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Tactical Data Link Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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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Showing results 1-20

Tactical Data Link information

See Virginia salary details

$33.7K

$70.2K

$134.3K

How much do tactical data link jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for tactical data link in Virginia is $70,231.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $80,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tactical data link?

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 does a tactical data link do?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the tactical data link position?

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tactical Data Link jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Tactical Data Link jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Tactical Data Link jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Tactical Data Link job openings:

Infographic showing various Tactical Data Link job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,231 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Tactical Data Link Architecture & Integration Engineer

General Dynamics Information Technology

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 224 rated it services


Job description

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REQ#: RQ226728Public Trust: None Requisition Type: Regular Your Impact

Own your opportunity to support our nation's defense. Make an impact by connecting and securing critical operations across the globe, keeping our country safe and secure.

Job Description

The Tactical Data Link (TDL) Architecture & Integration Engineer is responsible for designing, documenting, and evolving the theater Tactical Data Link (TDL) enterprise architecture supporting Command and Control (C2) systems. This role serves as the technical authority for how tactical information is transported, distributed, and consumed across mission systems, ensuring that data flows reliably from tactical networks to operational decision-making platforms.

This position focuses on enterprise architecture, systems integration, and information flow. The successful candidate will understand how tactical data moves through Link 16, JREAP-C, gateway services, and C2 applications, and will develop scalable architectures that support current and future operational requirements.

How the TDL Architecture and Integration Engineer will make an impact:
  • As a forward deployed Tactical Datalink SME, function as the Subject Matter Expert on existing mission partner networks (CENTRIXS) and work in concert with the Enterprise Architect to develop and maintain the theater TDL enterprise architecture.
  • Produce and maintain architecture diagrams illustrating tactical data flow between operational systems.
  • Document JREAP-C connectivity, logical interfaces, and TDL network topology.
  • Identify authoritative data sources, publishers, subscribers, and consumers within the tactical data enterprise.
  • Develop future-state architectures to support new C2 capabilities, mission applications, and AI-enabled systems.
  • Analyze the operational impact of adding, modifying, or removing TDL-connected nodes.
  • Maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs), connectivity matrices, and system interface documentation.
  • Coordinate with government, contractor, and operational stakeholders to ensure consistent implementation of tactical data exchange architectures.
  • Collaborate with USPACOM J6 stakeholders, service components, mission partners, and GDIT team members to resolve technical challenges.
  • Participate in architecture reviews, technical interchange meetings, and modernization planning efforts.
  • Assess system dependencies, single points of failure, and opportunities to improve resiliency and scalability.
  • Provide technical recommendations for integrating new mission systems into the existing tactical data environment for customer and internal leadership.
Desired Knowledge
  • Tactical Data Links (Link 16, Link 11, and related architectures)
  • JREAP (A/B/C), particularly JREAP-C transport concepts
  • MIL-STD-6016 (J-Series message architecture)
  • MIL-STD-3011 (JREAP)
  • Common Operational Picture (COP) concepts
  • GCCS-J and theater C2 architectures
  • Tactical gateway concepts (e.g., ADSI and similar systems)
  • Enterprise data distribution architectures
  • Publish/Subscribe and event-driven data architectures
  • Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
  • DoDAF or comparable enterprise architecture methodologies
Preferred Skills
  • Ability to translate operational requirements into technical architectures.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with operators, engineers, software developers, and program leadership.
  • Strong systems-thinking and analytical problem-solving skills.
  • Experience documenting complex enterprise environments.
  • Familiarity with mission-system integration and interoperability.
  • Ability to identify information dependencies rather than simply physical network connectivity.
  • Experience supporting DoD C2 environments or Combatant Command operations.
  • TDL Architecture & Integration SME provides the architectural vision that enables tactical data to flow efficiently, reliably, and securely across the mission enterprise.
GDIT Is Your Place
  • Full-flex work week to own your priorities at work and at home, when eligible and approved.
  • 401K with company match.
  • Comprehensive health and wellness packages.
  • Professional growth opportunities, internal mobility, paid education, and certifications.
  • Rest and recharge with paid vacation and holidays.


OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Explore an enterprise IT career at GDIT and youll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your desire to drive operations forward.

#DefendThePacific #DefendTheIndoPacific

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Work Requirements
Years of Experience

8 + years of related experience

* may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree

Certification
Travel Required

Less than 10%

Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship Required

Salary and Benefit Information

The likely salary range for this position is $107,744 - $141,450. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range. Total compensation for international positions varies by tax, social security, and immigration statuses, as well as location. Generally, an international assignment may include allowances, premium uplifts, and/or relocation or transportation benefits, above base salary range noted.
View information about benefits and our total rewards program.

Our Identity Verification Process

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

About Our Work

We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.

Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans


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About General Dynamics Information Technology

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GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US