Principal Communications Engineer - Bedford, United States - MITRE

Description

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Department Summary:

We are seeking a Principal Communications Systems Engineer with knowledge of Military Satellite Communication to lead the specification development, integration, and test strategies of next generation Military Satellite Communications systems. This is an opportunity for a Communications Systems Engineer who is highly motivated, innovative and proactive. This position provides challenging opportunities to apply and expand one's systems architecture, modeling and trade space analysis skills.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Will lead one of the Integrated Product Teams (IPT) within the MITRE Force Element Terminal (FET) Team
• Trusted Advisor to senior-level Air Force Sponsors for developing and acquiring physical ground- and air-based systems concerned with protecting the operational integrity of information transmitted over nuclear survivable communication system terminals
• Collaborates with external bomber aircraft, Prime Contractor teams, and subject matter experts to solve challenging terminal issues associated with the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of mission critical communication related data
• Lead Subject Matter Expert (SME) providing engineering analysis to program managers and engineering teams for Critical Design Reviews (CDRs), Independent Technical Review Teams, Program Management Reviews (PMRs) and engineering document reviews
• Collaborates with internal and external SMEs to develop unique, cutting-edge technical capabilities and technologies for resilience and sustainment
• Serves as systems engineering SME to Air Force FET stakeholders and collaborators
• Mentors junior staff in systems engineering best practices
• Develops engineering trade analysis for complex terminal capabillities
• Identifies non-conformances to requirements, conducts analysis, and recommends corrective actions
• Co-leads quarterly Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) between the National Security Agency (NSA), the FET Prime Contractor, and the Government to solve complex cryptographic distribution and operational issues, requirements related design decisions, addresses potential deficiency solutions, develops testing guidelines, and gains approval of line replaceable unit (LRU)-related initiatives
• "Go to" professional for Air Force NC3 programmatic and technical related issues associated with Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) terminal information and communications security for bomber aircraft

Basic Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences representing all levels of knowledge
• Proven track record of delivering innovative solutions by driving communication-related hardware designs
• Troubleshoot design and information flow deficiencies encountered within hardware and software designs to ensure protection of the information contained within a terminal system
• Understanding of how the National Security Agency (NSA) supports acquisition programs and a proven track record of direct interface/long-term collaboration with senior engineers and Managers from the National Security Agency (NSA)
• Experience working with AEHF terminal certification and terminal components residing within the terminal's Information Assurance boundary
• Experience leading technical discussions with associated Government Program Management Office (PMO) engineering personnel and external stakeholders with the purpose of gaining advocacy for a proposed problem solution/recommendation.
• Demonstrated experience with routine face-to-face encounters with senior DoD GS-15, and above, discussing complex data protection issues/topics on a routine basis
• Experience leading teams to meet challenging secure networking-based activities
• Must have 10+ years of experience in systems engineering associated with the acquisition/design/sustainment of hardware/software/firmware devices and related testing
• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 8 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 5 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Healthy understanding of High Assurance Encryption Device Development Environment Security Requirements (HAEDDESR) and Anonymity environments
• High-level understanding of security verification testing and evaluation activities associated with satellite terminals
• Understanding of component anti-tamper approaches and strategies
• Ability to effectively multi-task program specific issues when supporting multiple Sponsor-related projects
• Must be able to work highly technical activities with little-to-no oversight; independent thinker; self motivator
• Excellent writing, speaking, and negotiating skills
• 10+ years of related experience with an Advanced Degree in Engineering or Computer Science functional areas
• Have experience conducting capability and vulnerability assessments of terminal components
• 10+ years of experience with communications systems related to Air Force ground and airborne NC3 systems
• Has the personal confidence to be successful working in highly collaborative and stressful environments
• Must possess a current Top-Secret Security Clearance with SCI
• To ensure support to the project "on Day 1," must currently have active SIPRNet and JWICS accounts and a military CAC
• This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on-site

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with communications and/or aircraft System Program Offices (SPOs)
• 10+ years of experience in engineering DoD NC3 weapon systems
• Survivable satellite operations experience
• Information Protection/Defense operational or engineering experience
• Experience in obtaining Interim Authority to Test (IATT) for communication systems to radiate over-the-air (OTA)
• Reliability or safety engineering experience
• Acquisition experience as both a team leader and team member

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

Work Location Type:

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