Chief Command and Control (C2) Systems Integrator / Principal C2 Architect (5352) (TS/SCI) (Tampa, FL)
SMX is seeking a Chief Command and Control (C2) Systems Integrator / Principal C2 Architect to support SOCOM at MacDill AFB. The Chief Command and Control (C2) Systems Integrator is the senior technical authority for the SOF Enterprise enabling architecture, integration, deployment, and synchronization of next-generation command and control infrastructure. This technical role requires bridging the gap between tactical edge nodes, operational command centers, and strategic national-level headquarters. The position Emphasis on Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2), Tactical Data Links, Mission Partner Environment (MPE), coalition interoperability, autonomous vehicle system integration to incorporate both traditional crewed assets with autonomous platforms (UxS), ensuring decision advantage in both permissive and non-permissive environments.
The ideal candidate will leverage decades of multi-echelon military experience to ensure seamless data interoperability, resilient communication architectures, and advanced decision-advantage platforms in support of joint, coalition and partner forces with SOF. Candidate must possess a blend of highly specialized operational experience and technical acumen.
This position demands a candidate who is not just an engineer, but an industry-recognized Subject Matter Expert (SME) capable of supporting and shaping the strategic direction of multi-million dollar defense portfolio, driving innovation in C2 modernization efforts.
This is a full-time onsite position at MacDill AFB in SOCOM HQ.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
The following outlines the expected duties across the three primary tiers of military command:
Command Echelon:
- Strategic (National/COCOM):
- Architect enterprise-level C2 frameworks integrating JADC2 initiatives.
- Advise Flag/General Officers and Senior Executive Service (SES) leaders on technology adoption, modernization strategies, and enterprise network survivability.
- Operational (JTF/Component):
- Design interoperability solutions for MPE.
- Synchronize multi-domain data feeds (space, cyber, air, land, maritime) into a unified Common Operating Picture (COP), accounting for multi-domain data feeds from autonomous swarms (UAV, USV, UGV).
- Oversee the integration of legacy C2 systems with modern cloud-native architectures.
- Support orchestration of AI-driven battel management systems to allocate and control SOF autonomous assets.
- Tactical (Edge/Unit/Level):
- Ensure resilient beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) and tactical data link (e.g., Link 16, SADL, MADL) integration.
- Optimize edge-computing solutions for denied, degraded, intermittent, or limited (DDIL) bandwidth environments.
- Translate tactical user requirements into enterprise engineering solutions and requirements documentation.
Required Skills, Experience & Education
- Active TS/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain ACCM and/or Special Access Program (SAP) read-ins as required by the mission.
- 15+ years of specialized experience in military operations, command and control systems, tactical data links, systems engineering, or defense contracting, with at least 5 years serving as a senior technical advisor to a Combatant Command (COCOM) or major sub-unified command.
- Degree in Computer Information Systems, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology or a related technical field (or equivalent years of experience).
- Experience supporting Joint Task Forces, Combined Air Operations Centers (CAOC), Joint Interface Control Cells (JICC) and SOF.
- Expert knowledge of LINK 16, Multi-TDL architectures, coalition interoperability, Mission Partner Environments, tactical gateways, SATCOM architectures and cloud-based C2 infrastructure. Deep architectural knowledge and extensive experience designing, implementing and troubleshooting primary C2 systems (e.g., GCCS-J, C2BMC, IBCS, ABMS, ADSI, JRE, JDN etc.).
- Expertise developing and managing OPTASKLINKs, network architectures, message routing strategies, traffic analysis, and operational data flow management.
- Experience with advanced tactical data link capabilities including cryptographic modernization, Partitioned Variable Message (PVM), Datalink Advanced Capabilities, Split Radio architectures, Small Tactical Terminal (STT) and Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) integration.
- Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams of engineers, operators, and acquisition professionals in the rapid fielding of combat-ready systems.
Application Deadline: July 27, 2026
#CJPOST
#LI-onsite
The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.
At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.
We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.
SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.
Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.
SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).
Skills Required
- Active TS/SCI clearance with ability to obtain ACCM and/or SAP read-ins as required
- 15+ years specialized experience in military operations, C2 systems, tactical data links, systems engineering, or defense contracting
- At least 5 years serving as a senior technical advisor to a Combatant Command (COCOM) or major sub-unified command
- Degree in Computer Information Systems, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology or related technical field (or equivalent experience)
- Experience supporting Joint Task Forces, CAOC, Joint Interface Control Cells (JICC) and Special Operations Forces (SOF)
- Expert knowledge of LINK 16, Multi-TDL architectures, coalition interoperability, Mission Partner Environments (MPE), tactical gateways, SATCOM architectures, and cloud-based C2 infrastructure
- Deep architectural experience with primary C2 systems (e.g., GCCS-J, C2BMC, IBCS, ABMS, ADSI, JRE, JDN)
- Experience developing/managing OPTASKLINKs, network architectures, message routing, traffic analysis, and operational data flow management
- Experience with advanced tactical data link capabilities including cryptographic modernization, PVM, Datalink Advanced Capabilities, Split Radio architectures, STT and MIDS integration
- Proven track record leading cross-functional teams of engineers, operators, and acquisition professionals to rapidly field combat-ready systems
- Full-time onsite work at MacDill AFB (SOCOM HQ)
SMX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SMX and has not been reviewed or approved by SMX.
-
Fair & Transparent Compensation — Salary ranges are publicly listed on many postings and a pay transparency statement clarifies how location, contract, and credentials influence offers. This visibility helps set clear expectations around compensation.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — About four weeks of PTO plus 11 paid federal holidays are highlighted in careers materials. Paid military leave on some roles further expands time‑off coverage.
-
Retirement Support — A 401(k) with a dollar‑for‑dollar match on the first 5% and immediate vesting is called out in role descriptions. Traditional and Roth options support long‑term savings.
SMX Insights
What We Do
SMX is a global technology and advanced engineering provider specializing in Cloud Solutions, C5ISR, and Advanced Engineering / IT. Our tradition of delivering innovative, technical solutions dates back to 1995, however, you may know us better by one of our legacy company names: Trident Technologies, Smartronix, Datastrong, or C2S Consulting Group. With the support of OceanSound Partners, our private equity investment sponsor, we began operating as one business starting in 2019 and became SMX in 2021. We operate in close proximity to our clients around the globe and have core locations in Alabama, California, the DC Metro, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Today, as SMX, we are one team and together empower government and commercial enterprises to become more effective, innovative, and resilient, no matter what challenges they face. SMX offers competitive benefits, excellent work environments, and growth opportunities for our employees while continuing to expand operations and support our communities. We have more than 25 years of rapid and consistent growth with continuous recognition as an employer-of-choice technology company. In addition, we have earned coveted industry quality and business certifications; have a strong commitment to business partnerships, ethics, compliance, and sustainability; and have a multitude of premier contracting vehicles. The combination of these attributes allows us to provide sound, repeatable business solutions yet remain flexible and agile to quickly adapt to specific customer requirements. Committed to ensuring the highest levels of customer satisfaction, SMX is structured around the programs and technologies we support to provide optimal and seamless operations. We have maintained a reputation for excellence, helping to assure the missions of our Department of Defense, Public Sector, Fortune 1000, and other Government and commercial customers.
.jpg)
