Tactical Data Link Analyst

SAIC • Little Rock, AR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a Tactical Data Link Analyst to provide technical advisory, asset management, and integration support to the 19th Airlift Wing. The analyst will serve as the on-site subject matter expert and primary technical representative, interfacing with senior government and joint military personnel on technical matters requiring coordination among organizations. The role supports Link 16 and multi-TDL network operations, systems integration, operational planning, and TDL training.

The position supports assessment of data link architectures, communications infrastructure, command and control systems, and interoperability; modernization recommendations; systems integration planning; tactics, techniques, and procedures; and operational training. It also supports Link 16 and multi-TDL network planning, configuration, coordination, deconfliction, training, testing, exercises, and mission debriefs to improve Joint Data Network interoperability under applicable Air Force and Joint guidance.

The analyst ensures unit platform interfaces are configured, initialized, and operational in accordance with the published OPTASKLINK, and coordinates with the 19th Airlift Wing, theater or exercise JICO, and JICC regarding platform status changes, connectivity issues, and equipment outages that could affect participation in the Multi-TDL Network. The role supports daily flying operations, testing, training, and exercises, including frequency coordination, scheduling, deconfliction, operational-status coordination, capability-gap identification, and corrective-action recommendations.

The position supports Link 16 spectrum management and frequency coordination within the 960–1215 MHz band in accordance with AFMAN 13-116. Planned Link 16 operations must be scheduled through the Link 16 Pulse Deconfliction Server (LPDS) to manage TSDF limits; when local deconfliction is not achievable, the analyst coordinates with Joint Staff J-7. Additional support includes developing and refining tactics, techniques, and procedures; preparing training materials; providing technical support during operational events; conducting after-action analysis; and supporting training requirements for local and subordinate unit link managers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline, and at least 5 years of experience; an 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, TDMA, and TSDF management.
• Proficiency scheduling Link 16 operations through LPDS to manage TSDF limits in accordance with AFMAN 13-116.
• Familiarity with MTN operations, including platform interface configuration and initialization in accordance with published OPTASKLINK.
• Knowledge of Joint Data Network integration and the Common Tactical Picture.
• 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 before 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 Link 16 operational deconfliction.
• Experience supporting Link 16 spectrum management and frequency coordination within the 960–1215 MHz band in accordance with AFMAN 13-116.
• Experience providing TDL network and unit platform interface integration support, including network-design analysis and resolving connectivity, configuration, and equipment issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical advisory, asset management, and integration support to the 19th Airlift Wing.
• Serve as the on-site subject matter expert and primary technical representative, interfacing with senior government and joint military personnel.
• Assess data link architectures, communications infrastructure, command and control systems, and interoperability; develop modernization recommendations and systems integration plans.
• Support Link 16 and multi-TDL network planning, configuration, coordination, deconfliction, training, testing, exercises, and mission debrief activities.
• Identify capability gaps and recommend modernization approaches and corrective actions to improve data exchange, network performance, and integration with Joint and Air Force mission systems.
• Ensure unit platform interfaces are configured, initialized, and operational in accordance with the published OPTASKLINK.
• Coordinate with the 19th Airlift Wing, theater or exercise JICO, and JICC to report platform status changes, connectivity issues, and equipment outages affecting MTN participation.
• Provide operational planning, coordination, and integration support for daily flying operations, testing, training, and exercises.
• Support Link 16 spectrum management and frequency coordination in the 960–1215 MHz band in accordance with AFMAN 13-116.
• Schedule planned Link 16 operations through LPDS to manage TSDF limits and coordinate with Joint Staff J-7 when local deconfliction is not achievable.
• Develop and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures; prepare training materials; provide technical support during operational events; and conduct after-action analysis.
• Support training requirements for local and subordinate unit link managers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level