Principal Systems Engineer - Link 16

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of systems engineering experience supporting complex DoD communications, mission systems, or avionics programs.
• Deep experience with Link 16 tactical data links and MIDS-JTRS terminals.
• Experience supporting MIDS-JTRS Block Upgrade or other tactical data link modernization efforts.
• Demonstrated experience developing, allocating, and managing system and subsystem requirements, including requirements traceability and verification.
• Experience authoring system specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), system design documentation, and verification documentation.
• Strong understanding of Link 16 architectures, tactical message standards, network participation groups (NPGs), and terminal operation.
• Experience leading system integration, verification, validation, and qualification testing.
• Experience developing and executing system-level, integration, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex hardware/software integration issues and perform root cause analysis.
• Experience supporting major engineering reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and customer acceptance events.
• Strong technical leadership skills with experience leading cross-functional engineering teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading a MIDS-JTRS upgrade program or other Link 16 modernization program.
• Experience with MIL-STD-6016, STANAG 5516, J-series messages, and tactical data link protocols.
• Experience with Software Communications Architecture (SCA) and Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) technologies.
• Experience using IBM DOORS for requirements management.
• Experience supporting airborne mission systems, C4ISR, or tactical communications programs.
• Experience working in Agile development environments.
• Experience using Atlassian tools including Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket.
• Experience supporting formal customer qualification, certification, and fielding activities.

Sound Exciting? Get in touch today! We have very robust benefits including:

• Low-cost Medical / Dental / Vision coverage options
• 401K with generous employer match
• Responsible Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays
• Remote work opportunities based on role
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career growth and professional development opportunities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Job Title: Principal Systems Engineer - Link 16

Location: Marietta, GA

Salary Range: $160,000 - $200,000 + Bonus Eligible

Company Overview

Founded in 2004 with locations in Atlanta, GA, Fort Worth, TX, Denver, CO, & Huntsville, AL, Thompson Software Solutions (TSS) is a mission-driven aerospace and defense software and systems engineering company supporting the U.S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development, integration, test, and deployment of safety & mission-critical software systems that power next-generation aircraft, defense platforms, and space technologies. Our team understands what it takes to modernize complex embedded systems while maintaining the rigor, compliance, and reliability required for mission and safety-critical environments.

As a defense-focused company of highly skilled and dedicated engineers, we take pride in solving complex technical challenges that directly impact national security and operational readiness. We partner closely with customers across the military aviation and space domains to deliver resilient, future-ready solutions with portability, sustainability, and long-term mission success in mind.

Description

We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership for the development, integration, and verification of a MIDS-JTRS block upgrade program. This individual will lead the systems engineering effort across the full product lifecycle, including requirements development, system architecture, interface definition, design, integration, verification, and customer acceptance.

The ideal candidate has deep expertise in Link 16 tactical data link systems, MIDS-JTRS terminals, and complex defense communication systems. This role requires close collaboration with software and hardware teams while serving as a technical leader for the effort.