Tactical Data Link Manager Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Lead, Systems Engineering Link 22

Job Code: 43457

Job Location: Rockwall, TX

Job Schedule: 9/80 - Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off.

Job Description:

Perform as part of a team that supports the requirements, design, development, test, and integration of complex, specialized hardware/software systems installed on ground and airborne ISR and communication platforms. The ideal candidate will serve as a subject matter expert in Link 22 tactical data link systems, providing hands-on architecture development requirements, system design, configuration, integration, and training expertise for airborne and maritime-based system applications. Travel requirement will vary with the phase of the program, ranging from <10% during SW development phases to an excess of 50% during integration, testing, and delivery.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as the primary Link 22 subject matter expert, leveraging in-depth working knowledge of Link 22 systems, architecture, message standards, network design, and the full range of available configuration options.
• Integrate and configure Link 22 tactical data link systems for use with airborne weapon system and maritime-based communication platforms, ensuring compatibility and operational effectiveness.
• Architect and design Link 22 data flows across multi-node network environments, including Function groups, time slot management, and message routing.
• Develop, manage, and maintain exportable Link 22 configurations for use across multiple programs, platforms, and customer environments.
• Integrate and configure Link 22 hardware and software components, including System Network Controller (SNC), Signal Processing Controller (SPC), and Link-level COMSEC (LLC) ensuring proper interoperability with platform systems and external networks.
• Design and develop physical architectures incorporating Link 22 alongside complementary tactical data links (e.g., Link 16, VMF) across multiple security domains.
• Design, integrate, and test wideband and narrowband communication systems in support of Link 22 operations.
• Translate customer requests and CONOPS into system-level requirements and ensure proper requirement traceability throughout the program lifecycle.
• Write subsystem specifications based on system-level requirements and evaluate alternative solutions to establish preliminary system designs.
• Review and evaluate electrical wiring diagrams to ensure design details trace to system requirements.
• Develop and execute Link 22 standards compliance and performance test procedures, ensuring system performance and capabilities meet defined system requirements and applicable MIL-STD and STANAG specifications.
• Plan and execute Link 22 interoperability testing in lab and operational environments, including participation in multi-national interoperability events.
• Prepare effective presentations to communicate complex technical information, including Link 22 architecture and configuration details, to non-technical professionals and government customers.
• Develop, author, and implement software and system test plans in a collaborative team environment.
• Develop integration, test, and verification scenarios using Link 22 simulation equipment in support of SW development, integration, and test efforts.
• Work in an agile engineering environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering technology and minimum of 9 years of relevant experience (Software Engineer also considered with relevant experience).
• Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. 
• In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
• Strong understanding of core Systems Engineering requirements development, decomposition, traceability, verification, and validation, with the ability to translate customer and stakeholder needs into clear, testable, and compliant system requirements.
• Prior experience creating tactical datalink (TDL) scenarios in support of software development, integration, and testing phases.
• Proven problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities in complex technical environments.
• Demonstrated, hands-on experience integrating and configuring Link 22 tactical data link systems for airborne or ground-based applications.
• Working knowledge of Link 22 network architecture, NPG design, time slot assignment, and STANAG 5522 message standards.
• Hands-on experience with Curtiss-Wright & Leonardo DRS Link 22 hardware and/or software products.
• Demonstrated experience architecting Link 22 data flows in multi-node, multi-domain network environments.
• Demonstrated experience performing NILE Link 22 standard and conformance testing for NATO weapon system.
• Prior experience working with NILE PMO and NILE GOTS hardware/software.
• Experience integrating with modernized software defined V/UHF software defined radio systems.
• Active DoD Secret Clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI; requires U.S. Citizenship.

Strongly Preferred:

• Security+ Certified.
• Experience creating and managing exportable Link 22 configurations for deployment across multiple platforms or customer environments.
• Ability to support flight test/ability to obtain active flight physical.
• Familiarity with Link 22 software updates, version management, and configuration baseline control.
• Experience with Link 16 and/or other tactical data links and their interoperability with Link 22 networks.
• Familiarity with Leonardo DRS and Curtiss-Wright products and their integration within tactical data link and airborne communication architectures.
• Experience working with domestic and foreign subcontractors, and foreign customers.
• Familiarity with multi-national interoperability testing events and coalition data link environments.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Hands-on experience testing, integrating, and verifying hardware and/or software systems.

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