Tactical Communications Systems Engineer
Hands-on tactical communications/RF systems engineer who installs, integrates, troubleshoots, and sustains Navy and Joint communications — satellite comms, tactical data links (Link 11/16/22), and broadcast systems — shipboard and shore-based. On-site in San Diego with 25% travel; requires RF expertise and a SECRET clearance.
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- San Diego, California, United States
- Work setup
- Onsite
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- Not specified
- Category
- Software engineering
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Strong experience installing, operating, troubleshooting, maintaining, repairing, or fielding military communications, RF systems, tactical data links, or related infrastructure
- Hands-on experience with RF communications equipment across SHF, EHF, HF, VHF, Ku-band, or comparable bands
- Strong understanding of RF principles, signal propagation, antenna systems, frequency management, and spectrum awareness
- Experience supporting satellite communications, tactical broadcast systems, data links, or mission-critical communications
- Experience performing RF diagnostics, fault isolation, root-cause analysis, equipment testing, and preventive/corrective maintenance
- Experience inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, or repairing antennas, transmission lines, waveguides, and RF components
- Proficiency using RF test equipment and diagnostic tools
- Ability to interpret technical orders, maintenance requirement cards, equipment manuals, and engineering specifications
- Experience developing technical documentation, maintenance records, status reports, and troubleshooting procedures
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with independent diagnosis and corrective action
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
- U.S. citizenship required; no dual citizenship
- SECRET security clearance required
Nice to have
- Experience supporting Navy, Department of War, Joint, or government tactical communications environments
- Hands-on experience with IBS, GBS, Link 11, Link 16, Link 22, or other Navy/Joint tactical data link systems
- Experience with military SATCOM, LOS, BLOS, and secure communications systems
- Experience with shipboard, shore-based, expeditionary, or deployable communications systems in operational/austere environments
- Experience using spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, RF power meters, and multimeters
- Experience with antenna alignment, RF cable/connector maintenance, transmission-line testing, waveguide inspection, and equipment calibration
- Familiarity with COMSEC, encryption equipment, secure communications procedures, and cybersecurity requirements
- Experience with Navy maintenance and installation processes (planned maintenance systems, MRCs, technical orders, configuration management)
- Experience with communications system integration, interoperability testing, readiness assessments, and technical refresh
- Familiarity with Navy C2, tactical networking, information warfare, or Joint communications architectures
- Experience supporting Fleet personnel, operational units, engineering teams, and program offices during fielding and sustainment
Full description
At PMAT, we work on mission critical systems that directly support the warfighter, designing, building, and securing modern digital capabilities across cloud, data, and software environments. Our teams tackle complex, real-world challenges where delivery matters more than theory, and innovation is driven by curiosity, collaboration, and purpose.
In this role, you’ll contribute to Naval Operational Architecture (NOA), working alongside engineers and operators to deliver resilient, forward-leaning solutions in support of national defense.
About the role: PMAT is seeking an experienced Tactical Communications Systems Engineer to support the installation, integration, operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and sustainment of tactical communications and radio frequency (RF) systems supporting Navy and Joint operational environments. This role will focus on the fielding and operational readiness of satellite communications, tactical data links, broadcast systems, and other mission-critical communications capabilities across shipboard, shore-based, and deployed environments. The candidate will work closely with operators, systems engineers, communications specialists, logisticians, and program stakeholders to diagnose equipment issues, perform preventive and corrective maintenance, and ensure communications systems operate reliably in support of mission requirements. The role requires strong hands-on technical expertise, independent problem-solving capabilities, and familiarity with Navy communications systems, maintenance procedures, and operational requirements.
Responsibilities:
- Install, configure, integrate, operate, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair tactical communications equipment and supporting infrastructure across SHF, EHF, HF, VHF, Ku-band, and other applicable RF communications systems.
- Support the fielding, testing, integration, and sustainment of satellite communications, tactical data links, broadcast systems, and secure communications capabilities across Navy operational environments.
- Perform RF system diagnostics, signal analysis, equipment testing, fault isolation, and root-cause analysis to identify and resolve communications system performance and connectivity issues.
- Conduct preventive and corrective maintenance on communications equipment, antennas, transmission lines, waveguides, RF components, and associated hardware to maintain system reliability and operational readiness.
- Support the installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS), Global Broadcast Service (GBS), Link 11, Link 16, Link 22, and other tactical communications and data link systems.
- Operate and maintain RF diagnostic and test equipment to evaluate signal quality, transmission performance, equipment functionality, and communications system integrity.