Datalinks Engineer (Subject Matter Expert/SME)

General Summary

COLSA is seeking an expert Datalinks Engineer to serve as the primary technical authority for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) datalinks within the PM UAS Technical Management Division. This is a senior-level role requiring deep technical expertise, strong systems engineering judgment, and the ability to independently lead complex engineering and acquisition activities.

The selected candidate will support the Chief Engineer, multiple PM UAS Product Offices, government laboratories, and external partners while shaping enterprise datalink strategy, overseeing technical development, and resolving highly technical RF and communications issues that affect UAS platforms.

This position requires broad technical credibility, autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to work across diverse teams and stakeholders.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential functions)

• Serve as PM UAS’s primary datalinks subject matter expert and senior technical advisor.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate the enterprise-level datalink strategy and technical roadmap.
• Provide engineering leadership for datalink system development, integration, qualification, fielding, sustainment, and modernization.
• Support RF engineering, communications protocols, waveforms, modems, antennas, radomes, link budgets, EMI/EMV, EW resiliency, and encryption/COMSEC/TRANSEC considerations.
• Lead and participate in technical working groups including the JSIL Interface Control Working Group.
• Support Product Offices across Small UAS, Tactical UAS, Launched Effects, Long-Endurance platforms, and emerging UAS portfolios.
• Conduct requirements analysis, technical oversight, architecture assessments, risk evaluations, trade studies, and contractor coordination.
• Represent PM UAS datalink strategy in Army, Joint, partner-nation, and coalition forums.
• Support special projects and cross-functional engineering initiatives directed by the Chief Engineer or Division leadership.
• Develop and review acquisition documents such as PWS, SOWs, technical requirements, and evaluation criteria.
• Recommend technical approaches based on performance, risk, cost, schedule, and sustainment impacts.

At COLSA, people are our most valuable resource and centered at our core value. We invite you to unite your talents with opportunity and be a part of our “Family of Professionals!” Learn about our employee-centric culture and benefits here: https://www.colsa.com/culture_benefits