Test Engineer 1

Company: Ultra Intelligence & Communications

Command, Control, Intelligence & Encryption (C2I&E)Powering Decision

Join the team redefining defense technology. From engineering systems that save lives to leading programs that change the battlefield—find your place in the future of defense.

Mission Solutions

By joining our Mission Solutions business, you will be a member of a team dedicated to providing innovative solutions that streamline the preparation and execution of intricate, mission-critical operations. We focus on enhancing situational awareness, tactical command and control, and seamless video data exchange capabilities within a dynamic, multi-domain environment.

Job Description Ultra I&C is seeking a motivated entry-level Tactical Data Link Test Engineer to join our team and support the testing, integration, and validation of tactical data link systems used in military communications and defense applications. This role provides an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or early-career professionals to develop expertise in defense communications systems.Tactical Data Link Test Engineer - Entry LevelUltra I&C PortfolioPosition Overview

Ultra Intelligence & Communications (I&C) is seeking an entry-level Tactical Data Link Test Engineer to support our growing portfolio of command, control, and communications (C3) systems. In this role, you will be integral to ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of Ultra I&C's tactical data link solutions that serve critical defense operations for military customers worldwide. You will work with cutting-edge technologies including Link 16, Link 22, and VMF systems, gaining hands-on experience with products deployed on aircraft, naval vessels, and ground platforms.

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional to launch a career in defense engineering, develop specialized expertise in tactical communications systems, and contribute to products that directly support mission-critical operations.

What You'll Do

As a Tactical Data Link Test Engineer at Ultra I&C, you will play a vital role in the validation and verification of our tactical data link products throughout their lifecycle. You will work closely with experienced engineers, developers, and integration specialists to ensure our systems meet stringent military standards and customer requirements.

Test Planning and Execution

You will support the development and execution of comprehensive test plans for Ultra I&C tactical data link products and systems. Working from technical specifications and requirements documents, you will help design test cases, prepare test procedures, and execute both manual and automated tests. You will document all testing activities according to Ultra I&C quality standards and military compliance requirements, ensuring traceability from requirements through verification.

Laboratory Operations and Configuration

You will be responsible for setting up, configuring, and operating Ultra I&C data link test environments and laboratory equipment. This includes preparing test beds with the appropriate hardware configurations, loading software builds, establishing network connectivity, and integrating peripheral equipment. You will work with both Ultra I&C proprietary systems and commercial test equipment to create realistic test scenarios that simulate operational environments.

Functional and Performance Testing

You will conduct detailed functional and performance testing of Ultra I&C's tactical data link implementations across various platform configurations. This involves executing test procedures, exercising system features and capabilities, validating message processing and data exchange, and measuring system performance against established benchmarks. You will test both standalone products and integrated system configurations to ensure interoperability and compliance with military standards.

Data Link Traffic Analysis

You will monitor and analyze tactical data link message traffic using specialized test tools, including Ultra I&C proprietary software and commercial analysis equipment. This requires understanding message structures, tracking information flow through the system, identifying anomalies or errors, and correlating traffic patterns with system behavior. You will use these analysis skills to validate correct system operation and diagnose issues when they arise.

Documentation and Reporting

You will document test results, anomalies, and technical findings in detailed test reports following Ultra I&C quality standards and customer requirements. Your documentation will include test configurations, procedures executed, results obtained, issues identified, and recommendations for resolution. You will maintain accurate test records that support product qualification, customer acceptance, and configuration management processes.

Collaboration and Problem-Solving

You will collaborate with Ultra I&C systems engineers, software developers, and integration teams to troubleshoot product issues and resolve defects. When tests reveal unexpected behavior or failures, you will work with cross-functional teams to reproduce problems, isolate root causes, and verify fixes. This collaborative environment will help you develop both technical depth and teamwork skills.

Integration Testing Support

You will participate in integration testing of Ultra I&C solutions with aircraft, naval vessels, ground stations, and joint tactical platforms. This may involve working with customer equipment, coordinating with platform integrators, and supporting multi-system testing events. You will help ensure Ultra I&C products operate correctly within larger system-of-systems architectures.

Regression and Release Testing

You will support regression testing and validation of software releases for Ultra I&C's tactical data link product line. As products evolve and new software versions are developed, you will execute regression test suites to ensure existing functionality remains intact while new features are properly validated. This work is critical to maintaining product quality and supporting continuous improvement.

Test System Maintenance

You will maintain test equipment, update test scripts, and ensure proper calibration of Ultra I&C test systems. This includes performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting test equipment issues, keeping software tools current, and maintaining the configuration management of test assets. You will help ensure the test infrastructure remains reliable and ready to support ongoing program needs.

Customer Support Activities

You will support customer demonstrations, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and site acceptance testing (SAT) for Ultra I&C deliverables. This customer-facing work will give you exposure to how our products are deployed and used operationally. You will help showcase product capabilities, support formal acceptance procedures, and ensure customer satisfaction with Ultra I&C solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Understanding of digital communications, networking fundamentals, or signal processing concepts
• Basic knowledge of test methodologies and software development/testing practices
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities for technical documentation and team collaboration
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, cross-functional team
• Eagerness to learn Ultra I&C's product portfolio and proprietary technologies
• U.S. citizenship required due to the nature of our defense programs
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret or Top Secret security clearance

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field
• Familiarity with tactical data links (Link 16, Link 22, VMF, JREAP, SADL) and NATO interoperability standards
• Understanding of Ultra I&C products or similar defense C3 systems
• Experience with network protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, multicast) and communication system architectures
• Knowledge of military standards (MIL-STD-6016, MIL-STD-3011, STANAG 5516, STANAG 5522)
• Programming or scripting experience (Python, C/C++, MATLAB, LabVIEW) for test automation
• Exposure to test automation tools, frameworks, or continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) environments
• Prior internship or coursework in defense systems, RF communications, avionics, or military technologies
• Familiarity with requirements management and defect tracking tools (DOORS, JIRA, Confluence)
• Experience with version control systems (Git, SVN) and configuration management practices

Notice

Due to the nature of the programs we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export-controlled material as defined by the role's requirements.

Our Benefits

Every employee is critical to our success, and as such, we offer a range of flexible employee benefits, including:

• Annual Bonus - Annual Bonus – Performance Related

• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) package plus 11 company holidays

• Early finish on Friday

• 401K w/ company match

• Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits

• Student Loan Assistance Program

• Array of voluntary benefit offerings

Ultra I&C is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected state or federal classes. 

We provide affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act. If you need an accommodation in any part of the application process, email -"

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