Spectrum & Communications Interoperability Analyst (SkillBridge Intern) - 24897

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 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. 

Objective

The SkillBridge intern will train as a Spectrum and Communications Interoperability Analyst within the AFSOC Communications Directorate, reporting to a designated supervisor of HII Mission Technologies team. The intern will learn to support AFSOC’s spectrum and communications interoperability requirements through hands-on analysis, tool operation, and cross-functional collaboration.  The intern will be assigned special projects as needed.

Learning Goals

Technical Proficiency

• Master fundamental RF/SATCOM systems analysis techniques
• Develop working knowledge of tactical data link systems
• Learn to operate spectrum analysis tools and related software

Process Integration

• Understand DoD communications acquisition processes
• Learn database management for capability tracking
• Gain experience in technical documentation and reporting

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop skills in cross-functional team collaboration
• Learn to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Build understanding of AFSOC’s communication requirements and operational environment

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

• If candidate is selected and approved, SkillBridge Intern can travel in conjunction with this internship; HII Mission Technologies will fund all travel costs.

Program of Instruction

Training Location: Hurlburt Field, FL (on-site)

Training Plan 

Phase 1 – Orientation & Fundamentals (Weeks 1–2)

• Complete facility and security onboarding, system access provisioning
• Study AFSOC communications architecture and organizational structure
• Introduction to basic RF/SATCOM principles and terminology

Phase 2 – Systems Overview (Weeks 3–4)

• Learn tactical data link systems (Link-16, Link-22, SINCGARS)
• Study DoD communication standards and specifications
• Introduction to spectrum management concepts

Phase 3 – Analysis Tools (Weeks 5–6)

• Training on spectrum analyzers and software-defined radio equipment
• Learn RF modeling software (STK, MATLAB basics)
• Practice basic system capability assessments

Phase 4 – Database & Documentation (Weeks 7–8)

• Training on capability-tracking database systems
• Learn technical writing and reporting standards
• Create interoperability assessment reports

Phase 5 – Practical Application (Weeks 9–10)

• Shadow senior analysts during system evaluations
• Participate in technical exchange meetings
• Assist with gap-analysis projects

Phase 6 – Integration & Final Projects (Weeks 11–12)

• Contribute to active interoperability assessments
• Present findings to stakeholder group
• Complete final evaluation and transition planning

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 service. Education and Experience dependent on Program of Instruction.

• 5 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 3 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 0 years experience with PhD orJuris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 9 years relevant experience.
• 8–12 years in RF engineering, SATCOM analysis, or a related field.
• Deep understanding of RF, SATCOM, and tactical data link systems (e.g., Link-16, Link-22, SINCGARS, SATCOM, etc.).
• Familiarity with DoD communication system acquisition processes and standards (e.g., MIL-STD-6016, MIL-STD-188).
• Knowledge of spectrum management, including allocation, interference analysis, and mitigation.
• Awareness of interoperability challenges in 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.
• Technical analysis and gap assessment for communication systems.
• Database design and data management for tracking capabilities and gaps.
• Report writing and presenting complex technical findings to non-technical stakeholders.
• Cross-functional collaboration with engineering, program management, and DoD customers.
• 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).
• Military service in communications, electronic warfare, or signals intelligence roles; or experience in defense contracting with a focus on C4ISRsystems.
• DoD Secret Clearance required

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Preferred Requirements

• TS/SCI Clearance highly desired but not required.
• Master’s degree in communications engineering, spectrum management, or systems engineering.
• Database experience.
• Hands-on experience with Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) utilizing military radios in support of ground and air forces in operational environments.
• Special Operations Communications background, including JTAC preferred. 

Physical Requirements

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