Data Links and Communications Engineer

Data Links & Communications Engineer

WORK LOCATION: Hanscom AFB, MA (In Office/On Base 5 days a week)

SALARY RANGE: $145,000 - $160,000 *

*depending on experience, certifications, and qualifications

JOB STATUS: Full-time; salaried

SECURITY CLEARANCE: MUST have an active Secret security clearance

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Data Links and Communications Engineer to support the USAF Tactical Data Networks Enterprise Branch, which is within the Aerial Networks Division and located at Hanscom AFB, MA.

Responsibilities:

• Support the development, integration, testing, and deployment of USAF systems and their associated data links.
• Define data link interoperability requirements, interface specifications, and verification/test assessment strategies.
• Collaborate with USAF, DoD, Army, Joint, and federal agencies to ensure communications compliance with FAA, DISA, NSA, JMPS, and other technical and business standards.
• Provide support and interface with stakeholders such as ACC, AFC2IC, JITC, and SPAWAR for C3 infrastructure and key distribution issues.
• Advise and assist Engineers, IPTs, PMs, and Joint Test Teams on planning, performance, schedule, and cost issues related to communications and control.
• Provide subject matter expertise in the following areas:
  
  • Tactical Platform Open Mission Systems (OMS): Architectures, processing environments, and integration into CCWG/OCS reference models.
  • Enterprise Communications: Support integration efforts (e.g., DARPA DyNAMO, Combat Cloud) and contribute to IERs, platform GIG requirements.
  • Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) Waveforms: AEHF/WGS, PTW, Iridium/Inmarsat; advise on infrastructure dependencies and operational integration.
  • J-Series & UCI Protocols: Develop and support schema, IERs, ICDs, and DoDAF architecture products.
  • JMPS Liaison & Communications Planning: Advise on mission planning and contribute to communications requirements for tactical platforms.
  • Agile Communications Initiatives: Engage in dynamic and innovative communication architecture strategies across joint platforms.
• Lead or support the following mission areas:
  
  • Combat Net Radio (CNR): Define networking parameters for flexible, cross-platform CNR integration.
  • Test & Demonstration: Provide engineering support for interoperability testing using UHF CNR and Link 16 with Threshold/Objective platforms.
  • Joint Concept of Employment (CONEMP): Develop and present Joint CONEMPs for LINK-16/UHF CNR compatible environments.
  • Cryptologic Systems: Design joint COMSEC strategies for cryptologic data dissemination to weapons/controllers.
  • Link 16 Networking: Support tactical data link integration strategies and minimize operational disruption for existing users.
  • Interface Control: Document and manage Link-16 J11.X messaging within Joint CM frameworks for interoperability and system evolution.
  • Implementation: Define specs for interoperability across air/ground launch and control systems (e.g., F-15E, F-35, TACP, TLDS).

Qualifications:

Years of Experience: 15 years of relevant experience in Data Links and Communications Engineering, with at least 5 years supporting DoD programs

• Expertise in Link-16, UHF CNR, USMTF, and COMSEC systems
• Knowledge of OMS architectures, AEHF/WGS waveforms, and tactical communications planning
• Proficiency in developing DoDAF products, IERs, and interface specifications
• Familiarity with development and operational testing at system and subsystem levels
• Experience contributing to Joint working groups and configuration control boards

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