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Link 16 information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Link 16 specialist?

To thrive as a Link 16 Specialist, you need a solid understanding of tactical data links, military communications protocols, and often a background in electronics, IT, or a related technical field. Familiarity with Link 16 terminals, network planning tools, encryption devices, and relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+ or military-specific training is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help specialists troubleshoot issues and work collaboratively with military teams. These skills ensure secure, reliable, and efficient information exchange critical for mission success in defense operations.

What are the main challenges faced by Link 16 network operators, and how can they be addressed?

Link 16 network operators often face challenges such as managing secure, real-time data exchanges among multiple platforms, maintaining interoperability between different military systems, and ensuring communication reliability in contested environments. To address these challenges, operators typically undergo specialized training in Link 16 protocols and troubleshooting, work closely with system engineers and mission planners, and stay updated with evolving cybersecurity standards. Collaborative exercises and ongoing professional development are essential to maintain proficiency and adapt to new technologies or mission requirements.

What is the difference between Link 16 vs Radio Frequency (RF) Communications Specialist?

AspectLink 16Radio Frequency (RF) Communications Specialist
CredentialsMilitary certifications, security clearancesFCC licenses, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary, defense contractors, command centersMilitary, telecommunications, defense industry
UsageSecure data exchange in military operationsOperate, maintain, and troubleshoot RF communication systems

While Link 16 is a specific secure military data link system used for real-time communication among defense units, a Radio Frequency (RF) Communications Specialist focuses on managing and maintaining RF communication equipment across various military and civilian sectors. Both roles require technical knowledge of radio systems, but Link 16 specialists are specialized in a particular secure network, whereas RF specialists have broader communication system expertise.

What is Link 16?

Link 16 is a military tactical data link network used by NATO and allied forces to securely exchange real-time situational awareness information, such as position, identification, and command and control data. It enables interoperability between different branches of the military, allowing aircraft, ships, and ground units to coordinate missions more effectively. The system uses encrypted, jam-resistant radio signals to ensure secure communications even in contested environments.
What are popular job titles related to Link 16 jobs in Virginia? For Link 16 jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Link 16 jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Link 16 jobs in Virginia are:
Link 16 jobs near you
Infographic showing various Link 16 job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 36% Full Time, and 58% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

LINK Engineer Operator

Alion Science and Technology

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Alion Science and Technology delivers advanced engineering, IT and operational solutions to strengthen national security and drive business results. For customers in defense, civilian government and commercial industries, Alion's engineered solutions support smarter decision-making and enhanced readiness in rapidly-changing environments.

Building on over 75 years of innovation, Alion turns obstacles into opportunities to help customers achieve their missions. Alion employee-owners are located at offices, customer sites and laboratories worldwide.

Job Description

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Navy Continuous Training Environment (NCTE) LINK/C4I engineer is responsible for setup and operating equipment to support LINK 16 and LINK 11 including Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) interface connectivity with operational and training units.  

This shall include, but not be limited to, a general understanding of NGC Gateway Manager, CCD, TDACS, ADSI, MLST3, and JSAF. Coordinating integration, engineering, installation, and deployment support for the planning and execution of exercises. Collect and record for later production in the modeling, analysis and experimentation venues items as common operating pictures from JTIDS LINK 16/11, Navy Tactical Data System and real-time data links. 

Assist with defining the specifications for and procurement of equipment to provide this capability to NWDC and NWDC customers. Help to plan, implement and monitor single or multi-link architecture in a Carrier Strike Group, Expeditionary Strike Group, Carrier Strike Force or Naval exercise or operation and understand the impact of the designed architecture on the Common Tactical Picture and Common Operational Picture. 

Provide the knowledge to supervise the initialization, monitoring, troubleshooting of Link-11 and Link-16 systems, the utilization of collaborative planning tools, as well as the skills needed to maintain a tactical picture, monitor link operations, change system configurations, and maintain voice communications.   

Individual will be capable to interface with NWDC staff to determine modeling, analysis, and experimentation Common Operating Picture (COP)/Data Collection requirements and assist in making the most use of the data.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems or related discipline, or equivalent education and experience.

Motivated self-starter                                                                                            

Experience in C4I systems  

Experience with LINK 11, LINK 16     

Experience with NGC Gateway manager

Experience with Common Connectivity Device (CCD) 

Experience with TDACS, ADSI,MLST3, and JSAF 

Experience interfacing with senior management

Experience with Department of Defense Security Technical Implementation Guidelines

Strong technical troubleshooting skills

Ability to read and digest technical information 

Ability to troubleshoot technical issues within multiple systems

Ability to visualize overall view of systems and conceptualize and document creative solutions

Strong attention to detail 

Strong customer focus, including the ability to manage customer needs and multiple work priorities

Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills

Experience installing release upgrades

Security + and Linux+ or Microsoft certification

Must be a US Citizen able to obtain a US Secret security clearance.


Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Apply