ACT1 Federal
F-35 Communications Engineer, Senior
Arlington, VA
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hirly's read of this role
- Seniority
- Senior
- Stated salary
- $130,000 – $148,000 per year
- Country
- US
- Work mode
- Remote-friendly
- First seen by hirly
- 1 Oct 2026
Derived automatically from the posting. Upload your resume above to see how the role scores against it.
the posting
JOB TITLE: F-35 Communications Engineer, Senior
Location: Arlington, VA (Crystal City)
Category: Funded
Schedule (FT/PT): FT
Travel Required: N/A
Shift: Day
Remote Type: On-site
Clearance required: Active Secret Clearance
Division: Aviation
Salary : $130,000-$148,000
Job Description:
The F-35 Communications Engineer serves as one of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (JPO) Interoperability (IO) Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with a primary focus in providing tactical datalinks and intra-flight communications IO-related analytical and design expertise. The F-35 JPO develops, tests, produces, fields, and sustains F-35 Fifth-Generation combat capability for the United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps along with Partner and Foreign Military Sales nations around the world. This position supports the F-35 IO Government Lead and serves as the primary IO-related requirements oversight lead for the F-35 IO Team.
Responsibilities:
Orchestrating interface development, implementation, and sustainment upgrades to the F-35 airborne communications capabilities
Coordinating F-35 airborne communications IO (joint tactical datalinks/ communications) implementation positions with the U.S. Military Services, Partner Nations, and all FMS cases -- includes establishing specific military standards compliant Link-16 as well as F-35-unique Multi-function Advanced Data Link (MADL) message sets with minimum data link implementation recommendations
Validating F-35 airborne communications-related Information Exchange Requirements (IERs) and associated external IO architecture development -- Includes systems-level IO interface assessments and technical inputs to ensure F-35 information exchanges and the associated communications interface design will satisfy U.S. Military Services and Partner Nation IO requirements within the F-35 joint/coalition operational environment
Managing F-35 IO-related requirements documents and Proposed Specification Change Notices (PSCNs) inputs to ensure properly integration of IO-related capabilities -- Works directly with the F-35 Prime Contractor engineering staff to update/maintain the F-35 Operational Requirements Specification (ORS)
Assisting in addressing airborne communications IO assessments of U.S. Military Services/Partner Nation IO-related Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) to ensure airborne communications IO interface requirements are properly integrated in associated F-35 requirements documents/contract specifications and that the planned/implemented F-35 communications IO interface design implementation meets joint and coalition force needs
Supporting airborne communications IO verification test planning and execution to ensure IO-related requirements are adequately verified. Provides IO-related verification requirements and associated C4I support inputs to the F-35 Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP)
Preparing and/or contributes to presentations on IO-related program status/accomplishments, issues identification/resolution, and verification support requirements to F-35 Operational Advisory Group, Requirements Working Group, Senior Warfighters Group, and JSF Executive Steering Board (JSEB) deliberations as well as during IO Advisory Group (IAG) and Lockheed Martin IO-related reviews
Participating in joint and Military Service-specific tactical data link governing bodies and represents the F-35 JPO in U.S. Government working group deliberations tied to establishing joint/commercial tactical communications policy
Requirements
SECRET Clearance with eligibility for SAR
BA/BS degree
10 years of systems-to-systems level interface analysis experience in an engineering or technical position of which:
Four years were in a test and evaluation (developmental and/or operational) environment supporting a DoD ACAT-I Acquisition Program
Six years involved technical analysis/support of C4I digital datalinks and intra-flight communications to include Link-16/Variable Message Format (VMF) with emphasis on tactical datalink communications [Command and Control (C2), Electronic Warfare (EW), or Fighter platform communications] as well as the associated mission planning/operational coordination
In-depth technical understanding of joint/coalition airborne communications network interfaces and associated messaging
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications
Ability to travel (approximately 10%)
Benefits
· Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
· ACT1 Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
· Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
· Company Paid Short-Term Disability
· Voluntary Long-Term Disability
· Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
· Health Savings Account (HSA)
· 401K with employer match
· Paid Time Off
· Paid Holidays
· Parental Leave
· Military Leave
· Education, Training & Professional Development
· Voluntary Accidental Injury/Critical Illness/Hospital Care
· Voluntary Pet Insurance, Legal Resources, and Identity Protection
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of flexibility and collaboration, whether that happens in person or remotely.
If this position is listed as remote or hybrid, you’ll periodically work from a ACT1 Federal or client site facility.
If this position is listed as onsite, you’ll work with colleagues and clients in person, as needed for the specific role.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.
Listed on hirly, a job board. hirly is not the employer: ACT1 Federal is hiring for this role.
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