Tactical Communication Systems Engineer

The Opportunity

The Tactical Communication Systems Engineer designs, builds, deploys, installs, troubleshoots, and supports ad hoc and hasty telecommunications systems to support rapid deployment of tactical security teams. These systems include multiple types of communications equipment and supporting data systems. This role provides imbedded technical competence on a wide variety of tactical software and radio equipment utilized by the Department of State, and ensures the highest availability of mission-critical communications and networks.

Key Responsibilities (Principal Duties and Accountabilities *Essential Functions)

• Supports U.S. Department of State requirements in multiple overseas theaters in potentially high-threat environments.
• Deploy, operate, and maintain secure voice and data networks, including SATCOM, LMR systems, P25 radio networks, and MANETs
• Ensure communications network security and COMSEC compliance, including loading, handling, and zeroization of supported equipment
• Provide troubleshooting and real-time operational support for communications and tactical data systems and applications, such as ATAK/WINTAK.
• Develop and install hasty or semi complex local area networks to support tactical security team computer systems.
• Train personnel on communication equipment operation, security, and handling procedures
• Integrate communications systems with existing infrastructure and fielded platforms, including C4ISR systems

• Fluency in English (written and spoken)
• Must have active Secret with the ability to obtain a TS Security clearance

Education

• Associates Degree required, Bachelors preferred.

Required Skills, Experience & Abilities

• Minimum five (5) years’ experience supporting communication systems for tactical teams that deploy (i.e. Military, Law Enforcement, Federal Government deployment teams).
• Minimum five (5) years of technical experience in technical support for modern commercial and tactical radio systems
• Experience in installing, maintaining, and removing communications equipment supporting field operations and/or operation centers
• Experience utilizing tactical software or applications for mission planning, such as TAK or similar
• Experience configuring, monitoring, and supporting iOS/Android/iTak/ATAK,WinTak devices through enterprise MDM platforms, implementing security policies, certificate management, remote troubleshooting, application deployment, and compliance reporting.
• Experience with OPSEC and COMSEC procedures
• Knowledge of military/emergency procedures, as well as tactical reporting formats
• Physical ability to carry and work using body armor and tactical communication gear
• Excellent writing and verbal skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Comfort with ambiguity and learning on the job
• Experience with developing and deploying ad hoc communications systems
• Experience with designing local area networks for specific use case
• Experience with generating full communications mission plans for radio platforms
• Knowledge of communication protocols
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Professionalism and positive attitude in workplace interactions
• Initiative and ability to take ownership of tasks/projects
• Strong work ethic and reliability
• Ability to work well independently or as part of a team
• Willingness to learn new tools or procedures
• Positive attitude toward safety and following protocol

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical ability to work in austere conditions while wearing body armor and carrying up to 50lbs of tactical communication gear or tools.
• Ability to obtain a Department of State Medical Clearance to work in countries considered high threat by the Department of State.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Clear vision and hearing required for meetings, presentations, and communication.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 50% of the time, which may include extended periods of standing, walking, or navigating airports and government facilities.
• Work Locations include NTS Gainesville, IMDC - Manassas, Sterling, Virginia and multiple DoS facilities within Washington Metro Area. There will be the possibility of international travel to support the mission.
• Position may require deployment up to 50% of the calendar year in high-threat or high-risk environments across multiple locations.
• During overseas deployments, the employee may be required to rotate between theaters and to multiple locations within each theater.
• Domestic assignments, including several months in the Washington, D.C. metro area for training and program support, may be required prior to overseas deployment.
• Must be willing to serve in positions worldwide, including both domestic and overseas assignments.