Tactical Data Links Communications Program Systems Engineer

Job description

Tactical Data Links Communications Program Systems Engineerat SMX(View all jobs) (https://www.smxtech.com/careers/)
MacDill AFB

We're seeking a Communications Program Systems Engineer to design and manage mission-critical C4 communication systems for the Special Operations community.

This role, embedded within the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Tactical Communications Program Office, offers a chance to directly influence the delivery of new, high-end systems to Special Operations Forces.

The ideal candidate will have a communications, RF, or electrical engineering background and strong systems engineering skills.

You'll be responsible for the full lifecycle of these systems, from initial design and integration to ongoing maintenance and support.

This position is primarily based at MacDill Air Force Base, with some travel required.

**This position required a DoD Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain TS/SCI and requires US citizenship for work on DoD contracts.**

**Application Deadline: 10/27/25**

**Essential Duties & Responsibilities**

+ Works in support of Government Program Managers to determine the goals within technical management and works with program resources to refine those goals into executable objectives
+ Devises plans and drives execution of each engineering phase of the program objectives and projects
+ Identifies network improvements and innovations with emphasis on configuration management down to the Configuration Item (CI) levels
+ Performs quality control checks and configuration audits ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of the communication systems, tools, and products
+ Evaluates the technical/engineering costs to identify efficiencies and improved ways of delivering technical service to the customer
+ Builds strong professional working relationships with stakeholders to resolves disputes, define technical solutions, and drive positive change in support of program objectives
+ The successful candidate will serve as a key component to a technical management team consisting of uniformed, government and other contractor personnel
+ Be responsible for working with the customer and external stakeholders (industry leaders, vendors, military, etc.) to accomplish contract goals
+ This position requires strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to effectively brief senior level government stakeholders
+ Performs independent technical planning, system integration, verification and validation and analysis, supportability and effectiveness for communication systems throughout the Tactical Communications portfolio Programs of Record
+ Plan and conduct analysis/research, design/development, and other assignments in conformance with design, engineering and customer/program specifications and milestones
+ Must be a self-starter, strong leader, and have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
+ Travel up to 20% (CONUS)

**Required Skills/Experience**

+ Communications focused or technical bachelor’s degree with 5 - 10 years of prior relevant experience or master’s with 4 - 8 years of prior relevant experience
+ Experienced with Microsoft Office applications to include but not be limited to Word, Excel, Access, SharePoint and PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Visio
+ Required clearance: Secret with the ability to upgrade to Top Secret Department of Defense security clearance
+ Experience as a Program Systems Engineer
+ Experience with Department of Defense Acquisition technical management
+ Systems engineering experience with enterprise-scale system of systems to include tactical systems
+ Experience with the Government Testing and Evaluation processes and documentation, specifically activities such as TEMP, SEP, SAMP, PDR, CDR, PCA, FCA, FMECA, and configuration management
+ Experience supporting incident management, problem management, and integrating new technologies into these processes
+ Have either chaired or participated with an Engineering Review Board (ERB)
+ Experience with Link-16, Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL), Mobile Adhoc NETworks, (MANET), TRAX, and various other protocols/military tactical data links

**Desired Skills/Experience**

+ TS/SCI Eligible
+ Significant communications background familiar with the planning, employment, and sustainment of fielded tactical communication systems and software
+ Experience with the Tactical Communications portfolio of equipment with an emphasis on tactical radios and integration into related systems
+ Possess an advanced understanding of the fundamentals of tactical datalinks and how to integrate them into military operations
+ Experience with Android Operating Systems and Applications

#cjpost #LI-KK1

The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications.

At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits.

Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

The proposed salary for this position is:

$95,500—$159,100 USD

At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission.

From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.

We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world.

We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement.

Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.

SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.

Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).

Required Skill Profession

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