UAS Data Links Communications Test Engineer
Leidos· enterprise· Defense· Sep 2, 2026 · 2mo ago
Huntsville, AL
In office
Full-time
Staff
$87K–$157K
4+ years exp
Job description
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Leidos’ Defense Uncrewed Systems Integration and Test is seeking a motivated and ambitious UAS Data Links Communications Test Engineer to join the Software, Simulation, Systems Engineering and Integration Directorate (S3I) Joint Technology Center, Systems Integration Lab (JSIL) Technology and Certification Center. In this role, you ll support the integration, testing, and evaluation of advanced tactical data links and communications systems for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and other airborne and ground platforms supporting U.S. Army and DoD missions.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer with experience in RF communications, data links, system integration, and test and evaluation. You ll work with subject matter experts, systems engineers, and test teams to evaluate communications system functionality and interoperability, troubleshoot integration issues, analyze system performance, and provide technical assessments and recommendations. Systems engineering experience is also desired to support requirements analysis, interface definition, verification, and technical documentation.
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Leidos Defense Sensor provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. To explore and learn more, click here !
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Primary Responsibilities
Support testing and evaluation of UAS data links and communications technologies with a focus on system performance, interoperability, and operation in contested communications environments.
Support communications system integration, troubleshooting, data collection, analysis, and documentation of test results.
Collaborate with test and evaluation teams to define and verify system performance and interoperability metrics.
Support systems engineering activities, including requirements analysis, interface definition, verification, and technical documentation.
Evaluate emerging UAS data links and communications technologies and provide technical assessments and recommendations for future capabilities and compliance.
Participate in technical meetings and working groups and document technical decisions, recommendations, and actionable outcomes.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related STEM field from an accredited institution and 4 – 8 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 2 – 6 years of prior relevant experience. In lieu of a degree, personnel with an additional 9 plus years of relevant experience will be considered.
Working knowledge of tactical data links or military communications technologies, including Digital Data Link (DDL), Advanced DDL (ADDL), DDL-Lite, Common Data Link (CDL), SATCOM, or other applicable military communications systems.
Strong understanding of RF communications, data link architectures, and network protocols.
Experience supporting communications system integration, testing, troubleshooting, or performance analysis.
Familiarity with systems engineering principles, including requirements analysis, interface definition, integration, and verification.
Ability to support technical meetings and working groups and document actionable outcomes.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
U.S. citizenship, possess an active Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a Final Secret Clearance.
Must reside in the Huntsville, AL area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville, Al area.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with UAS platforms, tactical communications systems, or DoD interoperability testing and assessments.
Hands-on experience integrating or testing CDL, tactical data links, SATCOM, or other military communications systems.
Familiarity with Command and Control (C2) interfaces or protocols such as STANAG 4586, RAS-A/MAVLink, or similar UAS interoperability standards.
Hands-on experience performing systems engineering activities, including requirements analysis, interface definition, integration, or verification.
Knowledge of Ethernet, TCP/UDP/IP, VLANs, QoS, and other networking concepts applicable to communications systems.
Experience with RF or network test and analysis tools such as spectrum analyzers, Wireshark, Spirent TestCenter, iPerf, or similar tools.
If you re looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We re not hiring followers. We re recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We re already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting: September 2, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range: Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
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