Tactical Communication Systems Engineer

The Opportunity

The Tactical Communication Systems Engineer designs, builds, deploys, installs, troubleshoots, and supports ad hoc and hasty telecommunications systems to support rapid deployment of tactical security teams. These systems include multiple types of communications equipment and supporting data systems. This role provides imbedded technical competence on a wide variety of tactical software and radio equipment utilized by the Department of State, and ensures the highest availability of mission‑critical communications and networks.

• Supports U.S. Department of State requirements in multiple overseas theaters in potentially high‑threat environments.
• Deploy, operate, and maintain secure voice and data networks, including SATCOM, LMR systems, P25 radio networks, and MANETs.
• Ensure communications network security and COMSEC compliance, including loading, handling, and zeroization of supported equipment.
• Provide troubleshooting and real‑time operational support for communications and tactical data systems and applications, such as ATAK/WINTAK.
• Develop and install hasty or semi‑complex local area networks to support tactical security team computer systems.
• Train personnel on communication equipment operation, security, and handling procedures.
• Integrate communications systems with existing infrastructure and fielded platforms, including C4
  
  ISR systems.

• Fluency in English (written and spoken).
• Must have active Secret with the ability to obtain a TS Security clearance.

• Associates Degree required, Bachelors preferred.

• Minimum five (5) years experience supporting communication systems for tactical teams that deploy (i.e., Military, Law Enforcement, Federal Government deployment teams).
• Minimum five (5) years of technical experience in technical support for modern commercial and tactical radio systems.
• Experience in installing, maintaining, and removing communications equipment supporting field operations and/or operation centers.
• Experience utilizing tactical software or applications for mission planning, such as TAK or similar.
• Experience configuring, monitoring, and supporting iOS/Android/iTak/ATAK, Win Tak devices through enterprise MDM platforms, implementing security policies, certificate management, remote troubleshooting, application deployment, and compliance reporting.
• Experience with OPSEC and COMSEC procedures.
• Knowledge of military/emergency procedures, as well as tactical reporting formats.
• Physical ability to carry and work using body armor and tactical communication gear.
• Excellent writing and verbal skills.

• Comfort with ambiguity and learning on the job.
• Experience with developing and deploying ad hoc communications systems.
• Experience with designing local area networks for specific use case.
• Experience with generating full communications mission plans for radio platforms.
• Knowledge of communication protocols.
• Strong problem‑solving and critical thinking skills.
• Professionalism and positive attitude in workplace interactions.
• Initiative and ability to take ownership of tasks/projects.
• Strong work ethic and reliability.
• Ability to work well independently or as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn new tools or procedures.
• Positive attitude toward safety and following protocol.

The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical ability to work in austere conditions while wearing body armor and carrying up to 50lbs of tactical communication gear or tools.
• Ability to obtain a Department of State Medical Clearance to work in countries considered high threat by the Department of State.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Clear vision and hearing required for meetings, presentations, and communication.
• Ability to travel domestically and…