TACLAN Engineer

SMX is seeking TACLAN Engineer to provide critical technical and acquisition support to the TACLAN program within the Program Executive Office – Tactical Information Systems (PEO-TIS) under U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (SOF AT&L). This position integrates network engineering expertise with acquisition lifecycle management to ensure the delivery of resilient, interoperable tactical communications capabilities to SOF warfighters.

This position requires a DoD secret security clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI.

Application Deadline:  January 26, 2026

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical subject matter expert on tactical local area network (TACLAN) systems, supporting design, integration, sustainment, and modernization efforts
• Provide engineering assessments and technical recommendations throughout the system lifecycle, including requirements development, prototyping, fielding, and sustainment
• Support the development and refinement of system architectures, technical documentation, and performance specifications aligned with SOF operational needs
• Conduct trade-off analyses, risk assessments, and configuration evaluations to inform acquisition and engineering decisions
• Interface with government engineers, vendors, field service representatives (FSRs), and stakeholders to synchronize program activities across multiple platforms and mission sets
• Provide support to the government Acquisition Program Manager (APM) and lead engineer including preparation of milestone documentation, program briefings, and decision support packages
• Assist in the formulation, justification, and execution of program budgets
• Collaborate with financial analysts to ensure engineering milestones align with budget forecasts and contract performance
• Provide support for contract actions, Statements of Work (SOW), Technical Evaluation Plans, and Source Selection documentation
• Participate in working groups, technical interchange meetings (TIMs), and program reviews to ensure alignment with strategic acquisition objectives

Required Skills/Experience

• Current Secret with the ability to upgrade to Top Secret DOD security clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field Relevant experience may be substituted
• 5+ years of experience in tactical network engineering or military C4ISR systems
• Demonstrated knowledge of the DoD acquisition lifecycle and program support processes
• Experience supporting Special Operations Forces or similar mission-critical communications programs
• Familiarity with TACLAN hardware/software baseline components and tactical configurations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Excel, and program management tools
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to interface with senior military and civilian stakeholders

Desired Skills/Experience

• TS/SCI Eligible
• Significant communications background familiar with the planning, employment, and sustainment of fielded tactical communication systems and software
• Knowledge of the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) certification process
• Knowledge of Tactical Data Link Hardware
• Knowledge on DoD Acquisition
• Familiar with DoD testing process

The SMX salary determination process takes into