Tactical Communications and Field Systems Engineer

NODA AI•Austin, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Tactical Communications and Field Systems Engineer designs, integrates, and maintains networks connecting NODA’s unmanned platforms, ground control stations, and customer systems. The role supports field testing, demonstrations, exercises, and operational deployments, with responsibility for communications readiness, troubleshooting, and technical documentation. The position is based in Austin, Texas, on-site when not deployed, and involves travel up to 50%, including international travel and deployments to combat zones. The engineer reports to the Field Operations Lead. The role requires identifying communications risks before events, troubleshooting methodically under time pressure, and maintaining accurate readiness and configuration records. It calls for sound judgment in austere conditions, collaboration across teams, and willingness to cross-train in piloting, hardware integration, and demonstration support. Career growth may include advanced systems integration, communications section leadership, and operations management, depending on performance, capabilities, and organizational needs.

Requirements

At least five years of experience planning, installing, operating, and maintaining tactical communications as a military communicator or field service representative, including deployments with combat or combat support units.
Hands-on experience with HF, VHF, UHF, SATCOM, and mobile ad hoc or mesh networks, including configuration, encryption, link testing, and retransmission.
Experience with relevant systems such as L3Harris AN/PRC-117G, AN/PRC-152, and AN/PRC-163; Motorola; TACSAT/MUOS; MPU5; Silvus; Doodle Labs; and Microhard.
Working knowledge of RF propagation, antenna theory, and electromagnetic interference.
Practical skills in RF cabling, connectors, grounding, field power, and soldering, with experience using spectrum analyzers, power and standing wave ratio meters, and multimeters.
Proficiency in IP networking, including subnetting, DHCP, VLANs, routing, firewalls, VPNs, and Ethernet connections between radios, ground control stations, and payloads.
Experience with COMSEC key handling and accountability, TRANSEC, emission control, spectrum coordination, and PACE planning in environments affected by electronic warfare or jamming.
U.S. citizenship and an active DoD Secret clearance or eligibility for reinstatement.
A valid U.S. passport or ability to obtain one, and ability to meet deployment medical and processing requirements.
Ability to travel up to 50%, including internationally and to combat zones; work nights and weekends as required; and lift up to 60 pounds in demanding field conditions.
Ability to use sound judgment in austere conditions, collaborate across teams, and troubleshoot methodically under time pressure.

Nice To Haves

CompTIA Security+, Network+, Linux+, Cisco CCNA, or a certification applicable to DoD 8140 workforce requirements.
Military tactical communications experience, such as Army 18E/25C/25S/25U, Marine Corps 0621/0629, Air Force combat communications or TACP, Navy IT/ET, or Coast Guard IT, or equivalent contractor experience.
Integration or testing of unmanned aircraft and ground, surface, or underwater vehicles, including ground control station datalinks and counter-UAS systems.
RF spectrum monitoring and signals analysis, with experience in 4G/LTE or satellite backhaul systems such as Starlink, Iridium, or VSAT.
Experience using Python for automation, equipment configuration, or log and telemetry analysis.
Experience with Linux command-line tools, single-board computers such as Raspberry Pi, and network diagnostics using Wireshark.
Experience with Jira and Confluence.

Responsibilities

Develop mission communications plans covering radio and satellite links, mesh networks, IP addressing, encryption, antenna placement and separation, and backhaul; establish primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency (PACE) options for critical links.
Configure, test, and maintain communications between unmanned air, ground, surface, and underwater platforms and ground control stations, including relay and retransmission sites for beyond-line-of-sight connectivity.
Diagnose faults in radios, antennas, cabling, power systems, and IP networks on-site and remotely; identify and mitigate external and self-generated interference, including jamming.
Coordinate frequency and satellite access requests with range, military, and host-nation authorities; manage COMSEC key loading and accountability and apply TRANSEC procedures.
Fabricate and repair cables, harnesses, and connectors; maintain equipment inventories, configuration records, spares, antennas, and field power systems.
Survey and establish field sites, verify communications before deployment, and integrate command and control, telemetry, video, and link-health data into customer systems.
Evaluate radios, waveforms, and antennas; maintain network diagrams, configuration files, frequency records, communications plans, and after-action reports.
Train and qualify teammates and customers on communications equipment and procedures.
Work with Engineering, Product, and customer teams, and support site setup, teardown, and other field activities.
Identify communications risks before events, troubleshoot under time pressure, and maintain accurate readiness and configuration records.
Cross-train in piloting, hardware integration, and demonstration support.

Benefits

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
Premium medical, dental, and vision coverage with zero paycheck premiums for the employee and family.
401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
Equity grants for new hires.
Unlimited PTO.
11 paid holidays and a generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November and December.
Generous parental leave.
Military leave for annual training or service requirements.
FSA, DCFSA, and HSA.
Professional development opportunities.
Access to One Medical.
Free mental health resources available 24/7, including therapy, and additional work-life services such as free legal and financial support.
Opportunities for career growth.