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Tactical Data Link Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

CereCore

Data Engineer

Nashville, TN

$110K - $132K/yr

Data Engineer as part of the Data Management and BI should be able to effectively communicate complex ideas to a diverse population, demonstrate a forward-looking perspective, and support tactical ...

Overwatch Imaging

Product Owner - Tactical

Nashville, TN · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Collaborate with engineering leads to plan quarterly workstreams and align capacity with priorities ... Export Control Compliance Notice This position may involve access to data, technology, or software ...

Jobless

Product Owner - Tactical

Nashville, TN · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Collaborate with engineering leads to plan quarterly workstreams and align capacity with priorities ... Export Control Compliance Notice This position may involve access to data, technology, or software ...

Overwatch Imaging

Product Owner - Tactical

Nashville, TN · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Collaborate with engineering leads to plan quarterly workstreams and align capacity with priorities ... Export Control Compliance Notice This position may involve access to data, technology, or software ...

Overwatch Imaging

Product Owner - Tactical

Nashville, TN · On-site

Collaborate with engineering leads to plan quarterly workstreams and align capacity with priorities ... Export Control Compliance Notice This position may involve access to data, technology, or software ...

Pwc

Data Engineer - Senior Associate

Nashville, TN · On-site

$77K - $202K/yr

In data engineering at PwC, you will focus on designing and building data infrastructure and ... Please visit this link for information about anticipated application deadlines:

Google Inc.

Data Center Program Manager

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

Share Data Center Program Manager * link Copy link * Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical ... Master's degree or PhD in Electrical, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Construction Management ...

New

Stem Xpert

PHP Operation engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

This position is 80% a tactical role: The Primary technical person for data integration - They will ... PHP OPERATIONS ENGINEER Location : NASHVILLE,TN Duration : FULL TIME REQUIRED SKILLS: The ...

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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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

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Cities in Tennessee with the most Tactical Data Link Engineer job openings:

Tactical Data Link Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tactical Data Link Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Full-Stack Software Engineer, C2 & Tactical Integration

Valinor Enterprises

Cookeville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Valinor is a new type of defense and government tech company focused on solving the problems others don't. Our unique model of centralized go-to-market and decentralized engineering allows us to move with unparalleled efficiency to identify unmet needs, build right-sized solutions, and get products where they matter most - in the hands of users. Unlike others in the space, who focus on the flashy problems, Valinor exists to solve the quiet, unaddressed problems-the small but significant ones that lead to cracks in the country's strength, stability, and security.
Backed by General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and Red Cell Partners, Valinor was founded in 2024 and has established strategic partnerships with Palantir, Anduril, and Helsing. We are building the dream team, and we want you on it.
About the Role
Valinor Dispatch is developing ruggedized, field-deployable UxS charging infrastructure for defense applications and is seeking a Software Engineer to support the development of related software for next-generation autonomous systems support platforms for deployment in austere environments.
What You'll Do
  • Implement and maintain features across the full stack for command and control (C2) applications, including web-based operator interfaces, backend services, and data integration layers, under the guidance of senior engineers.
  • Build responsive front-end components for real-time situational awareness, mission planning, and asset management using modern frameworks.
  • Develop and maintain backend services, APIs, and data pipelines that support telemetry ingestion and mission-critical workflows.
  • Assist in integrating C2 software with tactical systems and platforms such as Lattice, ATAK, and other interoperability standards (CoT, TAK protocols, etc.).
  • Help debug and troubleshoot networking and data-flow issues across the stack, applying a working understanding of the OSI model, particularly the lower/base layers (physical, data link, network, transport), to trace connectivity, latency, and packet-level problems.
  • Collaborate with autonomy, robotics, and systems engineering teams to surface vehicle/asset status, sensor feeds, and control interfaces within operator dashboards.
  • Support verification, validation, and testing activities, including simulation environments, integration testing, and operational exercises.
  • Contribute to documentation including API specifications and interface control documents (ICDs) in compliance with federal defense standards.

What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
  • 1+ years of experience (including internships, co-ops, or strong project work) in full-stack software development with exposure to modern front-end frameworks and backend technologies.
  • Working knowledge of the OSI model, particularly the lower/base layers (physical, data link, network, transport), and basic networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, UDP, sockets, routing).
  • Exposure to real-time data visualization, mapping/GIS technologies, or WebSocket / pub-sub architectures (through coursework, projects, or work experience).
  • Familiarity with, or strong interest in, tactical data standards and military C2 ecosystems (ATAK, TAK Server, Cursor on Target, Lattice, or similar) - direct experience is a plus, not required.
  • Basic understanding of containerization and microservices (Docker, Kubernetes) and cloud services (AWS/Azure).
  • Exposure to version control (Git) and CI/CD pipelines for building and testing software.
  • Eagerness to learn defense software development processes, secure coding practices, and system hardening, with mentorship provided.

What Valinor Offers
  • Competitive salary, equity packages, and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance - fully covered for employees, 401(k), among others.
  • Unlimited PTO and two-week company holiday at the end of every calendar year.
  • We are a pro-mental health and pro-family company - we actually encourage employees to spend time with themselves and their families. Valinor also provides fertility benefits to those just beginning that journey.
  • Fun work environment - we like to laugh and take care of each other, but we also deeply respect the mission in front of us.

This role requires the candidate be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Active clearance preferred, but not required.
Valinor is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Valinor team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense and government technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!

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