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Contract Tactical Data Link Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tactical Data Link Test Engineer - Senior

FL ยท On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

Overview Tactical Data Link Test Engineer - Senior LOCATION: Eglin AFB, FL JOB STATUS: Full-time ... Service contract where it has earned a reputation for on-time delivery of high-quality products ...

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a skilled and experienced Tactical Data Link Analyst to provide technical advisory, asset management, and integration support to the 19th Airlift Wing. The ...

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a skilled and experienced Tactical Data Link Analyst to provide technical advisory, asset management, and integration support to the 19th Airlift Wing. The ...

NY ยท On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Operate and monitor real tactical hardware (data link radios, GPS/INS units, RF frontโ€ends) within HITL simulation environments.* Integrate hardware with Liveโ€Virtualโ€Constructive (LVC ...

Data Link Analyst

Moorestown, NJ ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The candidate will support all aspects of testing Naval tactical systems and tactical data link (TDL) capabilities of C4ISR and weapon systems, to include SSDS and LCS interfaces, Link 16, Link ...

Tactical Data Link SME

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Job Type Full-time, Contract Description Status: This position is currently filled, however we are ... This role provides direct support to pre-deployment training, Multi-Tactical Data Link ( MTDL ...

Tactical Data Link SME

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

This role provides direct support to pre-deployment training, Multi-Tactical Data Link ( MTDL ... contract. Prevailance, Inc. participates in E-Verify and is VEVRAA Compliant.

Tactical Data link (TDL) Test & Evaluation Analyst - Intermediate Location: Fort Huachuca, AZ ... II) contract provides technical solutions for the DOD in support of Test and Evaluation (T&E ...

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Contract Tactical Data Link information

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$16

$56

$81

How much do contract tactical data link jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract tactical data link in the United States is $56.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.63 and $67.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Contract Tactical Data Link specialist?

A Contract Tactical Data Link specialist is a professional who manages and oversees the implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of tactical data link systems under contractual agreements, often for defense or government clients. These systems facilitate secure, real-time communication and data exchange between military platforms such as ships, aircraft, and ground units. The specialist is responsible for ensuring interoperability, system integration, and compliance with technical standards. Their work is critical for mission success, as reliable data links enable coordinated operations and situational awareness. Contract Tactical Data Link specialists may also provide training and technical support to end-users.

How does a Contract Tactical Data Link specialist typically collaborate with other teams during joint operations or exercises?

A Contract Tactical Data Link specialist regularly works alongside communications, IT, and operations teams to ensure seamless data exchange between various military platforms. Collaboration often involves configuring and troubleshooting data link systems, participating in mission planning meetings, and providing technical support during live operations or exercises. Effective communication and coordination with cross-functional teams are essential for timely issue resolution and successful mission outcomes. This collaborative environment allows specialists to gain experience with different technologies and operational procedures, making it a dynamic and engaging role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Tactical Data Link specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Tactical Data Link Specialist, you need expertise in tactical data link protocols (such as Link 16 or Link 11), network integration, and a background in military communications or systems engineering, often supported by relevant security clearances. Familiarity with technical tools like data link management systems, network simulation software, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CISSP are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you troubleshoot issues and coordinate with diverse stakeholders. These skills ensure reliable and secure data exchanges critical for mission success and operational coordination in defense environments.

What is the difference between Contract Tactical Data Link vs Tactical Data Analyst?

AspectContract Tactical Data LinkTactical Data Analyst
CredentialsSecurity clearance, technical certificationsData analysis certifications, security clearance
Work EnvironmentMilitary, defense contractors, secure facilitiesMilitary, government agencies, defense industry
Employer & IndustryDefense contractors, military unitsMilitary, defense agencies, intelligence
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in defense data communicationAnalyzing military data for operational insights

The Contract Tactical Data Link role focuses on managing secure communication systems between military units, requiring technical certifications and security clearances. In contrast, a Tactical Data Analyst interprets military data to support operational decisions. Both roles operate within defense environments but serve different functions in military data management and analysis.

What cities are hiring for Contract Tactical Data Link jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Tactical Data Link job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Tactical Data Link jobs?

The most popular types of Tactical Data Link jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Tactical Data Link jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Tactical Data Link jobs include:

Infographic showing various Contract Tactical Data Link job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,171 per year, or $56.8 per hour.

Tactical Data Link Test Engineer - Senior

Astrion

Eglin Air Force Base, FL โ€ข On-site

$120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Plan, develop, and execute all aspects of test events for tactical data link systems.

  • Support the planning, designing, and execution of test events for tactical integration programs as a member of a Tactical Integration Element (TIE).

  • Participate in test team activities, including executing test scripts, running test procedures, developing block diagrams, and collecting data for analysis and reporting.


Job description

Overview

Tactical Data Link Test Engineer - Senior

LOCATION: Eglin AFB, FL

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: Secret

CERTIFICATION: N/A

TRAVEL: 35% CONUS / OCONUS

 Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Tactical Data Link Test Engineer - Senior located at Eglin, AFB in Valparaiso, FL.   

 

Our Tactical Data Links (TDL) Test Flight (TGBC) is searching for a Tactical Data Link Test Engineer for the TMAS 2 96 CTG Task Order, supporting the 46 TS / TGBC - the United States Air Force’s premier TDL Developmental Test (DT) Team.  If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and being on the cutting edge of innovative communications technology, this is the place for you. We provide several opportunities to learn and grow, ranging from on-the-job training with other team members to formal courses for unique technology areas.

