F-35 Communications Engineer, Senior
- Pay
- $130,000 – $148,000 per year
- Location
- Arlington, VA
- Listed
- Today
About the 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
About the role
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.
Equal opportunity and legal notices
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.
From ACT1 Federal's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on November 11, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
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Common questions
What is the salary for the F-35 Communications Engineer, Senior role at ACT1 Federal?
The F-35 Communications Engineer, Senior posting at ACT1 Federal states compensation of $130,000 – $148,000 per year. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on ACT1 Federal's official career site.
Where is the F-35 Communications Engineer, Senior job at ACT1 Federal located?
This F-35 Communications Engineer, Senior position at ACT1 Federal is located in Arlington, VA. Always check ACT1 Federal's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
How do I apply for the F-35 Communications Engineer, Senior position at ACT1 Federal?
This listing links directly to ACT1 Federal's Greenhouse application page. You can apply directly on ACT1 Federal's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Greenhouse application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.