Principal Data Links and Communications Engineer
Astrion· Aerospace & Defense Engineering· Oct 16, 2026 · 12d agoPosted 112 days ago
Bedford / Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts
In office
Full-time
Principal
$141K–$216K est.
5+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open since July 7, 2026 — 112 days, and still accepting applications.
Job description
Overview
Principal Data Links and Communications Engineer
LOCATION : Hanscom AFB, MA
Salary Range : $145-$155,000 annually*
*depending on experience, certifications, and qualifications
JOB STATUS: Full-time
CLEARANCE : Top Secret/SCI
TRAVEL: Limited, as needed
Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Data Links and Communications Engineer for the EPASS Cyber and Networks Directorate (EPASS HN II) contract , supporting the Aerial Networks Division (AFLCMC/HNA) located at Hanscom AFB in Massachusetts .
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:
• Must be a US Citizen
• Must have and be able to maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance
• Knowledge and experience with Link 22 and tatical data links engineering
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:
• 5 Years experience in software design and software requirements development
• Proficiency in C++ an Java Programming languages and development frameworks
• Proficiency in MBSE modeling, languages, and tools (DODAF, SysML, UML, Cameo)
• Networking and embedded mission systems experience
• Familiarity with government acquisition planning, tailoring and documentation (Acquisition Strategy Plan, Statement of Work, System Engineering Plan, User Agreements, Product Roadmap).
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
• Provide knowledge and experience in the development, integration, testing, and deployment of Air Force systems and their associated data links, to include definition of data link interoperability, interfaces, and verification and test assessment requirements. This includes interfacing with the Federal, Department of Defense (DoD), United States Air Force (USAF), United States Army, and Joint communities to ensure the data link communications capability complies with the applicable Federal Aviation Administration, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), National Security Agency (NSA), Service Acquisition Executive, Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS), Damage Assessment and Casualty Report business and technical rules.
• Provide resources with knowledge and experience in Developmental and Operational test and Evaluation at the sub-system and system level. This includes interface with Air Combat Command, Air Force Command and Control Integration Center, Joint Interoperability Test Command, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, and all levels of the organizations that develop and manage the C3 and encryption key distribution infrastructure for controlling a networked system, providing technical advice on C4 issues, including pre-launch conditioning and planning, aircraft-weapon pre- and post-release communications, and real-time targeting.
• The Contractor shall advise and assist the program Chief Engineer, Integrated Product Team (IPT) Leads, Program Managers (PMs), and joint combined test team customers on performance, schedule, and cost issues with respect to planning, communications, and control.
• The contractor will perform other duties as assigned.
The candidate may be called upon for knowledge and experience in the following specific areas:
• Combat Net Radio (CNR)
• Test and Demonstration include engineering support for interoperability testing weapon configurations with Threshold and Objective launch platforms/controllers and ground Joint Terminal Attack Controllers over Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) CNR and Link 22 communications.
• Joint Concept of Employment (CONEMP)
• Cryptologic Systems
• Link 16 Networking
• Interface Control
• Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DACAS)
• United States Message Text Format (USMTF)
• Joint Interoperability of Tactical Command and Control Systems (JINTACCS)
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Support defining and documenting specifications for network-enabled weapon systems to ensure Link 16 J11.X message interoperability
• Interface with DoD and non-DoD federal agencies to ensure the data link communications capability complies with the applicable regulations
• Interface with Air Force, other services and agencies in support of developing communications equipment and managing encryption infrastructure for controlling a networked system
• Provide technical advice on Command, Control and Communications (C3) issues, including pre-launch conditioning and planning, networked weapons, and real-time targeting
• Advise and assist the staff Engineers, IPT members, PMs, and test team customers on performance, schedule, and cost issues with respect to planning, communications, and control
• Support defining and documenting a set of Combat Net Radio (CNR) networking parameter configurations to provide the best balance between flexible implementation of capability and implementation impact on both existing and emerging weapon systems
• Provide engineering support for interoperability testing weapon configurations over UHF CNR and Link 16
• Support developing, documenting, and presenting a Joint Concept of Employment (CONEMP) which is flexible, scalable, and compatible with communications via Military tactical data exchange network
• Support developing and documenting Joint Service approaches for integrating weapons into existing TDL environments
• Support development and documentation of Link 16 J11.X messages within the construct of a Joint Service CM strategy that will maintain interoperability between weapon systems and controllers while supporting a flexible CONEMP
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java
- Platform
- jibe
- Effort
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