Principal Data Links and Communications EngineerLOCATION: Hanscom AFB, MASalary Range: $140-$155,000 annually depending on experience, certifications, and qualificationsJOB STATUS: Full-timeCLEARANCE: Top Secret/SCITRAVEL: Limited, as neededAstrion 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 CitizenEducation: 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 DoDOR 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 able to maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearanceKnowledge and experience in the development, integration, testing, and deployment of Air Force systems and their associated data linksKnowledge and experience in DoD Test & Evaluation at sub-system and system levelExperience in the following areas required:DecSecOpsCloudModel-based systems engineering (MBSE)JIRAConfluenceGITCameo toolDesired Qualifications / Skills:Knowledge and experience in Tactical Platform Open Mission Systems (OMS) architectures, hardware/software processing environments, and limits of current OMS architecturesKnowledge 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 needsKnowledge and experience in communications planning for Tactical PlatformsKnowledge of BLOS Waveforms (AEHF/WGS, Protected Tactical Waveform, and Civil waveformsResponsibilities:Support defining and documenting specifications for network-enabled weapon systems to ensure Link 16 J11.X message interoperabilityInterface with DoD and non-DoD federal agencies to ensure the data link communications capability complies with the applicable regulationsInterface with Air Force, other services and agencies in support of developing communications equipment and managing encryption infrastructure for controlling a networked systemProvide technical advice on Command, Control and Communications (C3) issues, including pre-launch conditioning and planning, networked weapons, and real-time targetingAdvise and assist the staff Engineers, IPT members, PMs, and test team customers on performance, schedule, and cost issues with respect to planning, communications, and controlSupport 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 systemsProvide engineering support for interoperability testing weapon configurations over UHF CNR and Link 16Support developing, documenting, and presenting a Joint Concept of Employment (CONEMP) which is flexible, scalable, and compatible with communications via Military tactical data exchange networkSupport developing and documenting Joint Service approaches for integrating weapons into existing TDL environmentsSupport 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