Principal Systems Engineer - Link 16
$160,000–$200,000 year
On-siteMarietta, Georgia, United States
Job Summary
Lead the systems engineering effort for the MIDS-JTRS block upgrade program, driving requirements development, system architecture, interface definition, and verification across the full product lifecycle. Manage system and subsystem requirements including traceability, author specifications and ICDs, and lead integration, validation, and qualification testing using HIL procedures. Troubleshoot complex hardware/software integration issues, perform root cause analysis, and guide teams through major engineering reviews and customer acceptance events. Requires 10+ years of experience with Link 16 tactical data links and MIDS-JTRS terminals, with a security clearance. Based in Marietta, GA, with a salary range of $160,000 - $200,000 plus bonus eligibility.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
- 10+ years of systems engineering experience supporting complex DoD communications, mission systems, or avionics programs
- Deep experience with Link 16 tactical data links and MIDS-JTRS terminals
- Experience supporting MIDS-JTRS Block Upgrade or other tactical data link modernization efforts
- Demonstrated experience developing, allocating, and managing system and subsystem requirements, including requirements traceability and verification
- Experience authoring system specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), system design documentation, and verification documentation
- Strong understanding of Link 16 architectures, tactical message standards, network participation groups (NPGs), and terminal operation
- Experience leading system integration, verification, validation, and qualification testing
- Experience developing and executing system-level, integration, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test procedures
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex hardware/software integration issues and perform root cause analysis
- Experience supporting major engineering reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and customer acceptance events
- Strong technical leadership skills with experience leading cross-functional engineering teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to obtain a security clearance
Desired Qualifications
- Experience leading a MIDS-JTRS upgrade program or other Link 16 modernization program
- Experience with MIL-STD-6016, STANAG 5516, J-series messages, and tactical data link protocols
- Experience with Software Communications Architecture (SCA) and Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) technologies
- Experience using IBM DOORS for requirements management
- Experience supporting airborne mission systems, C4ISR, or tactical communications programs
- Experience working in Agile development environments
- Experience using Atlassian tools including Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket
- Experience supporting formal customer qualification, certification, and fielding activities
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