation, security, and handling procedures.
• Integrate communications systems with existing infrastructure and fielded platforms, including C4ISR systems.

Requirements

• Fluency in English (written and spoken).
• Must have active Secret with the ability to obtain a TS Security clearance.

Education

• Associates Degree required, Bachelors preferred.

Required Skills, Experience and Abilities

• Minimum five (5) years experience supporting communication systems for tactical teams that deploy (i.e., Military, Law Enforcement, Federal Government deployment teams).
• Minimum five (5) years of technical experience in technical support for modern commercial and tactical radio systems.
• Experience in installing, maintaining, and removing communications equipment supporting field operations and/or operation centers.
• Experience utilizing tactical software or applications for mission planning, such as TAK or similar.
• Experience configuring, monitoring, and supporting iOS/Android/iTak/ATAK, WinTak devices through enterprise MDM platforms, implementing security policies, certificate management, remote troubleshooting, application deployment, and compliance reporting.
• Experience with OPSEC and COMSEC procedures.
• Knowledge of military/emergency procedures, as well as tactical reporting formats.
• Physical ability to carry and work using body armor and tactical communication gear.
• Excellent writing and verbal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Comfort with ambiguity and learning on the job.
• Experience with developing and deploying ad hoc communications systems.
• Experience with designing local area networks for specific use case.
• Experience with generating full communications mission plans for radio platforms.
• Knowledge of communication protocols.
• Strong problem‑solving and critical thinking skills.
• Professionalism and positive attitude in workplace interactions.
• Initiative and ability to take ownership of tasks/projects.
• Strong work ethic and reliability.
• Ability to work well independently or as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn new tools or procedures.
• Positive attitude toward safety and following protocol.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical ability to work in austere conditions while wearing body armor and carrying up to 50lbs of tactical communication gear or tools.
• Ability to obtain a Department of State Medical Clearance to work in countries considered high threat by the Department of State.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Clear vision and hearing required for meetings, presentations, and communication.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 50% of the time, which may include extended periods of standing, walking, or navigating airports and government facilities.
• Work Locations include NTS Gainesville, IMDC—Manassas, Sterling, Virginia and multiple DoS facilities within Washington Metro Area. There will be the possibility of international travel to support the mission.
• Position may require deployment up to 50% of the calendar year in high‑threat or high‑risk environments across multiple locations.
• During overseas deployments, the employee may be required to rotate between theaters and to multiple locations within each theater.
• Domestic assignments, including several months in the Washington, D.C. metro area for training and program support, may be required prior to overseas deployment.
• Must be willing to serve in positions worldwide, including both domestic and overseas assignments.

Summary

Travel will include extended visits to US Embassies overseas and in support of Diplomatic Missions. The locations visited may be in areas that are deemed High Threat by the Department of State.

Overtime Eligibility

This position is Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is not eligible for overtime premiums. When authorized, extended work week (EWW) hours may be compensated at straight‑time equivalent hourly rate based on the annual salary. Any such additional compensation does not change the exempt status.

Hazard Pay

Danger and Hardship uplift will be paid for the first 60 hours of each type of uplift in each work week. The rate of uplift and qualification for the uplift follow State Department guidance for each Danger and Hardship location.

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. NTS will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws for employment.