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Tactical Data Link Engineer 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Future Technologies, Inc.

Data Link Analyst

Moorestown, NJ · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Conduct advanced tactical data link engineering, analysis and simulation systems operations. * Support all aspects of testing Naval tactical systems and tactical data link (TDL) capabilities of C4ISR ...

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 ... TTP development and Distributed Engineering ( DEP/JDEP ) * JICO operations, Strike Group operations ...

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 ... TTP development and Distributed Engineering ( DEP/JDEP ) * JICO operations, Strike Group operations ...

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 ... TTP development and Distributed Engineering ( DEP/JDEP ) * JICO operations, Strike Group operations ...

Astrion

Data Link Test Engineer Mid-Level

FL · On-site

Our Tactical Data Links (TDL) Test Flight (TGBC) is searching for an experienced data link professional and/or test engineer to join the United States Air Force's premier TDL Developmental Test (DT ...

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Tactical Data Link Engineer information

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$44.5K

$129.7K

$177.5K

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

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for tactical data link engineer in the United States is $129,716.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $137,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Tactical Data Link Engineer vs Network Systems Engineer?

AspectTactical Data Link EngineerNetwork Systems Engineer
CredentialsSecurity clearances, technical certifications in data links and communicationsNetworking certifications (e.g., Cisco, CompTIA), relevant degrees
Work EnvironmentMilitary, defense contractors, government agenciesCommercial, enterprise, or government IT environments
Industry UsageDefense, military communications, aerospaceIT, telecommunications, cybersecurity

The Tactical Data Link Engineer specializes in military communication systems, focusing on data link protocols and secure communications within defense environments. In contrast, the Network Systems Engineer designs and manages broader network infrastructures across various industries. Both roles require technical certifications and involve working with complex communication systems, but their applications and environments differ significantly.

What does a tactical data link analyst do?

A tactical data link analyst is responsible for analyzing, maintaining, and optimizing data link systems used for secure communication and data sharing among military platforms. They ensure interoperability, troubleshoot technical issues, and support system integration using tools like network protocols and communication standards. This role often requires knowledge of military communication systems, cybersecurity, and relevant certifications.

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

To thrive as a Tactical Data Link Engineer, you need expertise in communication protocols, network engineering, and systems integration, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with Link 16, Link 11, MIL-STD messaging standards, and relevant security certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CISSP is often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshooting issues. These competencies are crucial to ensure secure, reliable, and interoperable data exchange in complex defense environments.

What is a tactical data link?

A tactical data link is a secure communication system used by military and defense personnel, including Tactical Data Link Engineers, to transmit real-time battlefield information such as sensor data, targeting, and situational awareness between platforms like aircraft, ships, and ground units. These links enable coordinated operations and require knowledge of network protocols, encryption, and interoperability standards.

What is a Tactical Data Link Engineer?

A Tactical Data Link Engineer is a specialized professional who designs, develops, and maintains communication systems that enable the secure exchange of real-time tactical information between military platforms, such as aircraft, ships, and ground units. These engineers work with protocols like Link 16, Link 11, and others to ensure interoperability and effective data sharing during operations. Their role is crucial in enhancing situational awareness and mission effectiveness for defense organizations.

What are some typical challenges faced by Tactical Data Link Engineers when integrating new systems with legacy military communication networks?

Tactical Data Link Engineers often encounter challenges ensuring interoperability between new and legacy communication systems, as older platforms may use outdated protocols or hardware. Addressing security concerns while maintaining real-time data exchange can also be complex, especially when working with classified or sensitive information. Successful engineers collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—such as software developers, system integrators, and defense operations personnel—to troubleshoot integration issues, test connectivity, and validate performance in both simulated and live environments.

What jobs will boom in 10 years?

Tactical Data Link Engineers are expected to see growth as defense and military sectors increasingly rely on advanced communication networks and secure data sharing. Skills in cybersecurity, network architecture, and experience with military communication systems will be highly valuable in the coming decade.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most engineering roles do not typically reach a $500,000 annual salary, highly specialized positions such as senior tactical data link engineers with extensive experience, security clearances, and advanced certifications in defense or aerospace industries can approach or exceed this level, especially in senior leadership or consulting roles. These roles often require expertise in complex systems, programming, and operational environments, and may involve working for government contractors or defense agencies.
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Tactical Data Link Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tactical Data Link Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,716 per year, or $62.4 per hour.

Tactical Data Link Engineer

Canvas

Niceville, FL

$106K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 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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