1

Contractual Tactical Data Link Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our Tactical Data Links (TDL) Test Flight (TGBC) is searching for an experienced data link professional and/or test engineer to join the United States Air Force's premier TDL Developmental Test (DT ...

JICO Instructor

Fayetteville, NC · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

This position provides advanced Tactical Data Link instruction, curriculum development, exercise support, and interoperability expertise to U.S., allied, and coalition forces. The ideal candidate is ...

Showing results 41-60

Contractual Tactical Data Link information

See salary details

$34K

$70.8K

$135.5K

How much do contractual tactical data link jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for contractual tactical data link in the United States is $70,839.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Contractual Tactical Data Link specialist?

A Contractual Tactical Data Link specialist is a professional who manages, implements, and maintains tactical data link systems—such as Link 16 or Link 11—on a contractual basis, often for military or defense organizations. Their work ensures secure and efficient communication between different military platforms, such as ships, aircraft, and ground units. These specialists are typically responsible for integrating, troubleshooting, and optimizing data link networks, as well as training personnel on their operation. Contractual roles mean they are hired for specific projects or time periods rather than as permanent staff. They play a crucial role in enabling real-time information sharing and situational awareness on the battlefield.

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

AspectContractual Tactical Data LinkTactical Data Analyst
CredentialsSecurity clearance, technical certificationsData analysis certifications, military or defense experience
Work EnvironmentMilitary, defense contractors, secure facilitiesMilitary operations centers, defense agencies, field environments
Employer & IndustryDefense agencies, military contractorsMilitary units, defense industry, government agencies

Contractual Tactical Data Link specialists focus on managing secure communication systems for military operations, ensuring data transfer between platforms. Tactical Data Analysts interpret and analyze data to support decision-making in combat scenarios. While both roles serve the defense sector, the former emphasizes system management, and the latter emphasizes data analysis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contractual Tactical Data Link specialist?

To thrive as a Contractual Tactical Data Link Specialist, you need a strong foundation in military communications, data link protocols (such as Link 16), and relevant security clearances, typically supported by technical or military training. Familiarity with tactical data link systems, network management tools, and certification in cybersecurity or defense communication systems is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure secure, reliable, and accurate information exchange essential for mission-critical operations and joint-force coordination.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in Contractual Tactical Data Link roles, and how can they overcome them?

Professionals in Contractual Tactical Data Link roles often face challenges such as coordinating between multiple military branches, ensuring secure and reliable data transmission, and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and protocols. Overcoming these hurdles requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to stay updated through ongoing training. Regular collaboration with engineers, operators, and program managers is essential for troubleshooting issues and maintaining system interoperability.
More about Contractual Tactical Data Link jobs
What cities are hiring for Contractual Tactical Data Link jobs? Cities with the most Contractual 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 Contractual Tactical Data Link jobs? States with the most job openings for Contractual Tactical Data Link jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contractual Tactical Data Link job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,839 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Tactical Data link (TDL) Test & Evaluation Analyst - Senior with Security Clearance

Agile Defense, Inc.

