Data Links and Communication Engineer

Odyssey Systems has an exciting opportunity for a Data Links and Communication Engineer SME providing support to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Aerial Networks Division (AFLCMC/HNA) Communications and Networks Directorate.

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) provides comprehensive acquisition and life cycle management support for Air Force weapon systems and capabilities. As part of the Tactical Data Networks Enterprise Program, this position will support the development, integration, testing, deployment, and interoperability of tactical communications and data link systems across Joint and Service platforms. The selected candidate will serve as a recognized Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing technical leadership and guidance to government personnel, program leadership, and engineering teams while supporting the advancement of network-enabled weapon systems, tactical data links, and communications architectures critical to warfighter operations.

The selected candidate will possess advanced technical knowledge and recognized expertise in Data Links and Communications Engineering, supporting the development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of Air Force and Joint communications capabilities. The successful candidate will serve as a technical leader, advising government stakeholders and mentoring junior and mid-level engineers while supporting the integration and interoperability of advanced tactical data link capabilities, including Link 16 and Link 22 networks.

Duties include, but not limited to: 

• Serve as the technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) for tactical data links, communications systems, interoperability, and network-enabled weapon capabilities supporting the Tactical Data Networks Enterprise Program.
• Provide engineering expertise in the development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of Air Force and Joint tactical communications systems.
• Support the integration, interoperability, testing, and operational employment of Link 16 and Link 22 communications networks across Joint and coalition platforms.
• Interface with Federal, DoD, USAF, Army, Navy, coalition, and Joint organizations to ensure communications capabilities comply with applicable operational, security, and interoperability requirements.
• Support Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E) and Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) activities, including interoperability assessments across weapon systems, aircraft, command-and-control systems, and Joint platforms.
• Advise Program Managers, Chief Engineers, Integrated Product Team (IPT) Leads, and test organizations on technical, schedule, cost, and performance considerations related to communications and data link systems.
• Support the development and implementation of tactical communications solutions including Combat Net Radio (CNR), Link 16, Link 22, UHF communications, DACAS, USMTF, VMF, and Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) capabilities.
• Develop and document Concepts of Employment (CONEMPs), interface control documentation, network architectures, interoperability requirements, and technical specifications supporting network-enabled weapon systems.
• Provide technical expertise in cryptologic systems, COMSEC processes, encryption key distribution, and secure communications architectures.
• Support Agile Communications initiatives and Joint interoperability efforts through participation in working groups, configuration control boards, and technical forums.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior and mid-level engineers supporting the program.

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Clearance: Must have and be able to maintain an active Top Secret clearance 

Education: Master's degree in Engineering with ABET accreditation and 15 years of experience which must be Data Links and Communications Engineering experience, 5 years of which must be in the DoD

• Experience with tactical communications systems, data links, interoperability, and network-enabled weapon systems.
• Experience supporting Link 16 and Link 22 tactical data link environments.
• Experience supporting Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E) and Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) efforts.
• Experience collaborating with Joint, Air Force, Army, Navy, coalition, and DoD stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting AFLCMC, Air Combat Command, Joint Staff, or related Air Force acquisition organizations.
• Experience with tactical data link standards, network design, message implementation, and interoperability testing.
• Experience with cryptologic systems, COMSEC, and encryption key distribution infrastructure.
• Experience with Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS), Variable Message Format (VMF), United States Message Text Format (USMTF), and Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DACAS).
• Experience supporting Joint and coalition interoperability initiatives involving Link 16 and Link 22 networks.

Technical Skills

• Link 22
• Link 16
• Tactical Data Links (TDL)
• Joint and Coalition Interoperability
• Combat Net Radio (CNR)
• UHF Communications
• Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS)
• Variable Message Format (VMF)
• United States Message Text Format (USMTF)
• Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DACAS)
• Communication Security (COMSEC)
• Cryptologic Systems
• Developmental and Operational Test & Evaluation
• Network Enabled Weapon Systems
• Systems Integration and Testing

Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with senior government and contractor personnel.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team environment.
• Ability to lead technical efforts and mentor junior personnel.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Additional Information:

Location: Hanscom Air Force Base, Bedford, MA

Travel: Travel may be required per the customer's discretion.

Onsite Requirement: This is an onsite position.

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Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, is an innovative small business committed to providing world-class technical, management, and training support services to government and public sector clients. We focus on people, processes, and performance to deliver superior results. Since our inception in 1997, our commitment to mission success and customer satisfaction has been recognized with exponential growth and exceptional past performance ratings. We accept challenging assignments and drive projects from the planning stages, through implementation, and into operations and support.

Please note: Final compensation for this position will be determined by various factors such as the Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities