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Senior Tactical Data Link Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Canvas

Tactical Data Link Engineer

Niceville, FL

$106K - $127K/yr

Key Responsibilities * Operate and monitor real tactical hardware (data link radios, GPS/INS units, RF frontends) within HITL simulation environments. * Integrate hardware with ...

Astrion

Tactical Data Link Test Engineer - Senior

FL · On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

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 ...

Prevailance

Tactical Data Link SME

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Prevailance Inc. is seeking a Senior Training Subject Matter Expert (SME) with Joint Interface ... This role provides direct support to pre-deployment training, Multi-Tactical Data Link ( MTDL ...

Prevailance, Inc.

Tactical Data Link SME

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Prevailance Inc. is seeking a Senior Training Subject Matter Expert (SME) with Joint Interface ... This role provides direct support to pre-deployment training, Multi-Tactical Data Link ( MTDL ...

Prevailance

Tactical Data Link SME

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Prevailance Inc. is seeking a Senior Training Subject Matter Expert (SME) with Joint Interface ... This role provides direct support to pre-deployment training, Multi-Tactical Data Link ( MTDL ...

Canvas

Data Link Engineer

Niceville, FL · On-site

$106K - $127K/yr

Operate and monitor real tactical hardware (data link radios, GPS/INS units, RF front-ends) within HITL simulation environments. * Integrate hardware with Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC ...

Agile Defense

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 ...

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Senior Tactical Data Link information

See salary details

$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

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

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior tactical data link in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical collaboration points between a Senior Tactical Data Link specialist and other defense operations teams?

A Senior Tactical Data Link specialist often works closely with cross-functional teams such as systems engineers, network administrators, and military operations personnel. Collaboration typically involves integrating and troubleshooting data link systems, ensuring secure and reliable communication channels, and providing technical guidance during mission planning and execution. Effective teamwork is essential, as the role frequently requires coordinating training, addressing interoperability challenges, and supporting real-time operations to maintain mission readiness and system performance.

What are Senior Tactical Data Link specialists?

Senior Tactical Data Link specialists are experienced professionals responsible for managing and integrating tactical data link systems, such as Link 16, in military operations. They oversee the planning, configuration, operation, and troubleshooting of secure communication networks that enable real-time data sharing between various platforms like aircraft, ships, and ground forces. Their role is crucial for ensuring situational awareness and mission effectiveness by maintaining reliable and secure digital communications during operations.

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

To thrive as a Senior Tactical Data Link, you need expertise in military communications, data link operations (such as Link 16), and a solid background in information technology or electronics, often supported by relevant military training or a technical degree. Familiarity with tactical data link systems, network management tools, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or equivalent are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating with diverse teams and troubleshooting complex systems. These competencies are crucial for ensuring secure, reliable, and interoperable communications in mission-critical military environments.

What is the difference between Senior Tactical Data Link vs Tactical Data Link Specialist?

AspectSenior Tactical Data LinkTactical Data Link Specialist
CredentialsSecurity clearances, military or defense certificationsSimilar certifications, often with specialized training
Work EnvironmentMilitary, defense contractors, government agenciesDefense industry, military support roles
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily military and defense sectorsDefense contractors, military operations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior roles and responsibilitiesEntry to mid-level roles, technical expertise

The main difference is that a Senior Tactical Data Link typically involves leadership, strategic planning, and oversight responsibilities, whereas a Tactical Data Link Specialist focuses on technical implementation and support. Both roles require relevant certifications and work within defense environments, but the senior position emphasizes experience and management, while the specialist role emphasizes technical skills.

More about Senior Tactical Data Link jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Tactical Data Link jobs? Cities with the most Senior 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:
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Senior Tactical Data Link jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Tactical Data Link job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.
Tactical Data Link Engineer

Tactical Data Link Engineer

Canvas

Niceville, FL

$106K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Key Responsibilities

  • Operate and monitor real tactical hardware (data link radios, GPS/INS units, RF frontends) within HITL simulation environments.
  • Integrate hardware with LiveVirtualConstructive (LVC) architectures, enabling real equipment to interact with virtual platforms.
  • Configure, initialize, and monitor LVCintegrated TDL networks during simulation test events.
  • Troubleshoot hardware/software interfaces, timing, synchronization.
  • Operate and analyze Link16 and similar or related tactical data link systems.
  • Research, develop and modernize existing TDL HITL emulators to ensure continued relevance and interoperability with emerging, modernized TDLenabled weapon systems and UAS platforms
  • Build, decode, and evaluate TDL messages and network architectures.
  • Support gateway operations, network initialization, and realtime monitoring during events.
  • Present technical findings and recommend improvements to system designs.
  • Assess proposals, requirements, and system documentation for technical feasibility and proper allocation of navigation/TSPI requirements.
  • Support NAVWARrelated testing, jamming threat assessments, and degradedenvironment navigation evaluations.

Required Qualifications

  • Working knowledge of Link16 and other tactical data link systems.
  • Proficiency with Wireshark and networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP).
  • Strong understanding of RF transceiver design, propagation modeling, and link budgets.
  • Experience with oscilloscopes, spectrum/network analyzers, logic analyzers, and signal generators.
  • Familiarity with COMSEC handling and Simple Key Loaders (SKL).
  • Experience with MATLAB, or similar modeling/simulation tools.

Desired Additional Experience

  • Familiarity with GNSS/INS systems, Alt-Nav, Kalman filtering, and navigation algorithms.
  • Knowledge of anti-jam techniques, NAVWAR considerations, and jamming threat environments.
  • Familiarity with C++ coding for algorithm development, simulation integration, or hardwareinterface support.

Education / Experience / Clearance Requirements

  • Master's degree in relevant field.
  • 10+ years' experience.
  • Top Secret clearance

Apply