Fort Huachuca, AZ • On-site

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

About Agile Defense At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That’s why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next. Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility—leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation’s vital interests. Requisition #: 1609 Job Title: Tactical Data link (TDL) Test & Evaluation Analyst - Senior Location: Fort Huachuca, AZ Clearance Level: Secret, Must Have Clearance to Start Required Certification(s): Requires at least 1 certification in area of specialization. Examples include Sec+/SecX, Certified Scrum Master, ITIL4/ITIL5, CTEP. Job Description Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) Test Evaluation and Certification II Services (TEC II) contract provides technical solutions for the DOD in support of Test and Evaluation (T&E) services and T&E enabling services. JITC’s service requirements are categorized in the following areas: T&E Performance Requirements, T&E Capability Management Requirements, T&E Capability Requirements, and Overarching Contract and Task Order (TO) Requirements. TEC Services are provided to DoD Combatant Commanders/Services/Agencies, federal and state agencies, coalition partners, and commercial entities to aid in the design, development, acquisition, integration, deployment, operational use, and sustainment of new and enhanced Information Technology/National Security System capabilities. Job Duties & Responsibilities JITC’s Tactical Data Link (TDL) specialists test TDL interfaces for message set standards compliance and interoperability certification. The selected candidate will utilize applicable Military Standards (MIL-STD) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Standardization Agreements (STANAG) to update Master Test Procedures (MTPs) in the execution, analysis, and reporting of standards compliance and interoperability test events. TDL MIL-STDs and STANAGs include: 3011 Joint Range Extension, 6011/5511 Link 11, 6016/5516 Link 16, 6017 Variable Message Format, 6018 Integrated Broadcast Service Common Message Format, 6020 Data Forwarding, 6022/5522 Link 22, 6040 US Message Text Format, 6090 Cursor on Target, and 5602 Standard Interface for Multiple Platform Link Evaluation. Duties include: * Review MIL-STD Interface Change Proposals (ICPs) * Update Master Test Procedures (MTP) to include previous ICP approved changes. * Research systems under test (SUT) data link bit level implementation and determine the MIL- STD functional areas that need to be tested. * Develop standards conformance test procedures using system implementation(s) to evaluate the system requirements. * Develop interoperability test procedures using the TDL MTP to evaluate information exchange requirements derived from system Net Ready Key Performance Parameters and traceability matrix. * Conduct Standards Conformance and interoperability tests and post-test analysis as required using analysis tools such as industry standard test tools.   * Write preliminary trouble reports in accordance with approved templates. * Prepare and deliver test reports in accordance with approved templates. Education and Background * Requires a Master’s degree; or a Bachelor’s degree with at least 6 years of experience; or 10 years of experience. * One year of experience can be substituted by 15 semester hours completed towards a Master’s degree. The degree must be in a relevant technical curriculum and experience must be related to the job duties. * Additional certifications in the area of specialization may be substituted for experience but varies by certification. Years of Experience * Masters = N/A. * Bachelor's = 6 years.  * No undergrad degree = 10 years. Required Skills * Demonstrated experience executing TDL standards conformance test events to include but not limited to MIL-STDs 6011, 6016, 6020, and 6022 from initial test planning through delivery of the final test report. * Excellent communications skills, including verbal, written and presentation skills with the ability to write complex software developer-level issues in a clear, concise, and easily understood manner. * Familiar with Department of War (DoW) operations and environment, and comfortable with RF/IT systems and software. * Familiar with and actively using the Microsoft Office suite. Preferred Skills * Prior Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) qualification is desired. * Experience with DoW acquisition developmental/operational testing is desired. * Experience with test tools and operational systems such as Joint Analysis Net-centric Evaluation Testing Toolkit (JANETT), Tactical Data Link Integration Exerciser (TIGER), Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI), Battlefield Operations Support System (BOSS), Network, System Integration and Test Environment (NSITE), Automated Test Case Generator (ATC-Gen), and Small Tactical Terminal (STT). * Attention to detail creating, reviewing and editing requirements, specifications, and recommendations related to proposed solutions. * Ability to collaborate effectively with senior management, cross-functional teams, internal/external customers, and end-users. Working Conditions Environmental Conditions * Contractor site with 0%-10% travel possible. Possible off-hours work to support releases and outages. General office environment. Work is generally sedentary in nature but may require standing and walking for up to 10% of the time. The working environment is generally favorable. Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment available. Strength Demands * Sedentary – 10 lbs. Maximum lifting, occasional lift/carry of small articles.  Some occasional walking or standing may be required.   Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met. Physical Requirements * Stand or Sit; Walk; Repetitive Motion; Use Hands / Fingers to Handle or Feel; Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl; See; Push or Pull; Climb (stairs, ladders) or Balance (ascend / descend, work atop, traverse). Our Core Values Employees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together.  What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are. * Happy - Be Infectious. Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do. * Helpful - Be Supportive. Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated. * Honest - Be Trustworthy. Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support. * Humble - Be Grounded. Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task. * Hungry - Be Eager. Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges. * Hustle - Be Driven. Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.