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Link 16 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Data Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$121K - $146K/yr

XML, JREAP-C, COT (cursor-on-target), JSON, GEO JSON, UMF/UHR, text link-16, Tapil-J, and other Tactical Data Links. • Experience in natural language parsing (NLP) and using regular expressions ...

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Link 16 information

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$52

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How much do link 16 jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for link 16 in the United States is $52.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.82 and $67.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.
More about Link 16 jobs
What cities are hiring for Link 16 jobs? Cities with the most Link 16 job openings:
What states have the most Link 16 jobs? States with the most job openings for Link 16 jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Link 16 jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Link 16 jobs are:
Infographic showing various Link 16 job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 23% Full Time, and 69% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,920 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Tech Support Specialist C4I-Tactical Data Link (Engineer Systems 2) - 29611

HII

Virginia Beach, VA

$72K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,192 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Requisition Number: 29611
Required Travel: 0 - 10%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $72,254.00 - $85,000.00
Security Clearance: Secret
Level of Experience: Mid
This opportunity resides with Global Security (GS). Mission Technologies' Global Security (GS) group comprises live, virtual, constructive (LVC) solutions; fleet sustainment; nuclear and environmental; and Australia business.
As a trusted partner to our military customers, HII designs, develops and operates the largest LVC enterprise that prepares warfighters for cross-domain battle. With advanced technologies to enable mission readiness, HII understands that preparation requires full coordination-not readiness in piece-parts.
For more than 40 years, the U.S. Navy has entrusted HII to maintain and modernize the vast majority of its fleet. With a holistic approach to life-cycle maritime defense systems-from small watercraft to submarines, surface combatants and aircraft carriers-HII ensures a high state of readiness.
HII supports the Department of Energy's national security mission through the management and operation of its sites, as well as the safe cleanup of legacy waste across the country. HII meets clients' toughest nuclear and environmental challenges.
Leadership at HII - Mission Technologies
Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every employee grows, leads, and contributes-regardless of role. It sets the standard for how you can develop yourself and what you can expect from leaders across our organization. We look for candidates who want to grow in alignment with these capabilities:
  • Know & Grow Your People - Develop talent, empower teams, and build an inclusive environment.
  • Build Relationships - Strengthen trust, collaboration, and cross-functional partnerships.
  • Take Ownership - Drive accountability, execution excellence, and results.
  • Customer First - Anticipate mission needs and deliver value to our partners.
  • Shape the Future - Inspire innovation and align work with strategic priorities.
  • Act with Urgency - Make informed decisions and move with purpose.

These capabilities define how leaders inspire teams, deliver results, and shape the future of Mission Technologies.
Who We Are
Mission Technologies, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, is seeking a qualified candidate for the role of Technical Support Specialist - C4I. This onsite position is based at Chamberlain Hall, Dam Neck Annex in Virginia Beach, VA, supporting both the Maritime Operations Center - Exercise Support Team (MOC-EST) and the Naval Surface Warfare Center - Corona (NSWC-Corona). The role delivers Navy LVC training across all assigned Areas of Responsibility (AORs) and serves as the C4I Systems Tactical Data Link (TDL) Engineer, providing TDL operational expertise for all Fleet Synthetic Training (FST) events supporting fleet and task force staffs.
What You Will Do
  • The specialist will be required to perform Operations on all NSWC TDL systems and Maintenance as required.
  • Interface with outside agencies to provide TDL system connectivity between major commands and will assist with the testing and integration of new Tactical Data Link technologies.
  • Provide knowledge and expertise in operating Tactical Data Link (TDL) systems.
  • Provide knowledge of Link 16 protocols, waveforms, and network architectures.
  • Provide Onsite and remote troubleshooting support for Tactical Data Link (TDL) systems across NCTE Enterprise
  • Prepare reports and briefs as required.

What You Must Have
  • 2 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 0 years experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 6 years relevant experience.
  • Candidate must be able to analyze and troubleshoot at the system level to detect and resolve problems and will require interaction with Military, Government and Contractor Leadership.
  • Candidate must have flexibility to work non-standard work hours and work weeks of more than 40 hours to meet business, customer, and contractual requirements.
  • Candidate must have experience working with Link 16.
  • Candidate must have understanding of Modeling and Simulation Systems.
  • Candidate must have a strong background in Tactical Data Link (TDL) systems.
  • Candidate must have technical leadership ability.
  • Candidate must be able to address technical issues and engage engineers from the appropriate domains to resolve.
  • Candidate must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Candidate must have an active Secret Clearance.

Bonus Points For Having!
  • Experience with MILSTD 6016.
  • Graduate of USN or Joint TDL school.
  • Understanding of TDL topology and C4I architectures.
  • Experience with Tactical Data Analysis Connectivity System (TDACS), Gateway Manager (GWM, and Link Management and Monitoring Tool (LMMT).
  • Familiarity with Joint Semi-Automated Forces/Joint Simulated Bus (JSAF/JBUS).
  • DIS Experience with Model and Simulation Systems to include Joint Live Virtual Constructive (JLVC) and JSAF.
  • Experience working with Navy training systems and command structure.

Physical Requirements
Office, industrial, or shipboard environment. Capable of climbing ladders and tolerating confined spaces and extreme temperature variances. Lifting and moving materials may be required.
The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Meet HII's Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that's right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072
HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


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