F-35 Communications Engineer, Senior

JOB TITLE: F-35 Communications Engineer, Senior

Location: Arlington, VA (Crystal City)

Category: Funded

Schedule (FT/PT): FT

Travel Required: N/A

Shift: Day

Remote Type: On-site

Clearance required: Active Secret Clearance

Division: Aviation

Salary: $130,000-$148,000

The F-35 Communications Engineer serves as one of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (JPO) Interoperability (IO) Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with a primary focus in providing tactical datalinks and intra-flight communications IO-related analytical and design expertise. The F-35 JPO develops, tests, produces, fields, and sustains F-35 Fifth-Generation combat capability for the United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps along with Partner and Foreign Military Sales nations around the world. This position supports the F-35 IO Government Lead and serves as the primary IO-related requirements oversight lead for the F-35 IO Team.

Responsibilities

Orchestrating interface development, implementation, and sustainment upgrades to the F-35 airborne communications capabilities

Coordinating F-35 airborne communications IO (joint tactical datalinks/ communications) implementation positions with the U.S. Military Services, Partner Nations, and all FMS cases -- includes establishing specific military standards compliant Link-16 as well as F-35-unique Multi-function Advanced Data Link (MADL) message sets with minimum data link implementation recommendations

Validating F-35 airborne communications-related Information Exchange Requirements (IERs) and associated external IO architecture development -- Includes systems-level IO interface assessments and technical inputs to ensure F-35 information exchanges and the associated communications interface design will satisfy U.S. Military Services and Partner Nation IO requirements within the F-35 joint/coalition operational environment

Managing F-35 IO-related requirements documents and Proposed Specification Change Notices (PSCNs) inputs to ensure properly integration of IO-related capabilities -- Works directly with the F-35 Prime Contractor engineering staff to update/maintain the F-35 Operational Requirements Specification (ORS)

Assisting in addressing airborne communications IO assessments of U.S. Military Services/Partner Nation IO-related Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) to ensure airborne communications IO interface requirements are properly integrated in associated F-35 requirements documents/contract specifications and that the planned/implemented F-35 communications IO interface design implementation meets joint and coalition force needs

Supporting airborne communications IO verification test planning and execution to ensure IO-related requirements are adequately verified. Provides IO-related verification requirements and associated C4I support inputs to the F-35 Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP)

Preparing and/or contributes to presentations on IO-related program status/accomplishments, issues identification/resolution, and verification support requirements to F-35 Operational Advisory Group, Requirements Working Group, Senior Warfighters Group, and JSF Executive Steering Board (JSEB) deliberations as well as during IO Advisory Group (IAG) and Lockheed Martin IO-related reviews

Participating in joint and Military Service-specific tactical data link governing bodies and represents the F-35 JPO in U.S. Government working group deliberations tied to establishing joint/commercial tactical communications policy

Requirements

SECRET Clearance with eligibility for SAR

BA/BS degree

10 years of systems-to-systems level interface analysis experience in an engineering or technical position of which:

Four years were in a test and evaluation (developmental and/or operational) environment supporting a DoD ACAT-I Acquisition Program

Six years involved technical analysis/support of C4I digital datalinks and intra-flight communications to include Link-16/Variable Message Format (VMF) with emphasis on tactical datalink communications [Command and Control (C2), Electronic Warfare (EW), or Fighter platform communications] as well as the associated mission planning/operational coordination

In-depth technical understanding of joint/coalition airborne communications network interfaces and associated messaging

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications

Ability to travel (approximately 10%)

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• ACT1 Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Company Paid Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401K with employer match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Military Leave
• Education, Training & Professional Development
• Voluntary Accidental Injury/Critical Illness/Hospital Care
• Voluntary Pet Insurance, Legal Resources, and Identity Protection

• Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of flexibility and collaboration, whether that happens in person or remotely.
• If this position is listed as remote or hybrid, you’ll periodically work from a ACT1 Federal or client site facility.
• If this position is listed as onsite, you’ll work with colleagues and clients in person, as needed for the specific role.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.