C4ISR Engineer

A growing defense engineering organization is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to support complex mission systems initiatives within the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) environment. This role is focused on end-to-end systems engineering support for high-priority operational programs, with an emphasis on C4ISR integration, mission system modernization, and lifecycle engineering across critical defense platforms.

This position offers the opportunity to directly support the Command and Control Mission Systems (C2MS) program at Hurlburt Field. As part of the Enduring Product Management Engineering and Development team, the selected candidate will work alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams responsible for advancing AFSOC mission capabilities. The role supports ongoing efforts tied to system integration, modernization, and sustainment of operationally deployed command-and-control solutions supporting Special Operations missions worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide systems engineering support for integration of existing programs of record, legacy platforms, and emerging mission systems within the AFSOC enterprise.


• Support the development, analysis, and enhancement of C4ISR architectures, ensuring interoperability across command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems.


• Perform systems performance analysis, validation activities, and evaluation of developmental and operational test data.


• Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies and best practices throughout the systems lifecycle.


• Ensure systems engineering processes align with established AFSOC development, engineering, and acquisition frameworks.


• Lead requirements management, configuration management, and technical baseline control for system upgrades, rapid capability insertion, and modernization efforts.


• Develop and maintain DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) artifacts supporting mission capability planning and system design.


• Assist stakeholders in defining mission system architectures, technical roadmaps, and integration strategies aligned with operational objectives.


• Support planning, estimation, and technical assessment for engineering initiatives involving airborne, ground, and tactical communications systems.


• Coordinate lifecycle support considerations, ensuring sustainment, logistics, and product support are incorporated into engineered solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering or another engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited institution.


• Minimum 7 years of experience in systems engineering within defense, aerospace, or mission systems environments.


• Active T3 investigation and ability to obtain/maintain required security clearance for classified programs.


• Strong familiarity with Special Operations mission environments, SOCOM operations, and C4ISR systems integration.


• Experience with military tactical data links, secure communications, encryption devices, and tactical radio systems.


• Knowledge of defense acquisition lifecycle processes, systems engineering standards, and military operational requirements.


• Experience designing, integrating, and sustaining complex mission systems across the full product lifecycle.


• Working knowledge of ISO/IEC/IEEE 24641:2023 and configuration management standards such as EIA-649.


• Ability to support highly collaborative technical teams in fast-paced operational program environments.

Preferred Background

Ideal candidates will have experience supporting programs related to:

• Command and control systems


• ISR platform integration


• Tactical communications networks


• Mission planning systems


• Airborne or ground-based special operations platforms


• Rapid prototyping and fielding of operational capabilities

This opportunity is well suited for engineers with a background in defense systems integration, mission engineering, and operational C4ISR support, rather than traditional enterprise IT or infrastructure-focused roles.