Systems Engineer

Job Title: Systems Engineer - Air Traffic Control Voice Communications
Job Description
This Systems Engineer role focuses on serving as a subject matter expert in air traffic control (ATC) voice communication technologies within the National Airspace System. The position centers on modern voice switching platforms, associated hardware and software, and a wide range of communication interfaces, including analog, digital, electrical, and VoIP-based systems, along with the supporting IP-based network infrastructure. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system requirements, perform market and industry analysis, support acquisition processes, and contribute to verification, validation, and lifecycle management activities. The role also involves preparing and evaluating technical documentation, supporting software development and testing, and helping to design the next generation of ATC communication systems deployed across hundreds of facilities.
Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert in ATC voice communication technologies, including voice switching platforms, associated hardware and software, and analog, digital, electrical, and VoIP-based interfaces.
• Engineer and assess advanced ATC communication solutions such as air-to-ground radio systems, voice switching and control systems (VCS), recording platforms, and protocol translation technologies.
• Support system engineering efforts and research and development initiatives, particularly during early design, integration, and acceptance phases.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to define system requirements and align technical solutions with operational needs of the National Airspace System and its supporting infrastructure.
• Conduct market and industry analysis to evaluate potential technologies, vendors, and solutions for ATC voice communication systems.
• Support acquisition processes by contributing to technical evaluations, solution assessments, and recommendations for system selection and deployment.
• Prepare, review, and evaluate technical documentation, including engineering studies, analytical reports, and system design materials.
• Contribute to the development, integration, and testing of software components that support NAS-related functions and associated support environments.
• Work with modern digital voice and radio communication platforms deployed in FAA facilities, leveraging IP-based architectures for secure, real-time voice and data communications between pilots and air traffic controllers.
• Coordinate and execute technical initiatives, including direct engagement with stakeholders to gather, refine, and manage system and interface requirements.
• Participate in and lead technical reviews, ensuring designs meet performance, reliability, and safety requirements for ATC voice communication systems.
• Oversee system development activities from concept design through deployment, including prototyping, integration, testing, installation, and system acceptance.
• Support ongoing operations and maintenance by providing technical guidance, troubleshooting complex issues, and recommending improvements to existing ATC voice systems.
• Contribute to the specification, design, and requirements for ATC voice switch air-to-ground (A/G) trunks, ground-to-ground (G/G) trunks, and associated networking.
• Engage with FAA and ATC stakeholders to help design and deliver the next generation of ATC communication systems for hundreds of facilities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of relevant experience, including substantial work with ATC voice communications systems.
• Deep knowledge of the FAA, including National Airspace System (NAS) Voice Communications Systems and voice switches.
• Domain expertise in ATC voice switch hardware, software, and systems, including analog, electrical, digital, and VoIP interfaces.
• Experience defining requirements and designing ATC voice switch air-to-ground (A/G) trunks, ground-to-ground (G/G) trunks, and related networking.
• Strong understanding of communications systems and networks, including voice and data communications designs.
• Familiarity with FAA standards and how they apply to ATC voice communication systems.
• Proven experience as the author or primary owner ("book-boss") of a system specification for a communications or data system.
• Hands-on experience with VoIP and voice systems in complex, safety-critical environments.
• Ability to work across hardware and software domains to integrate voice switching platforms with supporting infrastructure.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with air traffic control operations, air-to-ground radio systems, and National Airspace System infrastructure.
• Experience in designing or supporting voice switching and control systems (VCS) and recording platforms.
• Exposure to protocol translation technologies and integration of legacy analog or digital systems with modern IP-based architectures.
• Experience participating in or leading verification, validation, and lifecycle management activities for complex systems.
• Strong technical writing skills for preparing engineering studies, analytical reports, and system design documentation.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional engineering, operations, and stakeholder teams in highly regulated environments.
• Demonstrated ability to support research and development initiatives and to evaluate emerging technologies for ATC communications.

Work Environment
This role operates primarily in a remote work environment, providing flexibility while supporting complex ATC voice communication systems. The position requires monthly travel to an FAA center in New Jersey, typically for three days at a time, to collaborate with stakeholders, participate in technical reviews, and engage in on-site engineering and integration activities. You will work extensively with modern digital voice and radio communication platforms that use IP-based architectures to securely transmit voice and data in real time between pilots and air traffic controllers. The environment emphasizes collaboration with FAA and ATC leaders to address critical national infrastructure challenges and to design the next generation of systems for more than 500 ATC facilities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Reston, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $250000.00/yr.
401k Health and Dental 200 hours of accrued PTO
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Reston,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 8, 2026.
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