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Tactical Data Link Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Canvas

Tactical Data Link Engineer

Niceville, FL · On-site

$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

This role provides direct support to pre-deployment training, Multi-Tactical Data Link ( MTDL ) planning, network operations, and Common Operational Picture ( COP ) / Common Tactical Picture ( CTP ...

Canvas

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 ...

Prevailance, Inc.

Tactical Data Link SME

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

This role provides direct support to pre-deployment training, Multi-Tactical Data Link ( MTDL ) planning, network operations, and Common Operational Picture ( COP ) / Common Tactical Picture ( CTP ...

Prevailance

Tactical Data Link SME

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

This role provides direct support to pre-deployment training, Multi-Tactical Data Link ( MTDL ) planning, network operations, and Common Operational Picture ( COP ) / Common Tactical Picture ( CTP ...

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Tactical Data Link information

See salary details

$34K

$70.8K

$135.5K

How much do tactical data link jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 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 are typical daily responsibilities for someone working in a Tactical Data Link role?

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 is a Tactical Data Link job?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Tactical Data Link position, and why are they important?

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.

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Tactical Data Link jobs near you
Tactical Data Link Engineer

Tactical Data Link Engineer

Canvas

Niceville, FL • On-site

$106K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 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

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