Radio Frequency & Data Link Engineer (SkillBridge Intern) - 27825

Summary

Mission Technologies, a division of HII, is offering an unpaid internship through the DoD SkillBridge Program for transitioning active-duty US military personnel. The intern will train as a Radio Frequency and Data Link Engineer, gaining real-world experience and supporting AFSOC through RF/DL system integration and testing.

Responsibilities

• Master tactical RF/datalink systems (Link-16, SINCGARS, SATCOM, MUOS, MANET)
• RF fundamentals: antenna modeling, link budgets, frequency management, spectrum analysis
• Proficiency with RF propagation tools (SPEED, CloudRF), spectrum analyzers, and IP networking
• Shadow engineers during system evaluations and testing
• Participate in cross-functional coordination and SW TISC integration processes
• Support field operations: equipment surveys, setup, operation, breakdown
• Study MIL-STD-6016 and MIL-STD-188 specifications
• Develop technical reports, briefings, and acquisition recommendations
• Obtain CompTIA Security+ certification and initiate TS/SCI clearance upgrade (if required)
• Conduct RF system assessment on ground or airborne platform
• Lead integration project connecting multiple mission nodes
• Produce actionable technical report with system improvement recommendations
• Evaluate emerging RF/DL technologies; advanced spectrum management
• Develop technical recommendation and briefing
• Lead multi-node mission network integration exercise; produce after-action report
• Final technical assessment; employment discussion; program completion

Skills

• Active-Duty Military ONLY within final 180 days of active-duty service. Applications accepted within final 12-months of active-duty US military service
• Must be a U.S. citizen with a current DoD Secret security clearance with eligibility to be upgraded to TS/SCI
• Deep understanding of RF; SATCOM, MUOS, IW, SHF, TSM and other MANET waveforms, and tactical data link systems (e.g., Link-16, Link-22, SINCGARS, SATCOM, etc.)
• Proficient in RF fundamentals, including antenna gain modeling, frequency and wavelength interactions, link-budget considerations, and decibel-based power/ratio calculations
• Familiarity with DoD communication system acquisition processes and standards (e.g., MIL-STD-6016, MIL-STD-188)
• Proficient in IP networking and subnetting, with hands-on experience configuring ports and protocols to integrate commercial off-the-shelf routing devices into existing networks
• Experienced in applying RF propagation tools such as SPEED and CloudRF for coverage prediction, path analysis, and mission planning
• Awareness of the challenges to shared RF and datalink technologies in the joint and coalition environments
• Familiarity with ground-to-air communications and integrated battlespace operations
• Working knowledge of tactical communication systems in military or DoD settings
• Experience providing technical recommendations to support acquisition and system upgrades
• Experience in creating reports, briefings, managing information
• Self-motivated and driven desire to succeed with minimal direction
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Must have or be able to obtain COMPTia SEC+ certification
• TS/SCI Clearance
• Master's degree in communications engineering, spectrum management, or systems engineering
• Experience using tools for RF and SATCOM analysis, such as spectrum analyzers, software-defined radios (SDRs), or simulation software (e.g., STK, MATLAB, or other RF modeling tools)
• Prior military service in communications, electronic warfare, or signals intelligence roles; or experience in defense contracting with a focus on C4ISR systems
• Experience supporting Special Tactics ATAK RF/DL requirements
• Advanced knowledge of Airborne C2 systems, Radio Frequency and Datalink communications

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Active-Duty Military ONLY within final 180 days of active-duty service. Applications accepted within final 12-months of active-duty US military service
• Must be a U.S. citizen with a current DoD Secret security clearance with eligibility to be upgraded to TS/SCI
• Deep understanding of RF; SATCOM, MUOS, IW, SHF, TSM and other MANET waveforms, and tactical data link systems (e.g., Link-16, Link-22, SINCGARS, SATCOM, etc.)
• Proficient in RF fundamentals, including antenna gain modeling, frequency and wavelength interactions, link-budget considerations, and decibel-based power/ratio calculations
• Familiarity with DoD communication system acquisition processes and standards (e.g., MIL-STD-6016, MIL-STD-188)
• Proficient in IP networking and subnetting, with hands-on experience configuring ports and protocols to integrate commercial off-the-shelf routing devices into existing networks
• Experienced in applying RF propagation tools such as SPEED and CloudRF for coverage prediction, path analysis, and mission planning
• Awareness of the challenges to shared RF and datalink technologies in the joint and coalition environments
• Familiarity with ground-to-air communications and integrated battlespace operations
• Working knowledge of tactical communication systems in military or DoD settings
• Experience providing technical recommendations to support acquisition and system upgrades
• Experience in creating reports, briefings, managing information
• Self-motivated and driven desire to succeed with minimal direction
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Must have or be able to obtain COMPTia SEC+ certification

Nice to Haves

• TS/SCI Clearance
• Master's degree in communications engineering, spectrum management, or systems engineering
• Experience using tools for RF and SATCOM analysis, such as spectrum analyzers, software-defined radios (SDRs), or simulation software (e.g., STK, MATLAB, or other RF modeling tools)
• Prior military service in communications, electronic warfare, or signals intelligence roles; or experience in defense contracting with a focus on C4ISR systems
• Experience supporting Special Tactics ATAK RF/DL requirements
• Advanced knowledge of Airborne C2 systems, Radio Frequency and Datalink communications

Benefits

• Best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices
• Wellness resources
• Employee assistance programs
• Savings Plan Options (401(k))
• Financial planning tools
• Life insurance
• Employee discounts
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships
• Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application