Tactical Data Link Analyst

SAIC; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC seeks a Tactical Data Link Analyst to provide technical advisory, asset management, and integration support to the 19th Airlift Wing on-site. The ideal candidate has extensive experience with Link 16, multi-TDL networks, and OPTASKLINK-based interfaces.

The role includes operational planning, training support, and coordination with JICO/JICC for deconfliction and network optimization across the Joint Data Network, in compliance with Air Force guidance. A Secret clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering or related technical discipline and 5+ years of experience.
• Active Secret clearance is required.
• Working knowledge of Link 16 network architecture, TDMA, and TSDF management.
• Proficiency scheduling Link 16 operations through LPDS and AFMAN 13-116.
• Familiarity with MTN operations and OPTASKLINK.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical advisory, asset management, and integration support for the 19th Airlift Wing.
• Support Link 16 and multi-TDL network planning, configuration, coordination, deconfliction, training, testing, and exercise execution.
• Identify capability gaps and recommend modernization to improve data exchange and interoperability.
• Ensure unit interfaces are configured per OPTASKLINK; coordinate with JICO and JICC for deconfliction.
• Provide planning and integration support for daily flying operations, testing, and training.
• Coordinate spectrum management and frequency coordination for Link 16 within AFMAN 13-116.

Skills

Link 16

TDMA

TSDF management

OPTASKLINK

JDN integration

Spectrum management

JICO coordination

JICC coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering or related technical discipline

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking a skilled and experienced Tactical Data Link Analyst to provide technical advisory, asset management, and integration support to the 19th Airlift Wing. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in Link 16 and multi-TDL network operations, systems integration, operational planning, and TDL training support. The selected candidate will serve as the on-site Subject Matter Expert (SME) and primary technical representative, interfacing directly with senior government and joint military personnel on significant technical matters requiring coordination between organizations.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Support includes assessment of existing data link architectures, communications infrastructure, command and control systems, interoperability analysis, modernization recommendations, systems integration planning, technical recommendations, integration of tactics, techniques and procedures, and operational training support.
• Support also includes Link 16 and multi-TDL network planning, configuration, coordination, deconfliction, training, test and exercise execution, and mission debrief activities to improve interoperability across the Joint Data Network in accordance with applicable Air Force and Joint guidance.
• Support the identification of capability gaps and recommend modernization approaches that improve data exchange, network performance, and integration with Joint and Air Force mission systems.
• The candidate shall ensure all unit platform interfaces are configured, initialized, and operational strictly in accordance with the published OPTASKLINK, and shall coordinate with the 19th Airlift Wing as well as the theater/exercise Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) and Joint Interface Control Cell (JICC) to report any internal platform status changes, connectivity issues, or equipment outages that may affect the unit's participation in the Multi-TDL Network (MTN).
• Provide operational planning, coordination, and integration support for daily flying operations, testing, training, and exercises.
• Support shall include Tactical Data Link network planning, frequency coordination, scheduling and deconfliction, operational‑status coordination, identification of capability gaps, and recommendations for corrective action.
• Support spectrum management and frequency coordination for Link 16 operations and shall comply with all restrictions or limitations applicable to operations within the 960–1215 MHz frequency band in accordance with AFMAN 13-116.
• The candidate shall schedule all planned Link 16 operations through the Link 16 Pulse Deconfliction Server (LPDS) to manage Time Slot Duty Factor (TSDF) limits, and shall coordinate with the Joint Staff J-7 for deconfliction of Link 16 operations when local deconfliction is not achievable.
• Support shall include development and refinement of tactics, techniques, and procedures; preparation of training materials; technical support during operational events; after‑action analysis; and support to training requirements for local and subordinate unit link managers.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering or a related technical discipline and 5+ years of experience.
• Equivalent combination of relevant technical training and demonstrated experience will be considered.
• Must possess an active Secret clearance.
• Working knowledge of Link 16 network architecture, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), and Time Slot Duty Factor (TSDF) management.
• Proficiency scheduling Link 16 operations through the Link 16 Pulse Deconfliction Server (LPDS) to manage TSDF limits in accordance with AFMAN 13-116.
• Familiarity with Multi‑TDL Network (MTN) operations, including platform interface configuration and initialization in accordance with published OPTASKLINK.
• Knowledge of Joint Data Network (JDN) integration and the Common Tactical Picture (CTP).
• Understanding of RF spectrum management principles applicable to Link 16 operations in the 960–1215 MHz band.
• Hands‑on experience reviewing, interpreting, and extracting data from OPTASKLINK messages to determine TDL network utilization and ensure unit platform compliance prior to operations, training, and testing events.
• Experience coordinating with JICO, JICC, and Joint Staff J-7 on TDL network matters, connectivity issues, platform status changes, and deconfliction of Link 16 operations.
• Experience supporting spectrum management and frequency coordination for Link 16 operations within the 960–1215 MHz frequency band in accordance with AFMAN 13-116.
• Experience providing integration support for TDL networks and unit platform interfaces, including network‑design analysis and resolution of connectivity, configuration, and equipment issues.

Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.