Radio Frequency & Data Link Engineer (SkillBridge Intern) - 27825

Summary

This is an UNPAID internship through the DoD SkillBridge Program for transitioning active-duty US military personnel. DoD SkillBridge Internships are available to help transitioning active-duty military personnel gain real-world experience in the work force sometime during their final 180 days of active-duty service. The intern will actively train on meaningful projects and work closely with a mentor and with senior company leadership. HII Mission Technologies (HII-MT) Internship programs are focused on placing transitioning military into internships that require KSAs, Education & Military Training similar to their current or previous military jobs; positions that could easily transition over to a full-time regular and permanent job with HII-MT.

Objective

The SkillBridge intern will train as a RF and Data Link Engineer within Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) Technology Integration Support Cooperative (TISC), reporting to a designated supervisor of HII Mission Technologies team. Upon completion of the SkillBridge internship, the transitioning service member will be fully prepared to function as an RF and Datalink Engineer supporting AFSOC through the Special Warfare (SW) TISC. The intern will possess the technical competencies, security clearances, and operational knowledge necessary to immediately contribute to SOF mission success through RF/DL system integration, testing, and support. The intern will be assigned special projects as needed.

Learning Goals

1. RF and Datalink Technical Proficiency

Master tactical RF/datalink systems (Link-16, SINCGARS, SATCOM, MUOS, MANET)
RF fundamentals: antenna modeling, link budgets, frequency management, spectrum analysis
Proficiency with RF propagation tools (SPEED, CloudRF), spectrum analyzers, and IP networking

Milestone: Conduct RF system assessment on ground or airborne platform

2. SOF Mission Systems Integration

Shadow engineers during system evaluations and testing
Participate in cross-functional coordination and SW TISC integration processes
Support field operations: equipment surveys, setup, operation, breakdown

Milestone: Lead integration project connecting multiple mission nodes

3. DoD Acquisition and Technical Documentation

Study MIL-STD-6016 and MIL-STD-188 specifications
Develop technical reports, briefings, and acquisition recommendations
Obtain CompTIA Security+ certification and initiate TS/SCI clearance upgrade (if required)

Milestone: Produce actionable technical report with system improvement recommendations

Desired End State (3-month target)

Intern becomes a fully trained communications systems professional capable of supporting AFSOC’s spectrum and interoperability requirements
Demonstrated proficiency in RF/SATCOM analysis, tactical data link systems, and spectrum analysis tools
Solid grasp of DoD communications acquisition processes, database management, and technical documentation
Effective communication of technical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Readiness for potential direct hire upon successful completion
HII Mission Technologies will benefit from the military background of the SkillBridge intern and considers the SkillBridge internship an overall positive experience.

Assumptions

SkillBridge Intern will possess, and maintain, at minimum an active Top-Secret SCI Security Clearance.
SkillBridge Intern will be available during core hours for critical meetings and training.

Program of Instruction - Training Plan

12‑Week Training Plan (90‑Day Format)

PHASE 1: FOUNDATION (Weeks 1-3)

• Week 1: In-processing, facility access, AFSOC/SW TISC mission briefing, initiate clearance upgrade
• Week 2: RF theory, tactical datalink systems, DoD communication standards
• Week 3: Hands-on with SPEED/CloudRF, IP networking, spectrum analyzers, SDRs

PHASE 2: APPLIED LEARNING (Weeks 4-8)

• Week 4: Shadow ground platform RF assessment; draft assessment report
• Week 5: Airborne C2 systems, SATCOM/MUOS training, multi-node interoperability
• Week 6: MANET waveforms, tactical kit integration, ATAK RF/DL requirements
• Week 7: Field operations travel, customer support, stakeholder requirements gathering
• Week 8: Cross-functional integration project; mid-program review and presentation

PHASE 3: ADVANCED APPLICATION (Weeks 9-12)

• Week 9: Evaluate emerging RF/DL technologies; advanced spectrum management
• Week 10: DoD acquisition lifecycle; develop technical recommendation and briefing
• Week 11: Lead multi-node mission network integration exercise; produce after-action report
• Week 12: Final technical assessment; employment discussion; program completion

Each week includes:

• Hands-on technical training
• Mentorship sessions
• Progress evaluations

Success Metrics:

• Technical competency assessments
• Project deliverables completion
• Stakeholder feedback
• Final presentation quality

Additional Goals

• Introduction to developing and delivering project briefings.
• Development of Technical Documentation for Spectrum Management.
• Project Management

Minimum Qualifications

Active-Duty Military ONLY within final 180 days of active-duty service. Applications accepted within final 12-months of active-duty US military service. Education and Experience dependent on Program of Instruction.

• Must be a U.S. citizen with a current DoD Secret security clearance with eligibility to be upgraded to TS/SCI.
• Deep understanding of RF; SATCOM, MUOS, IW, SHF, TSM and other MANET waveforms, and tactical data link systems (e.g., Link-16, Link-22, SINCGARS, SATCOM, etc.).
• Proficient in RF fundamentals, including antenna gain modeling, frequency and wavelength interactions, link-budget considerations, and decibel-based power/ratio calculations.
• Familiarity with DoD communication system acquisition processes and standards (e.g., MIL-STD-6016, MIL-STD-188).
• Proficient in IP networking and subnetting, with hands-on experience configuring ports and protocols to integrate commercial off-the-shelf routing devices into existing networks.
• Experienced in applying RF propagation tools such as SPEED and CloudRF for coverage prediction, path analysis, and mission planning.
• Awareness of the challenges to shared RF and datalink technologies in the joint and coalition environments.
• Familiarity with ground-to-air communications and integrated battlespace operations.
• Working knowledge of tactical communication systems in military or DoD settings.
• Experience providing technical recommendations to support acquisition and system upgrades.
• Experience in creating reports, briefings, managing information.
• Self-motivated and driven desire to succeed with minimal direction.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Must have or be able to obtain COMPTia SEC+ certification.

#LI-RM1

Preferred Requirements

• TS/SCI Clearance.
• Master’s degree in communications engineering, spectrum management, or systems engineering
• Experience using tools for RF and SATCOM analysis, such as spectrum analyzers, software-defined radios (SDRs), or simulation software (e.g., STK, MATLAB, or other RF modeling tools).
• Prior military service in communications, electronic warfare, or signals intelligence roles; or experience in defense contracting with a focus on C4ISR systems.
• Experience supporting Special Tactics ATAK RF/DL requirements
• Advanced knowledge of Airborne C2 systems, Radio Frequency and Datalink communications.

Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements will vary and is dependent on the Program of Instruction.