5G/6G Wireless Principal Expert

Principal 5G/6G Wireless Network Architect & Strategic Systems Engineer (TS/SCI Required) Position Overview: We are seeking an elite 5G/6G Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Principal Solutions Architect to serve as a high-level strategic advisor to the Department of War (DoW) Chief Information Officer (CIO). This dynamic role spans the full lifecycle of next-generation cellular technology integration, shifting fluidly between enterprise architecture design, tactical commercial-to-defense integration, and senior-level policy and governance .

As a chief technical advisor, you will lead the implementation of the DoW FutureG enterprise strategy, establishing reference architectures and interoperability standards to securely field 5G/6G systems across the Joint Force, Combatant Commands (COCOMs), and global military installations. Location : Alexandria, VA (Client Site at Pentagon and Mark Center with limited telework) Clearance: TS/SCI Day-to-Day Responsibilities & Technical Duties: Enterprise Architecture & Integration: Lead the architectural design, high-level integration, and execution of the DoW 5G Reference Architecture across hardware, software, and cloud-native infrastructure environments.

Commercial-to-Tactical Fielding: Evaluate and architect the deployment of Open RAN (O-RAN), network slicing, Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC), and Software-Defined Radio (SDR) solutions for specialized defense and tactical communication networks. Policy & Governance Leadership: Formulate and govern high-level DoW technical standards, acquisition policies, and capability requirements.

Direct and participate in Office of the Secretary of War (OSW)-level C3 governance forums, Joint Staff working groups, and international standards bodies. Standards Engineering: Apply advanced 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G NR (New Radio) and emerging 6G standards to resolve complex engineering, interoperability, and cross-domain solution (CDS) challenges.

Zero Trust & Cyber Security: Inject strict Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) and cybersecurity engineering principles into 5G/6G infrastructure to defend next-generation transport networks against persistent peer and near-peer electronic warfare and cyber threats. Strategic Advisory: Deliver authoritative technical recommendations, technology transition roadmaps, and operational metrics directly to the DoW CIO and senior executive stakeholders to accelerate the secure fielding of NextG capability.

Required Qualifications: Security Clearance: Must possess an active TS/SCI security clearance or be eligible for immediate reactivation/reinstatement. Candidates with a TS/SCI that has been inactive or debriefed for less than 24 months are fully acceptable and highly encouraged to apply, provided your investigation or Continuous Vetting status remains in-scope.

This position does not require a polygraph. Experience: 20+ years of progressive engineering leadership in telecommunications systems engineering, wireless network architecture, RF engineering, or enterprise tactical communications.

Education

& Equivalency: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, Telecommunications, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related STEM field. A PhD is highly desirable, but extensive senior leadership in uniform or civil service (e.g., Military Rank O-5/O-6, GS-15, Senior Executive Service/SES, or defense contractor Senior Fellow equivalent) will be heavily weighed and accepted in lieu of a doctorate.

Technical Domain Expertise: Proven mastery of 3GPP 5G standards (Release 15 through 18+) , core network architectures, Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) deployments, and emerging 6G concepts. Defense Ecosystem Knowledge: Demonstrated experience navigating large-scale enterprise deployments, defense acquisition processes, and joint interoperability requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Joint Operations Frameworks: Deep familiarity with Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiatives, tactical data links, or mission partner environments. Echelon-Level Experience: Prior experience directly supporting an Office of the Secretary of War (OSW) organization, Joint Staff, or a Military Department Headquarters (HQDA, HQAF, OPNAV, HQMC).

Niche Certifications: Advanced certifications in Systems Engineering (INCOSE CSEP/ESEP), Information Security (CISSP, ISSAP), or Enterprise Architecture (TOGAF).