NIWC - Undergraduate Student II or III - Communications Division Engineering Support (Task No. 55-152614)

San Diego State University Research Foundation


NIWC - Undergraduate Student II or III - Communications Division Engineering Support (Task No. 55-152614)

US-CA-San Diego

Job ID: 2026-20550
# of Openings: 2
Category: Other
NIWC

Overview

The hourly rate for this position is $19.67 for Undergraduate III & $17.75 for Undergraduate II and is non-negotiable.

 

This position is open until filled

 

Under direction, incumbents must have course work in the discipline requested on the task order Statement of Work.

 

This Statement of Work covers the need for student services within the Communications Division. The purpose of this task order is to obtain engineering support from an undergraduate at San Diego State University Research Foundation (SDSURF) in support of a myriad of projects and programs within Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC), Pacific Communications Division portfolio.

 

The student will assist the Communications Division in providing engineering support to include software, networking, cybersecurity, analysis, and test and evaluation (T&E) tasking in support of software defined radios (SDRs), SATCOM systems, and other Communications projects. Tasking can range in complexity, and the student) shall have a demonstrated knowledge and capability in the domain. Work at this level requires training and experience that results in an understanding of the electrical engineering subject matter. Work tasking and assignments will consider urgency, priority, and constraints (e.g., budget, time) that create a need for the student to use judgement in decisions or compromises to satisfy the overall technical/management requirements. The student may assist with a wide range of projects, which may include major activity, operational projects or programs, or coordination support. Work may require coordination with other specialists, project members, and other work groups at the activity and at other activities. The student will work under the close supervision and guidance of experienced engineering and scientific professionals. This role is designed to provide learning opportunities and contribute to the Division's mission.

Responsibilities

The student shall provide engineering support in the following areas:

 

Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics:

• Communication Systems Operations Support - to include operating Type 1 encrypted military narrowband radios (e.g., AN/PRC-163, AN/PRC-117G) and managing COMSEC protocols during lab experimentation.
• Systems Integration & Payload Support – to include assisting in the implementation of Software-Defined Radios (SDR), MANET radios, and live-streaming sensors for signal characterization and relay.
• Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) Support – to include operating and navigating USV platforms in support of naval lab exercises.
• Software Development & Automation Support – to include developing software and scripts to automate tactical radio transmissions.
• Cybersecurity & Compliance Support – to include using Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) Viewer to assess, implement, and validate system security controls, ensuring the secure configuration of networks.
• Training Development Support – to include designing and assisting in the development of training lectures focusing on tactical radio and satellite communications (SATCOM) and conducting analytical studies to validate and refine lecture materials.
• Analytical Studies & Simulation Support – to include executing system simulations to evaluate SATCOM constraints and operational scenarios and conducting studies to characterize the operational behavior and limitations of radio cross-banding equipment.

Qualifications

Undergraduate Student 2: The student must be at the Junior or Senior level and have experience in 50% of the task requirements and be able to accomplish 50% of the work independently. Is not required to be an SDSU Student.

Undergraduate Student 3: Must have course work in the discipline requested on the task order Statement of Work. The student must be at the Senior level and have experience in 100% of the task requirements and be able to accomplish 90% of the work independently. Is not required to be an SDSU Student.

Minimum Qualifications Requirements:

 

Undergraduate Level: Computer Science and Information Systems and/or Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics major preferred; other relevant majors considered with relevant coursework and/or work experience.

 

Desired relevant work, and/or laboratory experience:

• Documented COMSEC training and qualification to operate Type 1 cryptographic devices.
• Proven hands-on experience with tactical military radios, Software-Defined Radios (SDR), and SATCOM.
• Proficiency in software development for automated testing of asymmetric data transmission (e.g., configuring radios for transmit-only or receive-only operations).
• Demonstrated experience applying DoW Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
• Ability to design and execute system simulations, conduct field studies to validate communications architectures, and translate technical findings into comprehensive training documents.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• This position will require the employee to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
• The student will work primarily at NIWC Pacific, Topside.
• Due to the regulations established by the Department of Defense, only US Citizens may qualify.
• This is a student position and is limited to working 20 hours per week.
• This position will remain open until filled.
• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI285404985