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Tactical Data Link Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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How much do tactical data link jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,839 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Tactical Data Link (TDL) Technician

SAIC

Virginia Beach, VA

$40K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2614359

Location: Virginia Beach, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-07-08

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Design Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 50% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC has an immediate opening for a Tactical Data Link (TDL) technician in Virginia Beach, VA 

Principal responsibilities include:

  • Act as a TDL Link-11 and 16 operator and technician during test events. Analyze Link messages through MLST-3 server interacting with MIDS, STT and/or DTSK-11.
  • Support test efforts with AEGIS Modernization Team and Systems Operations Verification Testing at various shipyards.
  • Work with assigned government TDL lead to understand Link test objectives and obtain necessary keymat and OPTASK parameters 
  • Pre-check and groom of Link equipment prior to testing
  • Perform Link-11 and Link-16 operations during test events
  • Troubleshoot with shipboard personnel and other land-based test sites if problems arise during operations; and provide reports to government TDL lead with findings and notes.

Candidate must be have high level of competency with MLST-3 servers to investigate any complications that may arise during testing. Candidate must have a high level of competency upgrading, installing, and configuring application software and computer hardware. Working knowledge of Link-11 and Link-16 message strings.

The ability to evaluate data needed for testing is essential for this role. This position will also be responsible for Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) cryptographic load testing with the commercial Lear jets.

Qualifications

Minimum:

  • Security clearance required: SECRET (minimum).
  • A BS and 0 years of experience or a HS and minimum of 6 years working with TDL systems Experience with operating Link-11 and 16 TDL equipment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a complex Test and Evaluation (T&E) environment within the Department of Defense (NAVSEA, NAVAIR, FMS, etc.)
  • Computer literacy (MS Office), technical writing proficiency, and excellent oral presentation skills.
  • Ability to traverse from aircraft and ships at-sea, up and down shipboard ladders/decks.
  • Demonstrated experience briefing large contingents of active duty and civilian personnel.
  • Travel: 25 - 50% minimum.
  • Must be able to mutli-person lift heavy objects in excess of 50 pounds.

Desired:

  • Electronics Technician capable of maintaining and repairing complex computer and cryptographic systems.
  • Experience with loading keymat to TDL equipment.
  • Experience with developing and working from an OPTASK for Link operations.

Target salary range: $40,001 - $80,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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