UAS Data Links Communications Test Engineer

Leidos’ Defense Uncrewed Systems Integration and Test is seeking a motivated and ambitious UAS Data Links Communications Test Engineer to join the Software, Simulation, Systems Engineering and Integration Directorate (S3I) Joint Technology Center, Systems Integration Lab (JSIL) Technology and Certification Center. In this role, you’ll support the integration, testing, and evaluation of advanced tactical data links and communications systems for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and other airborne and ground platforms supporting U.S. Army and DoD missions.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer with experience in RF communications, data links, system integration, and test and evaluation. You’ll work with subject matter experts, systems engineers, and test teams to evaluate communications system functionality and interoperability, troubleshoot integration issues, analyze system performance, and provide technical assessments and recommendations. Systems engineering experience is also desired to support requirements analysis, interface definition, verification, and technical documentation.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!, * Support testing and evaluation of UAS data links and communications technologies with a focus on system performance, interoperability, and operation in contested communications environments.

• Support communications system integration, troubleshooting, data collection, analysis, and documentation of test results.
• Collaborate with test and evaluation teams to define and verify system performance and interoperability metrics.
• Support systems engineering activities, including requirements analysis, interface definition, verification, and technical documentation.
• Evaluate emerging UAS data links and communications technologies and provide technical assessments and recommendations for future capabilities and compliance.
• Participate in technical meetings and working groups and document technical decisions, recommendations, and actionable outcomes.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related STEM field from an accredited institution and 4 - 8 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 2 - 6 years of prior relevant experience. In lieu of a degree, personnel with an additional 9 plus years of relevant experience will be considered.
• Working knowledge of tactical data links or military communications technologies, including Digital Data Link (DDL), Advanced DDL (ADDL), DDL-Lite, Common Data Link (CDL), SATCOM, or other applicable military communications systems.
• Strong understanding of RF communications, data link architectures, and network protocols.
• Experience supporting communications system integration, testing, troubleshooting, or performance analysis.
• Familiarity with systems engineering principles, including requirements analysis, interface definition, integration, and verification.
• Ability to support technical meetings and working groups and document actionable outcomes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship, possess an active Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a Final Secret Clearance.
• Must reside in the Huntsville, AL area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville, Al area., * Experience with UAS platforms, tactical communications systems, or DoD interoperability testing and assessments.
• Hands-on experience integrating or testing CDL, tactical data links, SATCOM, or other military communications systems.
• Familiarity with Command and Control (C2) interfaces or protocols such as STANAG 4586, RAS-A/MAVLink, or similar UAS interoperability standards.
• Hands-on experience performing systems engineering activities, including requirements analysis, interface definition, integration, or verification.

• Knowledge of Ethernet, TCP/UDP/IP, VLANs, QoS, and other networking concepts applicable to communications systems.

• Experience with RF or network test and analysis tools such as spectrum analyzers, Wireshark, Spirent TestCenter, iPerf, or similar tools.

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That’s why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits .

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business., Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com .