Data Links and Communication Engineer

Position Summary

Odyssey Systems has an exciting opportunity for a Data Links and Communication Engineer SME to provide technical support to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Aerial Networks Division (AFLCMC/HNA) in support of the Tactical Data Networks Enterprise Program.

The selected candidate will bring deep subject matter expertise in the design, testing, deployment, and sustainment of tactical communications systems and data links, supporting multiple Air Force and Joint mission sets. This is a full-time onsite position located at Hanscom AFB, Bedford, MA.

Responsibilities

In this Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) role, you will provide expert-level support to Department of Defense (DoD) programs by assisting government leadership with decision-making, planning, and execution throughout the acquisition lifecycle. You will apply your technical and/or professional expertise to ensure compliance with applicable policies and regulations, contribute to mission success, and help deliver critical capabilities to the warfighter.

Duties include, but not limited to:

• Support the development, integration, testing, and deployment of USAF systems and their associated data links.
• Define data link interoperability requirements, interface specifications, and verification/test assessment strategies.
• Collaborate with USAF, DoD, Army, Joint, and federal agencies to ensure communications compliance with FAA, DISA, NSA, JMPS, and other technical and business standards.
• Provide support and interface with stakeholders such as ACC, AFC2IC, JITC, and SPAWAR for C3 infrastructure and key distribution issues.
• Advise and assist Engineers, IPTs, PMs, and Joint Test Teams on planning, performance, schedule, and cost issues related to communications and control.
• Provide subject matter expertise in the following areas:
  
  • Tactical Platform Open Mission Systems (OMS): Architectures, processing environments, and integration into CCWG/OCS reference models.
  • Enterprise Communications: Support integration efforts (e.g., DARPA DyNAMO, Combat Cloud) and contribute to IERs, platform GIG requirements.
  • Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) Waveforms: AEHF/WGS, PTW, Iridium/Inmarsat; advise on infrastructure dependencies and operational integration.
  • J-Series & UCI Protocols: Develop and support schema, IERs, ICDs, and DoDAF architecture products.
  • JMPS Liaison & Communications Planning: Advise on mission planning and contribute to communications requirements for tactical platforms.
  • Agile Communications Initiatives: Engage in dynamic and innovative communication architecture strategies across joint platforms.
• Lead or support the following mission areas:
  
  • Combat Net Radio (CNR): Define networking parameters for flexible, cross-platform CNR integration.
  • Test & Demonstration: Provide engineering support for interoperability testing using UHF CNR and Link 16 with Threshold/Objective platforms.
  • Joint Concept of Employment (CONEMP): Develop and present Joint CONEMPs for LINK-16/UHF CNR compatible environments.
  • Cryptologic Systems: Design joint COMSEC strategies for cryptologic data dissemination to weapons/controllers.
  • Link 16 Networking: Support tactical data link integration strategies and minimize operational disruption for existing users.
  • Interface Control: Document and manage Link-16 J11.X messaging within Joint CM frameworks for interoperability and system evolution.
  • Implementation: Define specs for interoperability across air/ground launch and control systems (e.g., F-15E, F-35, TACP, TLDS).

Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen

Minimum Required Qualifications

Clearance: Must have and be able to maintain an active Top Secret clearance

Education: Master's degree in Engineering

Years of Experience: 15 years of relevant experience in Data Links and Communications Engineering, with at least 5 years supporting DoD programs

Preferred Qualifications

Technical Skills

• Expertise in Link-16, UHF CNR, USMTF, and COMSEC systems
• Knowledge of OMS architectures, AEHF/WGS waveforms, and tactical communications planning
• Proficiency in developing DoDAF products, IERs, and interface specifications
• Familiarity with development and operational testing at system and subsystem levels
• Experience contributing to Joint working groups and configuration control boards

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to coordinate with cross-agency stakeholders and industry partners
• Highly detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Comfortable working in dynamic environments and mentoring junior engineers

Additional Information

Location: Hanscom AFB, Bedford, MA
Travel: May be required based on program needs
Onsite

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Company Overview

Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, is an innovative small business committed to providing world-class technical, management, and training support services to government and public sector clients. We focus on people, processes, and performance to deliver superior results. Since our inception in 1997, our commitment to mission success and customer satisfaction has been recognized with exponential growth and exceptional past performance ratings. We accept challenging assignments and drive projects from the planning stages, through implementation, and into operations and support.

Please note: Final compensation for this position will be determined by various factors such as the Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities