Senior Datalinks Engineer

Thompson Gray Inc.•Huntsville, AL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly capable Senior Datalinks Engineer to support the PM UAS Technical Management Division (TMD) and serve as the primary Division-level technical expert for UAS datalinks. This individual will work in direct support of the Chief Engineer, the PM UAS Product Offices, the Component Technology Branch, and special projects aligned with the PM UAS mission. The position is full-time and primarily on-site, with limited telework eligibility. The Senior Datalinks Engineer will serve as the primary datalinks subject matter expert for PM UAS at the Division level, supporting the Chief Engineer and providing technical leadership across the PM UAS enterprise. The individual will provide technical oversight and subject matter expertise for UAS datalink system development, integration, qualification, fielding, sustainment, modernization, and issue resolution. Relevant technologies include: Modems and radio frequency (RF) equipment, Antennas and radomes, RF interfaces and architectures, Communication protocols, Datalink standards, Software and firmware, Waveforms, Frequency management, EMI/EMV design and qualification, Electronic warfare (EW) hardening and resiliency, RF modeling and analysis, Encryption, including AES-256 and Type 1 encryption concepts, Communications Security (COMSEC), Transmission Security (TRANSEC). The ideal candidate will combine significant RF/datalink technical expertise with strong systems engineering judgment, strategic thinking, acquisition awareness, communication skills, and the ability to lead through complex technical and organizational challenges.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or another relevant technical discipline.
Demonstrated experience supporting complex technical systems, engineering programs, or acquisition programs.
Strong understanding of RF, communications, datalink, or related mission-system technologies.
Ability to independently investigate complex technical issues and develop technically sound recommendations.
Ability to develop and present technical reports, briefings, assessments, and recommendations to management and senior leadership.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with both deeply technical personnel and non-technical/programmatic stakeholders.
Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Ability to work primarily on-site with limited telework eligibility.
Ability to travel up to 25%.
U.S. citizenship.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.

Nice To Haves

More than five (5) years of directly relevant professional experience; significantly greater experience is preferred for this senior-level role.
Previous Product Management Office, Program Management Office, or equivalent acquisition organization experience.
Army Aviation, UAS, aviation systems, or related DoD acquisition experience.
Industry experience supporting RF, communications, networking, datalinks, EW, or UAS systems.
Current TS/SCI clearance or demonstrated ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
Significant experience with UAS datalink systems, RF systems, tactical communications systems, or related mission systems.
Experience with RF system architecture, link budgets, RF modeling, antennas, modems, waveforms, or spectrum management.
Understanding of AES-256 and Type 1 encryption concepts and their application to tactical communications.
Working knowledge of COMSEC and TRANSEC principles and implementation considerations.
Experience interpreting, applying, developing, or maintaining communications and datalink standards.
Experience with frequency management and spectrum-related coordination.
Experience supporting EMI/EMV qualification, EW resiliency, electronic protection, or communications-system hardening.
Experience coordinating with government laboratories, C5ISR organizations, other government agencies, military services, coalition partners, NATO organizations, and industry.
Experience developing or reviewing Performance Work Statements, Statements of Work, technical requirements, source-selection documentation, or other technical acquisition documentation.
Experience supporting system development, integration, qualification, production, sustainment, modernization, upgrades, and field issue resolution.
Experience leading technical working groups, interface control working groups, or similar cross-organizational engineering forums.

Responsibilities

Develop and coordinate a comprehensive UAS datalink strategy consistent with PM UAS objectives, missions, architectures, and future capabilities.
Serve as the principal datalink technical advisor to the Chief Engineer, TMD leadership, Product Offices, and other PM UAS stakeholders.
Provide technical oversight for datalink system development, integration, qualification, production, fielding, modernization, and sustainment.
Evaluate systems, subsystems, and components involving RF equipment, antennas, modems, radomes, communications protocols, interfaces, software, waveforms, and associated technologies.
Assess relevant threat environments and evaluate potential impacts to UAS RF and communications systems.
Evaluate datalink resiliency, interoperability, spectrum, encryption, COMSEC, TRANSEC, EMI/EMV, and EW considerations.
Support technical assessments of current and emerging datalink capabilities, technologies, standards, and architectures.
Maintain awareness of relevant government, military service, laboratory, industry, and coalition datalink initiatives.
Lead and participate in technical working groups, interface control working groups, engineering reviews, and acquisition forums.
Coordinate with government laboratories, development organizations, contractors, other Product Offices, and external stakeholders.
Make recommendations concerning technical direction, architectures, standards, policies, and investments to improve UAS mission effectiveness and survivability.
Represent PM UAS in external forums and effectively communicate both technical and programmatic considerations.
Coordinate with peer organizations for government-furnished equipment, government-furnished information, development, production, integration, and sustainment activities.
Plan, coordinate, and execute changes required to address critical system upgrades, modernization efforts, obsolescence issues, and field problems.
Develop, author, and review Performance Work Statements, Statements of Work, technical requirements, evaluation criteria, and other acquisition documentation associated with datalink development and modification efforts.
Evaluate competing technical approaches and provide recommendations regarding the most appropriate solution based on performance, integration risk, schedule, cost, sustainment, and mission requirements.
Communicate directly and effectively with government personnel, contractors, engineers, logisticians, program managers, acquisition professionals, business personnel, and senior leadership.
Work through conflicting technical opinions and organizational priorities to develop executable technical paths forward.
Perform additional technical and systems engineering activities as assigned by the Team Lead, Branch Chief, Division Lead, or Chief Engineer.

Benefits

Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance
401(k) plan with employer match
TG Swag – receive company-branded items during onboarding and seasonal shipments to your home
Dependent Scholarship Program – supporting the education of employees' children
Tuition Assistance for furthering your own education
Professional Development opportunities
18 days of paid time off
10 Federal Holidays
Flexible scheduling
Annual donation to the charity of your choice
Regular team-building events, such as lunches, after-hours gatherings, seasonal family-friendly events, and our memorable annual holiday party