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Tactical Data Link Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

... developer-level issues in a clear, concise, and easily understood manner. * Familiar with and ... Tactical Data Link Integration Exerciser (TIGER), Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI ...

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Tactical Data Link Engineer information

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tactical data link engineer?

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 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encounter challenges ensuring interoperability between new and legacy communication systems, as older platforms may use outdated protocols or hardware.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 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 are popular job titles related to Tactical Data Link Engineer jobs in Arizona?

For Tactical Data Link Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tactical Data Link Engineer jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Tactical Data Link Engineer jobs in Arizona are:

Infographic showing various Tactical Data Link Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Test and Evaluation Specialist II

VETS

Fort Huachuca, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) Test Evaluation and Certification II Services (TEC II) contract provides

technical solutions for the DOD in support of Test and Evaluation (T&E) services and T&E enabling services. JITC’s

service requirements are categorized in the following areas: T&E Performance Requirements, T&E Capability

Management Requirements, T&E Capability Requirements, and Overarching Contract and Task Order (TO)

Requirements. TEC Services are provided to DoD Combatant Commanders/Services/Agencies, federal and state

agencies, coalition partners, and commercial entities to aid in the design, development, acquisition, integration,

deployment, operational use, and sustainment of new and enhanced Information Technology/National Security System

capabilities.


Job Duties & Responsibilities

JITC’s Tactical Data Link (TDL) specialists test TDL interfaces for message set standards compliance and interoperability

certification. The selected candidate will utilize applicable Military Standards (MIL-STD) and North Atlantic Treaty

Organization (NATO) Standardization Agreements (STANAG) to update Master Test Procedures (MTPs) in the execution,

analysis, and reporting of standards compliance and interoperability test events. TDL MIL-STDs and STANAGs include:

3011 Joint Range Extension, 6011/5511 Link 11, 6016/5516 Link 16, 6017 Variable Message Format, 6018 Integrated

Broadcast Service Common Message Format, 6020 Data Forwarding, 6022/5522 Link 22, 6040 US Message Text

Format, 6090 Cursor on Target, and 5602 Standard Interface for Multiple Platform Link Evaluation.

Duties include:

Review MIL-STD Interface Change Proposals (ICPs)

Update Master Test Procedures to include previous ICP approved changes.

Research systems under test (SUT) data link bit level implementation and determine the MIL- STD functional areas that 

need to be tested.

Develop standards conformance test procedures using system implementation(s) to evaluate the system requirements.

Develop interoperability test procedures using the TDL MTP to evaluate information exchange requirements derived from 

system Net Ready Key Performance Parameters (NR KPP) and traceability matrix.

Conduct Standards Conformance and interoperability tests and post-test analysis as required using analysis tools such as

industry standard test tools. 

Write preliminary trouble reports in accordance with approved templates.

Prepare and deliver test reports in accordance with approved templates.


EDUCATION, BACKGROUND, AND YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Requires 8 years of specialized and/or military experience.


REQUIRED SKILLS

Demonstrated experience executing TDL standards conformance test events to include but not limited to MIL-STDs 6011,

6016, 6020, and 6022 from initial test planning through delivery of the final test report.

Excellent communications skills, including verbal, written and presentation skills with the ability to write complex software

developer-level issues in a clear, concise, and easily understood manner.

Familiar with Department of War (DoW) operations and environment, and comfortable with RF/IT systems and software.

Familiar with and actively using the Microsoft Office suite.


PREFERRED SKILLS

Prior Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) qualification is desired.

Experience with DoW acquisition developmental/operational testing is desired.

Experience with test tools and operational systems such as Joint Analysis Net-centric Evaluation Testing Toolkit 

(JANETT), Tactical Data Link Integration Exerciser (TIGER), Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI), Battlefield 

Operations Support System (BOSS), Network, System Integration and Test Environment (NSITE), Automated Test Case 

Generator (ATC-Gen), and Small Tactical Terminal (STT).

Attention to detail creating, reviewing and editing requirements, specifications, and recommendations related to proposed

solutions.

Ability to collaborate effectively with senior management, cross-functional teams, internal/external customers, and endusers.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions

Contractor site with 0%-10% travel possible. Possible off-hours work to support releases and outages. General office

environment. Work is generally sedentary in nature but may require standing and walking for up to 10% of the time. The

working environment is generally favorable. Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office

equipment available.

Strength Demands

Sedentary – 10 lbs. Maximum lifting, occasional lift/carry of small articles. Some occasional walking or standing may be

required. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are

met.

Physical Requirements

Stand or Sit; Walk; Repetitive Motion; Use Hands / Fingers to Handle or Feel; Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl; See; Push 

or Pull; Climb (stairs, ladders) or Balance (ascend / descend, work atop, traverse).

Company Description

VETS is a SBA certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Based in Ashburn, Virginia, VETS has a Southwest operations office in Sierra Vista, Arizona and contract management sites throughout the United States. VETS supports a growing number of U.S. Government defense and civilian agencies with technology, systems engineering, as well as construction and program management support services.