Lead Fielding Radio Communications & Data Links Subject Matter Expert

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is seeking a highly skilled Lead Fielding Radio Communications & Data Links Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the Air Operations Center Weapon System (AOC WS) Falconer Program. This individual will lead a three-person fielding team responsible for the configuration, integration, deployment, and fielding of mission-critical communications systems that support the AOC-WS mission across multiple CONUS and OCONUS locations.

In this role, you will serve as the team's senior technical authority, providing expertise in Tactical Data Links (TDL), military radio communications, RF systems, antenna systems, and communications infrastructure. You will translate operational requirements into effective, mission-ready communications solutions that enable successful mission execution in dynamic Department of Defense (DoD) environments.

The Lead Fielding SME will oversee the full fielding lifecycle, including site surveys and assessments, requirements analysis, technical documentation development, material planning, equipment integration, system testing and validation, and operational verification. This position requires both deep technical expertise and strong leadership skills to ensure communications systems are properly deployed, fully operational, and aligned with mission requirements.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical leader with demonstrated experience supporting communications fielding activities, operational deployments, and the delivery of mission-critical capabilities. Success in this role requires the ability to lead technical teams, solve complex communications challenges, and ensure systems are fully mission-ready in support of joint and Air Force operations.

This is a remote position; however, candidates must reside within the vicinity of Langley Air Force Base, VA, to support mission and deployment requirements as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership & Fielding Operations

• Lead and provide technical direction to a three-person team executing AOC-WS communications fielding, infrastructure development, and modernization projects.
• Direct fielding activities from initial site surveys and requirements identification through design, material planning, physical installation, and operational turnover.
• Serve as the primary technical SME for communications system architecture, equipment selection, installation methodologies, and complex fielding challenges.
• Establish technical priorities, coordinate installation activities, and ensure fielding projects meet operational requirements.
• Provide technical recommendations and guidance to program leadership, government stakeholders, and supporting organizations.

Technical Infrastructure Design & Systems Integration

• Apply advanced technical principles to communications infrastructure design, including AC/DC power distribution, load calculations, circuit protection, grounding, bonding, surge suppression, and safety requirements.
• Design and implement equipment power solutions incorporating Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), Power Distribution Units (PDUs), redundant power configurations, and supporting infrastructure.
• Evaluate power requirements, equipment consumption, circuit capacity, thermal considerations, and system compatibility when developing installation solutions.
• Develop detailed technical designs using Microsoft Visio and applicable design software, including power distribution diagrams, system block diagrams, rack elevations, wiring diagrams, equipment layouts, and cable routing plans.
• Produce comprehensive, installation-ready design packages containing technical drawings, equipment specifications, cable schedules, and material requirements.
• Coordinate installation requirements with facilities personnel, vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.

Tactical Data Link & Communications Fielding

• Serve as a technical SME for Link 16, Joint Range Extension (JRE), Joint Range Extension Application Protocol (JREAP), Link Monitoring and Management Tool (LMMT), SPIDR, and associated AOC-WS tactical data link infrastructure.
• Design and field tactical data link equipment, including supporting network hardware, equipment racks, communications pathways, cabling, and power infrastructure.
• Apply advanced knowledge of tactical data link architecture, J-series messaging, network transport, and equipment interface requirements when developing fielding solutions.
• Engineer equipment layouts, physical connectivity, network requirements, and supporting infrastructure to ensure successful installation and operational compatibility.
• Perform equipment configuration, connectivity verification, and technical troubleshooting required to complete fielding activities.

RF, Military Radio & Antenna Configuration

• Support the deployment and sustainment of fixed-site and tactical communications systems meeting HF, VHF, UHF, SATCOM, and Link 16 operational requirements. 
• Provide advanced subject matter expertise in L3Harris military radio systems, including AN/PRC-160, AN/PRC-163, AN/PRC-167, AN/PRC-117G, and associated communications equipment. 
• Develop and implement RF communications solutions utilizing antenna performance characteristics, polarization, impedance matching, VSWR, signal propagation, link analysis, and electromagnetic compatibility principles. 
• Plan and oversee rooftop and fixed-site antenna installations, including antenna placement, mounting considerations, transmission-line selection, cable routing, grounding, and lightning protection. 
• Identify, specify, and assess RF components, including coaxial transmission lines, connectors, filters, amplifiers, splitters, and distribution equipment. 
• Perform RF site surveys, installation validation, troubleshooting, and communications performance verification using appropriate test and measurement equipment.

Communications Infrastructure & Physical Installation

• Lead the planning, coordination, deployment, and physical installation of communications server rooms, equipment racks, and mission-critical communications infrastructure.
• Develop complete infrastructure designs incorporating servers, network equipment, tactical radios, RF distribution systems, UPS equipment, structured cabling, and power distribution.
• Develop and maintain rack layouts, equipment placement plans, copper and fiber-optic cabling, patch panels, cable pathways, and communications interconnections. 
• Apply networking principles involving TCP/IP, UDP, multicast, routing, switching, and network transport when designing communications infrastructure.
• Direct hands-on fielding activities, including equipment mounting, rack assembly, cable fabrication and termination, power connections, hardware installation, and equipment configuration.
• Evaluate infrastructure requirements involving electrical capacity, cooling, grounding, equipment accessibility, cable management, and future expansion.

DoD Procurement & Material Planning

• Support DoD equipment procurement by providing technical input to requirements definition, assisting with equipment evaluation and selection, and coordinating with the designated procurement lead.
• Develop accurate Lists of Materials (LOMs), Bills of Materials (BOMs), technical specifications, and supporting documentation.
• Research manufacturer specifications, equipment compatibility, applicable Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance requirements, and approved procurement sources.
• Maintain working knowledge of the DoD procurement lifecycle, including purchase requests, approval processes, equipment lead times, and delivery coordination.
• Coordinate material requirements and equipment availability to support fielding schedules and installation readiness.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with 8 or more years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree in a related discipline with 5 or more years of relevant experience. Equivalent combinations of education, industry certifications, and experience will also be considered.
• Active DoD Secret (TS/SCI eligible).
• Extensive hands-on experience designing, developing, and fielding military communications systems and infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical implementation teams and executing multidisciplinary fielding projects.
• Subject matter expertise in tactical data links, military radio communications, RF engineering, antenna systems, and communications infrastructure.
• Advanced technical knowledge of Link 16, JRE/JREAP, LMMT, SPIDR, or comparable tactical data link technologies.
• Strong proficiency with military HF/VHF/UHF radio systems, particularly L3Harris communications platforms.
• Advanced understanding of electrical engineering principles, power distribution, circuit loading, UPS systems, grounding, and bonding.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Visio and the development of detailed architectural drawings, electrical schematics, rack elevations, wiring diagrams, and installation documentation.
• Demonstrated experience designing and physically installing communications server rooms, antenna systems, structured cabling, and network infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of IP networking, TCP/IP, UDP, multicast, routing, and switching.
• Experience developing technical installation packages, LOMs, BOMs, and technical equipment specifications.
• Familiarity with DoD procurement processes, TAA compliance research, and equipment fielding logistics.
• Ability to independently develop technical solutions and lead complex communications fielding projects from initial design through physical installation.
• Meet DoD Directive 8140 IAT Level III requirements (e.g., CompTIA Security+) within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct design, integration, and fielding experience supporting AOC-WS or similar efforts 
• Experience designing and constructing communications infrastructure within operational DoD facilities.
• Experience with RF test equipment, electrical troubleshooting, and antenna installation.
• Experience supporting military communications modernization and technology refresh initiatives.
• CompTIA Network+, or equivalent technical certifications.