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Data Communication Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY ยท On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Unified Communication Engineer page is loaded## Unified Communication Engineerlocations: 1000 ... Experience with telecom/data carrier provisioning, billing, and troubleshooting procedures.

Data Engineer

Bentonville, AR ยท On-site

$97K - $117K/yr

Data Engineer Bentonville, AR Tech and functional Skill: * Must have - Good knowledge of developing ... Good understanding of data communication pipelines with standardization experience on converting ...

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Data Communication Engineer information

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$99K

$131.1K

$172.5K

How much do data communication engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for data communication engineer in the United States is $131,125.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,500.00 and $160,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a data communication engineer?

Data Communication Engineers are professionals who design, implement, and maintain systems that allow data to be transmitted efficiently and securely between computers, servers, and other network devices. They work with a range of technologies including routers, switches, firewalls, and network protocols to ensure seamless communication within and between organizations. Their role often involves troubleshooting network issues, optimizing network performance, and ensuring the integrity and security of data transmission.

What are some of the typical challenges a data communication engineer faces when working on large-scale network deployments?

Data Communication Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing network scalability, ensuring high availability, and minimizing downtime during large-scale deployments. Coordinating with cross-functional teams to address compatibility issues and integrating new technologies with legacy systems are also common hurdles. Additionally, maintaining security while optimizing network performance requires careful planning and ongoing monitoring, making adaptability and problem-solving key skills in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data communication engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Communication Engineer, you need a solid understanding of networking principles, protocols (such as TCP/IP), and a degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Familiarity with network hardware, routing and switching equipment, network management tools, and certifications like Cisco CCNA/CCNP are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help engineers troubleshoot issues and collaborate with teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring reliable, secure, and efficient data transmission within organizational networks.

What is the difference between Data Communication Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectData Communication EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields; certifications like CCNA, CCNPBachelor's in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related; certifications like CCNA, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and maintaining data communication systems, often in telecom or enterprise settingsConfiguring, managing, and troubleshooting network infrastructure in various organizations
Industry UsageTelecommunications, data centers, enterprise networksIT firms, service providers, corporate IT departments

While both roles focus on network systems, Data Communication Engineers specialize in data transmission technologies and protocols, whereas Network Engineers focus on overall network infrastructure management. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Data Communication Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Data Communication Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Data Communication Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Data Communication Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,125 per year, or $63 per hour.

Data Links and Communication Engineer

Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd.

Lincoln, MA โ€ข On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

Odyssey Systems has an exciting opportunity for a Data Links and Communication Engineer SME providing support to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Aerial Networks Division (AFLCMC/HNA).

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) provides comprehensive acquisition and life cycle management support for Air Force weapon systems and capabilities. As part of the Tactical Data Networks Enterprise Program, this position will support the development, integration, testing, deployment, and interoperability of tactical communications and data link systems across Joint and Service platforms. The selected candidate will serve as a recognized Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing technical leadership and guidance to government personnel, program leadership, and engineering teams while supporting the advancement of network-enabled weapon systems, tactical data links, and communications architectures critical to warfighter operations.

Responsibilities

The selected candidate will possess advanced technical knowledge and recognized expertise in Data Links and Communications Engineering, supporting the development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of Air Force and Joint communications capabilities. The successful candidate will serve as a technical leader, advising government stakeholders and mentoring junior and mid-level engineers while supporting the integration and interoperability of advanced tactical data link capabilities, including Link 16 and Link 22 networks.

Duties include, but not limited to:

  • Serve as the technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) for tactical data links, communications systems, interoperability, and network-enabled weapon capabilities supporting the Tactical Data Networks Enterprise Program.
  • Provide engineering expertise in the development, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment of Air Force and Joint tactical communications systems.
  • Support the integration, interoperability, testing, and operational employment of Link 16 and Link 22 communications networks across Joint and coalition platforms.
  • Interface with Federal, DoD, USAF, Army, Navy, coalition, and Joint organizations to ensure communications capabilities comply with applicable operational, security, and interoperability requirements.
  • Support Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E) and Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) activities, including interoperability assessments across weapon systems, aircraft, command-and-control systems, and Joint platforms.
  • Advise Program Managers, Chief Engineers, Integrated Product Team (IPT) Leads, and test organizations on technical, schedule, cost, and performance considerations related to communications and data link systems.
  • Support the development and implementation of tactical communications solutions including Combat Net Radio (CNR), Link 16, Link 22, UHF communications, DACAS, USMTF, VMF, and Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) capabilities.
  • Develop and document Concepts of Employment (CONEMPs), interface control documentation, network architectures, interoperability requirements, and technical specifications supporting network-enabled weapon systems.
  • Provide technical expertise in cryptologic systems, COMSEC processes, encryption key distribution, and secure communications architectures.
  • Support Agile Communications initiatives and Joint interoperability efforts through participation in working groups, configuration control boards, and technical forums.
  • Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior and mid-level engineers supporting the program.
Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Clearance: Must have and be able to maintain an active Top Secret clearance

Education: Master's degree in Engineering and 15 years of experience which must be Data Links and Communications Engineering experience, 5 years of which must be in the DoD

  • Experience with tactical communications systems, data links, interoperability, and network-enabled weapon systems.
  • Experience supporting Link 16 and Link 22 tactical data link environments.
  • Experience supporting Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E) and Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) efforts.
  • Experience collaborating with Joint, Air Force, Army, Navy, coalition, and DoD stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting AFLCMC, Air Combat Command, Joint Staff, or related Air Force acquisition organizations.
  • Experience with tactical data link standards, network design, message implementation, and interoperability testing.
  • Experience with cryptologic systems, COMSEC, and encryption key distribution infrastructure.
  • Experience with Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS), Variable Message Format (VMF), United States Message Text Format (USMTF), and Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DACAS).
  • Experience supporting Joint and coalition interoperability initiatives involving Link 16 and Link 22 networks.
Technical Skills
  • Link 22
  • Link 16
  • Tactical Data Links (TDL)
  • Joint and Coalition Interoperability
  • Combat Net Radio (CNR)
  • UHF Communications
  • Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS)
  • Variable Message Format (VMF)
  • United States Message Text Format (USMTF)
  • Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DACAS)
  • Communication Security (COMSEC)
  • Cryptologic Systems
  • Developmental and Operational Test & Evaluation
  • Network Enabled Weapon Systems
  • Systems Integration and Testing
Interpersonal Skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with senior government and contractor personnel.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team environment.
  • Ability to lead technical efforts and mentor junior personnel.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Additional Information:

Location: Hanscom Air Force Base, Bedford, MA

Travel: Travel may be required per the customer's discretion.

Onsite Requirement: This is an onsite position.

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Company Overview

Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, is an innovative small business committed to providing worldโ€‘class technical, management, and training support services to government and public sector clients. We focus on people, processes, and performance to deliver superior results. Since our inception in 1997, our commitment to mission success and customer satisfaction has been recognized with exponential growth and exceptional past performance ratings. We accept challenging assignments and drive projects from the planning stages, through implementation, and into operations and support.

Please note: Final compensation for this position will be determined by various factors such as the Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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