Principal Software Engineer; Tactical Data Link SME

Location: Charleston, SC (will consider remote)
Company: Newmoyer Geospatial Solutions (NGS)
Type: Full-time

NGS builds modern geospatial and C5

ISR software for the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal customers. We leverage open-source technology and deep mission expertise to deliver secure, scalable systems that solve real-world problems for warfighters and government agencies. We are a small, focused team with a strong track record of delivering complex solutions under real constraints. Our customers rely on us to cut through the noise, move fast, and deliver results that work.

We’re hiring a Principal Software Engineer with deep Tactical Data Link (TDL) expertise to lead development of systems integrating these communication protocols into our geospatial and C5

ISR solutions. In this role, you will act as NGS’s in-house TDL subject matter expert, guiding how we incorporate data like Link-16 and other military network standards into our software. This is a hands‑on leadership position – you’ll architect and code complex features while also mentoring other developers in best practices for real‑time data exchange and networked systems. You’ll work closely with our defense clients (including Special Operations units) to ensure our solutions interoperate with tactical networks and perform reliably in the field.

We need someone passionate about tactical communications who can bridge the gap between operational needs and software implementation. You should expect to collaborate directly with end‑user communities to understand how tactical data link is used operationally, and translate that into robust software design. An active security clearance is a big plus for this role, as many TDL‑related projects involve classified environments and data.

• Serve as NGS’s subject matter expert on tactical data link systems and protocols (e.g., Link-16, VMF, JREAP). Guide architectural decisions for integrating TDL capabilities into our platforms.
• Design and implement software modules to send, receive, and process TDL messages, ensuring compliance with military standards and real‑time performance requirements.

• Lead the overall software architecture for projects involving TDL, ensuring that our systems can seamlessly incorporate real‑time data feeds and interoperate with external military systems.
• Contribute code across the full stack as needed – from backend services (e.g. to handle data parsing, network I/O, encryption) to front‑end components that visualize or utilize tactical data.
• Ensure rigorous security and testing of TDL features (e.g. implement proper encryption/authentication for data link communications, and support test events or exercises to validate performance).

• Provide technical leadership to a small development team, particularly in areas of networking, protocol implementation, and system optimization.
• Mentor junior engineers on the team, sharing your specialized knowledge of tactical communications and instilling best practices for high‑reliability coding and testing.

• Work closely with military stakeholders and end users to understand operational scenarios for tactical data link. Incorporate user feedback to refine and improve our software’s effectiveness in real mission contexts.
• Support field tests and integration events (occasionally travel to test sites or military bases may be required) to ensure our TDL solutions work in real‑world conditions. Quickly troubleshoot and resolve any issues that arise during these events.

• Has 10+ years of software development experience, including significant work on real‑time, networked, or distributed systems.
• Brings in‑depth experience with Tactical Data Link protocols and systems – for example, you have developed or integrated software for Link‑16, Link‑22, VMF, JREAP or similar military communication links. You understand the formats (e.g. MIL‑STD message standards) and operational use cases.
• Is proficient in programming languages suited to system‑level and network programming (for instance,…