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F-35 Communications Engineer, Senior

ACT1 Federal
Arlington, VA Posted Oct 5, 2026
Full-time

About this role

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.

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