Principal Data Links and Communications Engineer
Company: Astrion
Role summary
Principal Data Links and Communications Engineer is a role at Astrion in Bedford, Massachusetts, United States (on-site). Posted 2026-10-16. Experience level: 10+.
- Job title
- Principal Data Links and Communications Engineer
- Company
- Astrion
- Location
- Bedford, Massachusetts, United States
- Work arrangement
- on-site
- Category
- Software Engineering
- Experience level
- 10+
- Date posted
- 2026-10-16
Astrion is looking for a skilled Principal Data Links and Communications Engineer to join their team at Hanscom AFB, MA. This full-time role offers a competitive salary of $140-$155k, with potential for limited travel. If you have a strong background in communications engineering and a Top Secret/SCI clearance, this could be a great next step in your career.
Job description
Overview
Principal Data Links and Communications Engineer
LOCATION : Hanscom AFB, MA
Salary Range : $140-$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, MA.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:
Must be a US Citizen
Education: Master’s or Doctorate Degree in a related field and at least 20 years of experience in the respective technical / professional discipline being performed, 12 years of which must be in the DoD
OR, a Bachelor's Degree in a related field and 25 years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline being performed, 15 years of which must be in the DoD.
Must have and be ablet to maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance
Knowledge and experience in the development, integration, testing, and deployment of Air Force systems and their associated data links
Knowledge and experience in DoD Test & Evaluation at sub-system and system level
Experience in the following areas required: DecSecOps
Cloud
Model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
JIRA
Confluence
GIT
Cameo tool
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:
Knowledge and experience in Tactical Platform Open Mission Systems (OMS) architectures, hardware/software processing environments, and limits of current OMS architectures
Knowledge and experience in DoD Enterprise communications activities (e.g., Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency DyNAMO/Comat Cloud)
Knowledge and experience in J-Series and UCI message sets/schema and protocols, interoperability needs
Knowledge and experience in communications planning for Tactical Platforms
Knowledge of BLOS Waveforms (AEHF/WGS, Protected Tactical Waveform, and Civil waveforms
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
Apply for Principal Data Links and Communications Engineer at Astrion