Associate Director, Space Datalinks Systems Eng (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2025-03-16

Country:

United States of America

Location:

HIA32: Cedar Rapids, IA 400 Collins Rd NE , Cedar Rapids, IA, 52498-0505 USA

Position Role Type:

Onsite

Join Mission Systems Datalinks and Tactical Communications and help shape the future of space-based communication solutions for military operations worldwide. As an Associate Director of Communications Systems Engineering, you will lead a team in the design and development of software-defined radio (SDR) payloads spanning all spectrum bands for space applications. Your work will drive the next generation of space-based communication platforms, ensuring seamless connectivity across global defense networks.

In this role, you will collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams to develop end-to-end system solutions for both domestic and international customers. Your responsibilities will include:

• Project management and system-level trade studies
• Requirements development and communication system architecture
• Performance assessment, integration, and testing
• Verification, validation, and field support

We are seeking a proven leader with a strong foundation in systems engineering development and experience managing complex projects or teams. If you're ready to contribute to cutting-edge space communications technology, we encourage you to apply!

What You Will Do 

• Lead and manage multiple teams of intermediate and experienced engineering professionals, collaboratively setting objectives and strategies to achieve high-impact results, utilizing expertise in systems and project engineering. 

• Define and guide departmental objectives and execution strategies to ensure successful achievement of targets. 

• Effectively communicate and influence policies, practices, and procedures within the directorate, driving alignment and impact across teams. 

• Spearhead significant improvements to processes, systems, or products, enhancing overall performance and efficiency within the work area. 

• Oversee the execution of short to medium-term (1-2 years) operational plans or projects, contributing measurable results that support broader organizational goals, with a focus on both people and technical aspects. 

• Tackle complex, undefined problems by leading investigations into root causes, leveraging extensive experience and cross-functional analysis across sites, geographies, and products to deliver solutions. 

• Maintain clear communication with internal and external stakeholders, including executive-level leadership, ensuring alignment and transparency across the organization. 

• Create and implement strategic workforce and staffing plans to ensure the department meets its business objectives and maintains high-performance standards. 

• Exercise authority in critical personnel decisions, including hiring, firing, promotions, performance evaluations, and rewards, ensuring the department operates at optimal capacity. 

Qualifications You Must Have 

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 12 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 10 years of experience or in absence of a degree, 16 years of relevant experience 

• Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date 

• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance 

• Prior experience in personnel management 

Qualifications We Prefer 

• TS/SCI clearance preferred 

• Hands on experience in communication or RF products 

• Experience and demonstrated competence in technical leadership (project engineer or other technical lead) for large complex programs 

• Experience in system level development, requirements definition, analysis, integration and risk mitigation for large communications systems 

• A strong preference for applicants with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering 

• Experience with Agile development methodologies 

• Experience with Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) concepts and tools (CAMEO) for developing architectures and functional analysis 

What We Offer: 

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:    

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance   

• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees   

• Generous 401(k) plan that inclu