Lead Interoperability Test Engineer

The Systems Simulation, Software, and Integration (S3I) Directorate is seeking a Lead Interoperability Test Engineer to manage and support the Interoperability Team and Interoperability Engineering System (IES). In this key leadership role, the selected candidate will oversee and guide test and evaluation efforts across various U.S. Army platforms, ensuring these critical systems meet communication link and interoperability standards. The Lead Engineer will serve as a subject matter expert and will provide technical and leadership support for efforts related to compliance and certification, including Army Interoperability Certification (AIC) and Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) Certification, while mentoring junior team members.

Duties include supervising requirements and system engineering analysis, developing and reviewing test plans and procedures, interpreting military data link standards, managing laboratory integration activities, and leading Service Level Tests (SLTs). The Lead Engineer will also serve as the primary liaison between S3I and key stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and timely project execution.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Interoperability Team, including mentoring and guiding junior engineers and team members.
• Oversee all test planning, execution, and reporting activities, ensuring compliance with military standards and customer requirements.
• Act as the primary point of contact with stakeholders, representing the S3I Interoperability Team at technical meetings, briefings, and reviews (e.g., Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs), Army Interoperability Technical Review Boards (AITRB), and Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs)).
• Build and maintain relationships with military and government partners to ensure smooth coordination and support for testing activities.
• Drive success in achieving testing objectives by providing clear direction, identifying potential risk areas, and driving resolution for challenges.
• Coordinate test lab architecture and configurations with site personnel to ensure readiness for interoperability testing and evaluations.
• Develop and oversee the creation of robust test plans, procedures, detailed test reports, technical whitepapers, and software problem reports.
• Analyze requirements from customer documentation, identify system engineering requirements, and provide strategic guidance for meeting interoperability objectives.
• Ensure the team maintains up-to-date knowledge of tactical data link (TDL) military standards, assessing and reporting on implications for certification and system compliance.
• Provide strategic input for Interface Change Proposals to the AITRB and other Standards meetings regarding updates to TDL military standards.
• Oversee lab integration activities and manage testing processes, ensuring accurate and timely implementation of Service Level Tests (SLTs).
• Collaborate with the Army Network Design Facility (ANDF) to provide seamless operational support during tests.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Additional six (6) years’ of relevant experience can be substituted in lieu of degree (per contract vehicle).

Clearance Requirements:

• Must possess an active Secret security clearance; US Citizenship required.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience in a leadership role, managing teams and project deliverables.
• Strong ability to work independently and guide team members with minimal supervision.
• Advanced understanding of tactical data link (TDL) protocols and message sets, including:
  • MIL-STD-3011: Joint Range Extension Application Protocol (JREAP).
  • MIL-STD-6011: Tactical Data Link (TDL) 11/11B Message Standard.
  • MIL-STD-6016: Tactical Data Link (TDL) 16 Message Standard.
  • MIL-STD-6018: Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS) Common Message Format (CMF) Standard.
    • MIL-STD-6020: Data Forwarding Between TDLs.
• Technical expertise in tactical communications equipment, such as Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI), Common Data Link Integration Module (CDLIM),Tactical Data Analysis and Connectivity System (TDACS), and tactical radios.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills for effective collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and presentations to stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in requirements-driven systems engineering, test execution, and assessment.
• Experience with Network, System Integration, and Test Environment (NSITE).

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Proficiency with advanced data analysis methodologies.
• Hands-on experience using Interoperability Engineering System (IES).
• Familiarity with developing project documentation, including test plans, procedures, and reports.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel is estimated to be up to 15% annually, varying based on program needs.