Communications/Navigation Engineer, Principal

Overview

Communications/Navigation Engineer, Principal LOCATION: Wright Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Active Secret Clearance

TRAVEL: 10%

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Communication/Navigation Engineer, supporting the Fixed Wing Modification Branch AFLCMC/WIU at Wright Patterson Airforce Base. This program focuses on modification and sustainment support for SOF/PR and ISR fixed wing and rotary‑wing aircraft.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Master’s or Doctorate Degree in a related field from an ABET-accredited engineering program and at least 20 years of experience in the respective technical / professional discipline being performed, 12 years of which must be in the DoD OR;
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an ABET-accredited engineering program and 25 years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline being performed, 15 years of which must be in the DoD.

Technical Skills

• Engineering support for aircraft communications, navigation, CNS/ATM systems, mission planning systems, and avionics modernization efforts.
• Requirements development, trade studies, system specifications, architecture analysis, integration, verification, and DOORS-based requirements management.
• Airworthiness determinations, Military Flight Releases (MFRs), OSS&E assessments, FAA/NAS compliance, and certification support in accordance with MIL-HDBK-516 and MIL-STD-882.
• Acquisition engineering, technical evaluations, source selection support, risk assessments, mitigation planning, PWS/RFP/CDRL development, and lifecycle program support.

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong collaboration skills with cross‑functional teams, leadership, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Clear and effective communicator, able to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Skilled in building productive relationships across government, industry, and academic organizations.
• Proactive problem‑solver with the ability to facilitate discussions, resolve issues, and drive consensus.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide engineering support for aircraft communication, navigation, and avionics systems throughout the acquisition lifecycle.
• Support CNS/ATM system requirements development, integration, testing, certification, deployment, and sustainment.
• Serve as a CNI subject matter expert for navigation system development and modernization efforts.
• Support FAA and National Airspace System (NAS) compliance, certification, and performance assessment activities.
• Manage and support navigation databases, mission planning systems, and associated avionics technologies.
• Coordinate with government agencies, suppliers, and stakeholders to support system integration and certification.
• Develop technical documentation supporting systems engineering, airworthiness, OSS&E, and safety certification activities.
• Support compliance with MIL-HDBK-516, MIL-STD-882, and DAFI 63-1201 requirements.
• Assist with planning, analyzing, and evaluating efforts used to define total weapon system/subsystem requirements, translate requirements into design criteria, evaluate alternative designs, develop system specifications, and perform trade studies.
• Review overall system design baselines, architectures, interoperability requirements, specifications, ICDs, and integration approaches while identifying risks and recommendations.
• Conduct technical assessments, evaluate proposals, perform trade studies, develop recommendations, and support engineering decision-making throughout the acquisition lifecycle.
• Evaluate technical risk and Operational Safety, Suitability, and Effectiveness (OSS&E), establish mitigation plans, and support risk reduction efforts.
• Support airworthiness determinations, Military Flight Releases (MFRs), MACC development, tailored airworthiness criteria, and compliance with MIL-HDBK-516.
• Apply DoD acquisition engineering principles, support source selections, develop acquisition strategies, technical evaluation criteria, PWSs, RFPs, and CDRLs.
• Support requirements management using DOORS and architecture tools, participate in TIMs, design reviews, configuration boards, and prepare technical briefings and recommendations.