Tactical Data Link Analyst

SAIC • Big Rock Township, AR

2d • Onsite

About The Position

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 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.

The role supports Link 16 and multi-TDL network operations, systems integration, operational planning, and TDL training. Work includes assessing data link architectures, communications infrastructure, and command-and-control systems; analyzing interoperability; recommending modernization; planning systems integration; and integrating tactics, techniques, and procedures.

The analyst supports network planning, configuration, coordination, deconfliction, training, testing, exercises, and mission debriefs to improve interoperability across the Joint Data Network in accordance with applicable Air Force and Joint guidance. The role also identifies capability gaps and recommends approaches to improve data exchange, network performance, and integration with Joint and Air Force mission systems.

The candidate ensures unit platform interfaces are configured, initialized, and operational in accordance with the published OPTASKLINK. They coordinate with the 19th Airlift Wing, the theater or exercise Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO), and the Joint Interface Control Cell (JICC) regarding platform status changes, connectivity issues, or equipment outages that may affect participation in the Multi-TDL Network (MTN).

The position provides planning, coordination, and integration support for daily flying operations, testing, training, and exercises, including frequency coordination, scheduling and deconfliction, operational-status coordination, and corrective-action recommendations. It supports spectrum management for Link 16 operations in the 960–1215 MHz band in accordance with AFMAN 13-116, schedules planned operations through the Link 16 Pulse Deconfliction Server (LPDS) to manage Time Slot Duty Factor (TSDF) limits, and coordinates with Joint Staff J-7 when local deconfliction is not achievable.

Additional work 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 5+ years of experience; an equivalent combination of relevant technical training and demonstrated experience will be considered.
• 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 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 (CTP).
• Understanding of RF spectrum management principles for 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 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 deconfliction.
• Experience supporting spectrum management and frequency coordination for Link 16 operations in 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 resolution of connectivity, configuration, and equipment issues.

Responsibilities

• Assess existing data link architectures, communications infrastructure, and command-and-control systems; analyze interoperability; and recommend modernization and integration approaches.
• Support Link 16 and multi-TDL network planning, configuration, coordination, deconfliction, training, testing, exercise execution, and mission debriefs.
• Identify capability gaps and recommend improvements to 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 on 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 TDL network planning, frequency coordination, scheduling and deconfliction, operational-status coordination, and corrective-action recommendations.
• Support spectrum management and frequency coordination for Link 16 operations 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; conduct after-action analysis; and support training for local and subordinate unit link managers.

What This Job Offers

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