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Tactical Data Link Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Tactical 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 ...

Description SAIC is seeking a skilled and experienced Tactical Data Link Analyst to provide technical advisory, asset management, and integration support to the 19th Airlift Wing. The ideal candidate ...

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Tactical Data Link information

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$34K

$70.8K

$135.5K

How much do tactical data link jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 tactical data link?

A Tactical Data Link (TDL) job involves managing, configuring, and troubleshooting secure communication networks that share real-time tactical information between military platforms. Professionals in this field work with systems like Link 16, Link 22, and SADL to ensure interoperability between aircraft, ships, and ground units. Responsibilities often include network planning, system integration, data analysis, and troubleshooting communication issues. TDL specialists play a critical role in maintaining situational awareness and ensuring seamless data exchange for mission success.

What does a tactical data link do?

Professionals working in Tactical Data Link roles are responsible for configuring, monitoring, and maintaining secure data link networks to ensure real-time information sharing between military platforms. Their daily tasks often include troubleshooting connectivity issues, supporting system integration and interoperability testing, and providing technical support to operators and command staff. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is common, especially during operational planning and live missions. Keeping up with regular system updates, compliance protocols, and training activities is also a key part of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the tactical data link position?

To excel in a Tactical Data Link role, you need a solid background in networking, communications engineering, and military data systems, often supported by a technical degree or relevant military experience. Familiarity with systems such as Link 16, Link 11, and various Tactical Data Link (TDL) interface controls, as well as applicable certifications like CompTIA Security+, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills are crucial for managing complex data exchanges and troubleshooting issues. These competencies ensure reliable mission-critical communications and seamless interoperability in dynamic defense environments.

What cities are hiring for Tactical Data Link jobs?

Cities with the most 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 Tactical Data Link jobs?

States with the most job openings for Tactical Data Link jobs include:

Infographic showing various Tactical Data Link job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,839 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Tactical Data Link Specialist

Curtiss-Wright

Tewksbury, MA

$83K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Curtiss-Wright rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 493 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Tactical Data Link Specialist
Here in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, we are looking for a Tactical Data Link Specialist to join us in our Software team. With training provided by our subject matter experts, you will become responsible for the development and execution of detailed, requirements-based software (integration) tests on our Tactical Communications Manager software. Following our training plan, you will have the ability to conduct complex regression tests for advanced, Department of Defense (DoD) tactical communication data link systems.
Your military experience working directly with tactical data link products is invaluable to us in our mission to ensure warfighters in the air and on the ground can now exchange real-time tactical information and share a common operating picture for improved operational coordination, situation awareness and mission effectiveness. We can provide you with the training and skills you need to build a successful career outside of the military whilst continuing to support our warfighters.
Location: Tewksbury, MA
Salary Range: $ 83,800 - 106,000 per year plus bonus
Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in Massachusetts. Criteria such as the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.
Benefits
We Take Care of Our People
Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture *
Your Challenge:
  • Analyze detailed software requirements and design documents and develop top level Test Plan/Approach documentation for qualification of new software features/components
  • Based on detailed requirements and design documents and test plan, develops detailed system state and expected system output as test criteria
  • Develop cross reference matrix and maintain traceability of test procedures steps to the specified requirement; Attends and conducts peer reviews for test plan documents and formal test procedures
  • Works independently during qualification cycles by closing assigned problem reports, identifying and reporting new problems, conduction formal qualification, and running assigned regression tests
  • Applies complex test tools such as the PASS 3200, Wireshark, AltaView, CoPilot as required to support testing; reviews TCG requirements, design, acceptance test plan, and acceptance test procedure documents
  • Participates in the development and review of TCG's Engineering documentation Assists with resolution of system issues and problems reported by TCG's customers
  • Assists with duplication and test of Tech Support issues and System Trouble Reports (STRs); may participate in the design (based on customer input) and fabrication of Terminal Housing Cases
  • Must be able to perform function under minimal supervision/ direction
  • Other duties as assigned

What You Bring:
  • Military tactical data link system experience
  • 4-6 years' experience with military data links/ especially Link 16, Link 11, Link 22
  • Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to focus on and complete multiple tasks with attention to detail and organization
  • Balanced system-level focus along with in-depth analytical ability
  • Must be an effective communicator and a strong collaborator
  • U.S. Citizen (for clearance)
  • BSCS or related education

Who We Are
Our Values
Environmental, Social and Governance
Join the WRIGHT Team!
Tactical Communications Group (TCG) is a world-class leader in delivering Tactical Data Link (TDL) network solutions that allow military operating and training units, government testing organizations and prime defense contractors to quickly achieve better connectivity and capability at the tactical edge. By creating cost effective, integrated tactical communications solutions, warfighters in the air and on the ground can now exchange real-time tactical information and share a common operating picture for improved operational coordination, situation awareness and mission effectiveness.
#LI-YH1
No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.
Compliance Statement
This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.
Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.
For US Applicants: EEO is The Law - click here for more information.
If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.

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About Curtiss-Wright

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Curtiss-Wright Actuation Division designs, manufactures and supports electro-mechanical actuation products and systems for use in demanding applications in Aerospace, Defense and Industrial Automation markets. Our market leading solutions help improve the reliability, efficiency and performance of our customers' operations and platforms, as well as reducing their environmental impact with energy efficient electro-mechanical designs and technology. For the Aerospace market, we supply actuation systems for flight control, landing gear, utility and other applications on both commercial and military aircraft. In Ground & Naval Defense markets, we support a wide array of applications ranging from door assist, ramp and hatch actuation, weapons handling systems, radar and launch platform actuation, and robotic (AUV/ROV) actuation. In Industrial Automation, our Exlar® actuators are globally recognized as a leading brand offering high power density, precision and reliability for machine/process applications in automotive, food & beverage, oil & gas, robotics, entertainment and many other industries.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Davidson, NC, US

Year founded

1929

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