Lead Fielding Radio Communications & Data Links Subject Matter Expert (SME)

SAIC•Flexwork, VA

3d•Remote

About The Position

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is seeking a Lead Fielding Radio Communications & Data Links Subject Matter Expert to support the Air Operations Center Weapon System (AOC WS) Falconer Program. The role leads a three-person fielding team responsible for configuring, integrating, deploying, and fielding mission-critical communications systems across multiple CONUS and OCONUS locations. The position is the team's senior technical authority for tactical data links, military radio communications, RF and antenna systems, and communications infrastructure, translating operational requirements into mission-ready solutions for Department of Defense environments. The role oversees the full fielding lifecycle, from site surveys and requirements analysis through technical design, material planning, equipment integration, installation, testing, validation, and operational verification. It combines hands-on technical work with team leadership and coordination with program leadership, government stakeholders, facilities personnel, vendors, contractors, and supporting organizations. The position is remote, but candidates must reside near Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, to support mission and deployment requirements as needed. Technical work includes designing communications infrastructure and power solutions; producing installation-ready drawings and design packages; fielding Link 16, JRE/JREAP, LMMT, SPIDR, and related tactical data link systems; supporting HF, VHF, UHF, SATCOM, and Link 16 radio requirements; and planning and validating antenna and RF installations. The position also leads physical installation of communications rooms, racks, cabling, network equipment, radios, and power systems, and supports DoD equipment procurement and material planning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and 8 or more years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree in a related discipline and 5 or more years of relevant experience; equivalent combinations of education, industry certifications, and experience will also be considered.
Active DoD Secret clearance; TS/SCI eligibility is noted.
Extensive hands-on experience designing, developing, and fielding military communications systems and infrastructure.
Demonstrated experience leading technical implementation teams and executing multidisciplinary fielding projects.
Subject matter expertise in tactical data links, military radio communications, RF engineering, antenna systems, and communications infrastructure.
Advanced technical knowledge of Link 16, JRE/JREAP, LMMT, SPIDR, or comparable tactical data link technologies.
Strong proficiency with military HF/VHF/UHF radio systems, particularly L3Harris communications platforms.
Advanced understanding of electrical engineering principles, power distribution, circuit loading, UPS systems, grounding, and bonding.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Visio and development of architectural drawings, electrical schematics, rack elevations, wiring diagrams, and installation documentation.
Demonstrated experience designing and physically installing communications server rooms, antenna systems, structured cabling, and network infrastructure.
Strong knowledge of IP networking, TCP/IP, UDP, multicast, routing, and switching.
Experience developing technical installation packages, LOMs, BOMs, and technical equipment specifications.
Familiarity with DoD procurement processes, TAA compliance research, and equipment fielding logistics.
Ability to independently develop technical solutions and lead complex communications fielding projects from initial design through physical installation.
Meet DoD Directive 8140 IAT Level III requirements, such as CompTIA Security+, within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Direct design, integration, and fielding experience supporting AOC-WS or similar efforts.
Experience designing and constructing communications infrastructure within operational DoD facilities.
Experience with RF test equipment, electrical troubleshooting, and antenna installation.
Experience supporting military communications modernization and technology refresh initiatives.
CompTIA Network+ or equivalent technical certifications.

Responsibilities

Lead and provide technical direction to a three-person team executing AOC-WS communications fielding, infrastructure development, and modernization projects.
Direct fielding activities from initial site surveys and requirements identification through design, material planning, physical installation, and operational turnover.
Serve as the primary technical subject matter expert for communications architecture, equipment selection, installation methods, and fielding challenges.
Establish technical priorities, coordinate installation activities, and ensure fielding projects meet operational requirements.
Provide technical recommendations and guidance to program leadership, government stakeholders, and supporting organizations.
Design communications infrastructure, including AC/DC power distribution, load calculations, circuit protection, grounding, bonding, surge suppression, and safety provisions.
Design and implement power solutions using UPS equipment, PDUs, redundant power configurations, and supporting infrastructure; assess power, circuit capacity, thermal, and compatibility requirements.
Develop detailed technical designs and installation-ready packages, including power and system diagrams, rack elevations, wiring diagrams, equipment layouts, cable-routing plans, equipment specifications, cable schedules, and material requirements.
Coordinate installation requirements with facilities personnel, vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Design and field tactical data link equipment and supporting network hardware, racks, pathways, cabling, and power infrastructure for Link 16, JRE/JREAP, LMMT, SPIDR, and related systems.
Apply tactical data link architecture, J-series messaging, network transport, and interface requirements to fielding solutions; configure equipment, verify connectivity, and troubleshoot technical issues.
Support deployment and sustainment of fixed-site and tactical HF, VHF, UHF, SATCOM, and Link 16 communications systems, including L3Harris military radio platforms.
Develop RF solutions using antenna performance, polarization, impedance matching, VSWR, signal propagation, link analysis, and electromagnetic compatibility principles.
Plan and oversee rooftop and fixed-site antenna installations, including placement, mounting, transmission lines, cable routing, grounding, and lightning protection.
Identify, specify, and assess RF components such as coaxial transmission lines, connectors, filters, amplifiers, splitters, and distribution equipment.
Perform RF site surveys, installation validation, troubleshooting, and communications performance verification using appropriate test and measurement equipment.
Lead planning, coordination, deployment, and physical installation of communications server rooms, equipment racks, and mission-critical infrastructure.
Develop infrastructure designs incorporating servers, network equipment, tactical radios, RF distribution, UPS equipment, structured cabling, and power distribution.
Develop and maintain rack layouts, equipment placement plans, copper and fiber-optic cabling, patch panels, cable pathways, and communications interconnections.
Apply TCP/IP, UDP, multicast, routing, switching, and network transport principles to infrastructure design.
Direct hands-on fielding, including rack assembly, equipment mounting, cable fabrication and termination, power connections, hardware installation, and equipment configuration.
Evaluate electrical capacity, cooling, grounding, equipment accessibility, cable management, and future expansion requirements.
Support DoD procurement by contributing to requirements definition, equipment evaluation and selection, and coordination with the designated procurement lead.
Develop Lists of Materials (LOMs), Bills of Materials (BOMs), technical specifications, and supporting documentation.
Research manufacturer specifications, equipment compatibility, Trade Agreements Act compliance requirements, and approved procurement sources.
Coordinate material requirements and equipment availability to support fielding schedules and installation readiness.
Maintain working knowledge of DoD procurement processes, including purchase requests, approvals, equipment lead times, and delivery coordination.