Antarctica: Satcom​/Communications Packet Lead

ANTARCTICA: SATCOM / Communications Packet Lead

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The National Science Foundation (NSF) manages the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). The USAP supports all U.S. scientific research and related logistics in Antarctica and aboard USAP vessels that operate along the continental margin and in the Southern Ocean. Science within the Antarctic research portfolio is chosen and funded by NSF and other Federal agencies, including NASA, NOAA, and the Department of Energy.

The purpose of the Antarctic Science and Engineering Support Contract (ASESC) is to enable that science. All participants are responsible for maintaining a safe workplace and ensuring that safety is the highest priority. This includes compliance with all ASESC environmental health & safety, and quality assurance requirements.

The SATCOM / Communications Packet Lead serves as the subject matter expert responsible for the transition, assessment, and operational oversight of critical communications infrastructure supporting Antarctic operations. This mission-critical role ensures continuity and reliability of satellite communications, HF/RF networks, land-mobile radio systems, telecommunications infrastructure, and spectrum management capabilities that serve as Antarctica's primary connection to the outside world. The position provides technical leadership for the transition of communications assets, including the Black Island Telecommunications Facility, antenna systems, wire and cable plant infrastructure, and RF spectrum management processes.

The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with hands‑on field experience in remote, austere, or expeditionary environments and possesses a strong understanding of telecommunications operations, radio frequency systems, and satellite communications technologies.

• Lead the transition of communications infrastructure, including HF/RF, land-mobile radio (LMR), SATCOM, and telecommunications systems.
• Oversee the transition of the Black Island Telecommunications Facility, antenna systems, and wire/cable plant infrastructure.
• Manage and coordinate RF spectrum management activities, including frequency planning and regulatory compliance.
• Assess the performance, reliability, and operational readiness of communications services and infrastructure.
• Provide technical expertise, oversight, and recommendations to ensure mission‑critical communications capabilities are maintained.
• Support field activities involving communications equipment, antenna systems, and telecommunications infrastructure as required.
• Collaborate with operational and technical stakeholders to ensure successful transition and continuity of communications services.

• U.S. citizenship and the ability to pass a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) background investigation.
• Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline; equivalent military or professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 5+ years of experience supporting telecommunications or communications systems infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience with satellite communications (SATCOM), RF, HF, and/or land‑mobile radio systems.
• Experience supporting telecommunications networks and communications infrastructure…