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Tactical Data Link Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tactical Data link (TDL) Test & Evaluation Analyst - Intermediate Location: Fort Huachuca, AZ ... T&E Performance Requirements, T&E Capability Management Requirements, T&E Capability Requirements ...

Tactical Data link (TDL) Test & Evaluation Analyst - Senior Location: Fort Huachuca, AZ Clearance ... T&E Performance Requirements, T&E Capability Management Requirements, T&E Capability Requirements ...

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Tactical Data Link Manager information

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$97.1K

$172K

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

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for tactical data link manager in the United States is $97,145.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Tactical Data Link Manager, you need a solid background in military communications, network operations, and systems integration, often supported by relevant security clearances and technical degrees. Familiarity with tactical data link systems such as Link 16, JREAP, and MIL-STD protocols, as well as certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP, are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, leadership, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring secure, reliable, and timely information exchange in mission-critical environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Tactical Data Link Managers when coordinating between different military branches or allied forces?

Tactical Data Link Managers often encounter challenges related to interoperability between diverse communication systems and protocols used by different military branches or allied nations. Ensuring secure, real-time data exchange while maintaining information integrity and confidentiality can be complex, especially during joint operations. Effective coordination requires strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, and proactive communication with both internal teams and external partners to quickly address compatibility or security issues as they arise.

What is a Tactical Data Link Manager?

A Tactical Data Link Manager is a specialized professional responsible for overseeing and coordinating tactical data link systems used in military or defense operations. These systems enable the secure exchange of real-time information, such as location, targeting, and command data, between different platforms and units. The manager ensures the effective planning, integration, and operation of these links to support mission requirements. They also troubleshoot issues, maintain system security, and provide training to users. This role is critical for maintaining communication superiority and situational awareness in complex operational environments.

What is the difference between Tactical Data Link Manager vs Network Operations Specialist?

AspectTactical Data Link ManagerNetwork Operations Specialist
CredentialsSecurity clearances, military or defense certificationsNetworking certifications, security clearances
Work EnvironmentMilitary, defense, or government settings focused on tactical communication systemsIT or telecommunications environments managing network infrastructure
Industry UsageDefense, military operations, government agenciesTelecommunications, IT services, government agencies

The Tactical Data Link Manager primarily focuses on managing secure communication links in military operations, requiring specialized defense credentials. In contrast, a Network Operations Specialist handles broader network infrastructure in various industries. While both roles require security clearances and technical knowledge, their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

More about Tactical Data Link Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Tactical Data Link Manager jobs? Cities with the most Tactical Data Link Manager 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 Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Tactical Data Link Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Tactical Data Link Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,145 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Tactical Data Link Analyst ($5,000 sign on bonus available) with Security Clearance

Astrion

Hampton, VA

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Tactical Data Link Analyst LOCATION: Langley, AFB, VA JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Secret TRAVEL: As required Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Tactical Data Link Analysis in support of the Air Force Division. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
CERTIFICATIONS: N/A
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: At least five (5) years’ experience working with Tactical Data Link (TDL) Military Standards in support of integrating a TDL onto a platform.
OTHER: Experience as a TDL System software developer or engineer implementing TDL Military Standards on systems is beneficial - AF Operational Experience as an AFSC 1C5 or 13B will also enhance a candidates value to the customer. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS Astrion is looking for the right candidate to support the USAF’s Joint Message Standards Engineering Office (AFJMSEO). AFJMSEO is the AF’s lead for the Joint Interoperability of Tactical Command and Control Systems (JINTACCS). The office is the lead for Configuration Management of all TDL related Military Standards
A self-starter that possesses the ability to read through highly detailed and complex technical documents to extract relevant information to develop technical changes to the Tactical Data Link (TDL) Military Standards.
Be able to take initiative to self-learn. Developing the knowledge to identify changes to the various TDL standards can take several years of experience, however having a curious mind and the ability to self-learn is invaluable to the position. Have a working knowledge of Universal Command and Control Interface (UCI), which is a new data format that is in development and will be exchanged between TDL enabled systems.
Have experience developing software code for Tactical Data Link host systems where the requirements originated from the TDL MIL-STDs (US MIL STDs 3011, 6016, 6022, 6020).
Have extensive experience in XML and applying XML to software development in support of TDL Standards development for both existing and future TDL MIL-STDs. RESPONSIBILITIES Be part of the USAF team that is recognized as the DOD lead in TDL Standards configuration management under the DOD’s Joint Interoperable Tactical Command and Control Systems (JINTACCS). JINTACCS started in 1977 and is a systems engineering approach to managing interoperability of TDL enabled systems across the DOD. JINTACCS does this by ensuring rigid configuration management of the underlying TDL Standards used to exchange tactical data in Joint and Coalition networks. The USAF work under JINTACCS consists of: Research, analyze and develop changes to the US TDL Standards to add new data exchanges, correct ambiguous requirements or remove obsolete information.
Applying knowledge of TDL system design to the TDL MIL-STD requirement development, knowing how to apply the solutions to develop change proposals that are staffed through the joint TDL community.
Support the team in analyzing concepts and technical disconnects with Air Force, Joint, or Coalition standards, implementation of those standards, and provide solutions or recommendations in appropriate format as required. Participate as part of the USAF team reviewing operational concepts and architectures that use existing and emerging capabilities to achieve USAF platform/system information exchange requirements, interoperability, and operational employment objectives.
Coordinate with USAF requirements and program offices to provide technical TDL expertise to facilitate TDL integration into USAF platforms and systems. Advise USAF system program office software developers and test personnel on understanding and interpreting the TDL MIL-STD structure. Having and understanding of how the MIL-STD requirement translate to TDL system software development instrumental in knowing how to develop changes to the MIL-STD requirements that will achieve interoperability while ensuing proper implementation by developers. Provide technical support at Technical Interchange Meetings and Design Reviews concerning TDL implementations as necessary. As knowledge increases attend Joint, Bilateral and Allied TDL meetings, working groups, and subgroups, as directed by the Government, to represent USAF TDL objectives. Initially, any attendance will accompany experienced TDL analyst SMEs to increase understanding of the purpose and goals of the meetings. Review technical change proposals and evaluations from other services and allied nations to determine impact to USAF platforms/systems, and provide written evaluations, while considering USAF equities against Joint/Allied interoperability objectives. Work with the TDL Standards team in reviewing interoperability test trouble reports against TDL Standards requirements to assist USAF TDL Test Team in determining criticality level of test findings.