We realize that no one will possess all the qualifications listed below. We are looking for people that have a strong engineering background and/or TDL foundation and have the drive and motivation to learn all other required/preferred areas.  Position responsibilities can span from serving as a test lead responsible for planning, developing, and executing all aspects of a test event to assisting another test lead as a team member.

This position provides support to the 46 Test Squadron at Eglin AFB as a member of a Tactical Integration Element (TIE) responsible for planning, designing, and executing test events for tactical integration programs.

Astrion has worked extensively with the Department of Defense executing a Technical Management and Advisory Service contract where it has earned a reputation for on-time delivery of high-quality products tailored to the needs of its clients.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

  • Master’s Degree in a technical field and a minimum of 10 years of technical experience is required. Additional experience may be substituted for education.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and possess or be eligible to obtain a Secret clearance. Interim Secret clearance required prior to starting employment.
  • Relevant engineering (electrical, mechanical, aerospace or systems) and/or technical experience in areas related to TDL, data link radios, radio frequency waves and propagation, and computer networking
  • Ability to participate on a test team to meet exercise, demonstration, or test requirements.
  • Ability to execute test scripts, run test procedures, develop block diagrams, and collect data for post-test analysis and reporting.
  • Strong work ethic; Comfortable working in a team environment with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to communicate and present technical details both written and verbally.
  • Experience developing and authoring documents such as briefings, plans, reports, executive summaries, white papers, and staff actions.
  • Proficiency with the Microsoft Suite of Office applications.
  • Able to travel to contractors' facilities, test sites, and other locations, CONUS and OCONUS, up to 25% of the time.
  • Able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

  • Relevant operational experience planning, operating, and troubleshooting TDL networks including but not limited to: Link 16, Joint Range Extension Application Protocols (JREAP) A, B and C, Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL), Variable Message Format (VMF), Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL), Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT), Link 11, Link 11B, Link 22, Satellite TDL J, Socket J, and Standard Interface for Multiple Platform Link Evaluation (SIMPLE) J.
  • Relevant operational experience performing Command and Control (C2) battle management roles/functions in USAF military ground or airborne C2 platforms such as Air Operation Centers (AOC), Control and Reporting Center (CRC), Air Support Operations Center (ASOC), Air Defense Sector (ADS), Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), and Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) or sister service equivalent.
  • Understanding of tactical data link systems and their employment across theater-level operations to include, but not limited to: Joint Range Extension (JRE), Joint Air Defense Systems Integrator (JADSI), Tactical Radio Application eXtension (TRAX), Gateway Manager, Link Monitoring and Management Tool (LMMT), Scalable Portable Integrated Data Router (SPIDR), Tactical Air Control Party Close Air Support System (TACP-CASS), Move Out/Jump Off (MOJO) Kit, Battlefield Operations Support System (BOSS), and Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK).
  • Familiar with TDL military standards (MIL-STD) such as MIL-STD 6016, MIL-STD 3011, MIL-STD 6020, MIL-STD 6017, MIL-STD 188-220, MIL-STD 2045-47001, MIL-STD 6090 and MIL-STD 6011.
  • Proficient/familiar with common TDL radios to include: Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS), MIDS Low Volume Terminal (LVT), SADL Radio, KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminal (STT), PRC-161, PRC-117F/G, PRC-152, PRC-163, and PRC-160.
  • Familiar with DoD and Air Force test instructions DODI5000.89_DAFI99-103 Capabilities Based Test and Evaluation and Technical Order 00-35D-54 USAF Deficiency Reporting, Investigation, and Resolution.
  • Possess a current and active Top Secret security clearance.
  • Bachelor of Science in a technical field.
  • Graduate of JT-301, Joint Interface Control Officer Course (JICO) or JT-310, Advanced JICC Operators Course (AJOC).

 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Serve as the primary face to the customer and TGBC focal point for all test planning, execution, and reporting activities for which TGBC is chartered to support.

  • Design, coordinate, document, and brief test equipment architectures required to meet information exchange requirements (voice and data communications) specific to assigned program operations.
  • Advise the government in decision making relevant to lead command responsibilities and to assigned capabilities and/or programs.
  • Assist program offices in developing technical requirements associated with supported capabilities and/or programs and translating user operational requirements statements into the appropriate requirements format(s).
  • Author, review and edit program documentation, including test plans, concept of operations, test cards, data-analysis plans, and formal reports.
  • Coordinate test resources with Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB) program managers for use of and support to program testing activities.
  • Maintain a comprehensive schedule of program activities, including TGBC support requirements and personnel utilization.
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive library and/or continuity database used to capture all lessons learned, planning, execution, and reporting documentation relative to TGBC program involvement.
  • Develop and present briefings to test community, program office and senior-level personnel on program activities.
  • Utilize software tools to conduct in-depth data reduction and analysis which will be used to inform leadership of program activities pursuant to established objectives and technical performance criteria.
  • Travel to various sites to participate in planning, execution, data analysis, report generation, etc., of program-related activities.
  • Attends meetings as necessary to provide briefings, information, and recommendations.
  • Support any additional test activities as assigned by TGBC leadership.

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