Support cutting-edge distributed operations for the United States Space Force as a
Communications Engineer, Craftsman (SWORD Deployment) at Schriever Space Force Base. This role leads the technical deployment of the
Space Warfighter Operational Readiness Domain (SWORD) capability across multiple locations, directly enhancing mission readiness and operational effectiveness for USSF and combatant command exercises.
Pay: $149,000 - $162,000
Essential DutiesSWORD Deployment & System Integration- Lead deployment efforts of SWORD capabilities to multiple remote sites simultaneously
- Develop standardized checklists and deployment processes for fielding distributed SWORD systems
- Define project milestones and manage technical schedules to support exercise readiness
- Establish and maintain SWORD communication system requirements and reference libraries
Communications Engineering & Support- Provide technical oversight across the lifecycle of SWORD communications infrastructure
- Engineer, install, and integrate hardware/software and leased communication links to meet deployment requirements
- Conduct rigorous testing of system connectivity, validating against USSF and DoD security standards
- Set up, operate, and troubleshoot deployed communications systems in support of exercises
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement- Coordinate with internal teams and distant-end IT personnel to ensure compliance and performance
- Attend planning conferences, technical interchange meetings, and organizational syncs to align engineering efforts
- Interface with leadership, contractors, and mission planners to support evolving deployment needs
Documentation, Reporting & Risk Management- Maintain detailed system configurations, updates, and troubleshooting records
- Identify communication-related risks and implement mitigation strategies
- Capture and report technical lessons learned and integrate into after-action reviews
- Prepare trip reports, briefings, point papers, and updates for leadership and stakeholders
Required Qualifications- 10+ years of experience supporting DoD space operations or related communications engineering roles
- Demonstrated experience with secure military communication systems and network architectures
- Experience integrating systems with DoD LANs and/or cloud-based environments
- Proficient in troubleshooting dynamic network issues in time-sensitive or operational environments
- Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity policies and infrastructure security best practices
- Strong technical documentation and configuration management skills
- Valid U.S. passport for occasional international travel
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) systems and Common Operating Picture (COP) integration
- Hands-on experience with Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) or High-Level Architecture (HLA) protocols
- Direct support to USSF, DoD, or CCMD-level exercises involving communication system planning and data flow integration
- Recent (within last 5 years) experience supporting operational readiness events, demonstrations, or experiments
Education & Certification- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, information technology, or a related field is preferred; Additional years of experience may be used in lieu of education
- Certification: Security+ (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
Required ClearanceTravel- Moderate to significant - approximately 10-12 weeks annually, including domestic and occasional international travel
