F-35 Communications Engineer, Senior

ACT1 Federal seeks a Senior F-35 Communications Engineer to serve as an F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office Interoperability (IO) Subject Matter Expert. This onsite role in Arlington, VA focuses on tactical datalinks and intra-flight communications IO analytical and design expertise, supporting the F-35 IO Government Lead with primary oversight for IO-related requirements within the F-35 IO Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Orchestrate interface development, implementation, and sustainment upgrades to F-35 airborne communications capabilities.
• Coordinate F-35 airborne communications IO (joint tactical datalinks and communications) implementation positions with U.S. Military Services, Partner Nations, and all FMS cases.
• Establish military standards compliant Link-16 requirements and F-35-unique Multi-function Advanced Data Link (MADL) message sets, including minimum data link implementation recommendations.
• Validate F-35 airborne communications-related Information Exchange Requirements (IERs) and associated external IO architecture development.
• Conduct systems-level IO interface assessments and provide technical inputs to ensure information exchanges and the communications interface design meet U.S. Military Services and Partner Nation IO requirements in joint and coalition operational environments.
• Manage IO-related requirements documents and provide inputs to Proposed Specification Change Notices (PSCNs) to support proper integration of IO capabilities.
• Work directly with F-35 Prime Contractor engineering staff to update and maintain the Operational Requirements Specification (ORS).
• Support assessment activities related to U.S. Military Services and Partner Nation IO-related Concepts of Operations (CONOPs), ensuring airborne communications IO interface requirements integrate into F-35 requirements documents and contract specifications and that planned and implemented interface designs align with joint and coalition needs.
• Support airborne communications IO verification test planning and execution to ensure IO-related requirements are adequately verified.
• Provide IO-related verification requirements and associated C4I support inputs for the Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP).
• Prepare and/or contribute to presentations covering IO program status and accomplishments, issue identification and resolution, and verification support requirements across forums including the F-35 Operational Advisory Group, Requirements Working Group, Senior Warfighters Group, and JSF Executive Steering Board (JSEB), as well as IO Advisory Group (IAG) and Lockheed Martin IO-related reviews.
• Participate in joint and Military Service-specific tactical data link governing bodies and represent the F-35 JPO in U.S. Government working group deliberations focused on establishing joint and commercial tactical communications policy.

Required Qualifications

• 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
• 4 years in a test and evaluation (developmental and/or operational) environment supporting a DoD ACAT-I Acquisition Program
• 6 years providing technical analysis and support for C4I digital datalinks and intra-flight communications, including Link-16/Variable Message Format (VMF), with emphasis on tactical datalink communications (including Command and Control (C2), Electronic Warfare (EW), or fighter platform communications) and associated mission planning and operational coordination
• In-depth technical understanding of joint and 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%)

Technology Focus

• Link-16
• MADL (Multi-function Advanced Data Link)
• Variable Message Format (VMF)
• Microsoft Office Suite

Compensation and Schedule

• Salary: USD 130,000 - 148,000 per year
• Schedule: Full-time (FT)
• Shift: Day
• Remote Type: On-site
• Location: Arlington, VA (Crystal City)
• Category: Funded
• Travel Required: N/A (noted separately from the role’s travel estimate)

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