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Tactical Data Link Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Systems Engineer Tactical Data Links

Poway, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

Must have experience in the design and implementation of tactical data link equipment and architectures as part of a contract or research and development evolutions. * Candidate must have extensive ...

Agile Defense

Tactical Data link (TDL) Test & Evaluation Analyst - Intermediate Location: Fort Huachuca, AZ Clearance Level: Secret, Must Have Clearance to Start Required Certification(s): Requires at least 1 ...

Agile Defense

Tactical Data link (TDL) Test & Evaluation Analyst - Senior Location: Fort Huachuca, AZ Clearance Level: Secret, Must Have Clearance to Start Required Certification(s): Requires at least 1 ...

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$34K

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$135.5K

How much do tactical data link jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for tactical data link in the United States is $70,839.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $81,000.00 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.

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Tactical Data Link jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tactical Data Link job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,839 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Systems Engineer Tactical Data Links

Poway, CA • On-site

General Atomics
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about General Atomicsexternal

$106K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
The Agile Mission Systems (AMS) at GA-ASI in San Diego, CA is a growing center of excellence seeking high-performing technical contributors, unique talent, and future leaders in the Systems Engineering functional area. The Senior Mission Systems Architect will be responsible for the design and development of next-generation mission systems providing end-to-end missionization for unmanned air vehicles. This candidate's contributions will span across multiple UAS platforms to include Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), Longshot, a variety of Small UAS, Expendable UAS, NexGen ISR, and Legacy Platform variants such as MQ-1 & MQ-9A/B.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Leverage extensive knowledge of the application and employment of tactical data links (TDLs) to support existing and future programs in the implementation of TDLs on GA-ASI family of unmanned aircraft and communications pods.
  • Develop concept of operation and concept of employment to shape the design of TDL architectures for unmanned systems. Develop and document system and subsystem requirements to capture the requisite system design and performance parameters.
  • Design hardware, software, and network architectures to meet technical, environmental, and airworthiness requirements and select the hardware components to meet those requirements. Work with other product teams to ensure the software and network implementation meets system requirements.
  • Integrate and support the testing of TDL systems in a lab and flight environment. Travel to customer sites as needed to support the testing and qualification of systems in operationally representative environments.
  • Function in an advisory or leadership role with regards to the planning and oversight of the successful resolution and implementation of engineering problem(s) and provides direction and guidance to professional and support staff.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; nine or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, seven or more years of experience with a masters degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Must have experience in the design and implementation of tactical data link equipment and architectures as part of a contract or research and development evolutions.
  • Candidate must have extensive experience in at least three of the following areas:
    • Derivation of system requirements from customer documents and military standards. Management of the requirements database (e.g. JAMA or DOORS) to include traceability and verification.
    • Development and documentation of a system's architecture using requirements to define hardware, software, and networking block diagrams.
    • Selection of ruggedized security, data processing, communications, and radio frequency (RF) components and hardware as part of a system design.
    • Implementation of software to interface with or process tactical data link information.
    • Hands-on integration of a system from prototype to formal qualification. Includes lab and/or flight test evolutions.
    • Tactical data link network design to include the development of interface exchange requirements (IERs), configuration/initialization file development, and testing.
    • Testing of a tactical data link system in lab and flight environments to verify system requirements. Testing experience should include the selection or development of test tools and test equipment.
  • Candidate must demonstrate knowledge of tactical data link roles, messages, and interfaces. Must have detailed knowledge of the roles and implementation of each role detailed in MIL-STD-6016 and US/Joint TDL doctrine(s).
  • Must also be familiar with the implementation of Joint Range Extension Application Protocol via IP (JREAP-C), and data forwarding rules described in MIL-STD-6020.
  • Knowledge of Variable Message Format (VMF) via IP and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) is a plus. Qualified Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) or equivalent experience is desired.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance required.

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About General Atomics

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General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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