Tactical Data Link Architecture & Integration Engineer

General Dynamics Information Technology

12d • $119,000 - $161,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Tactical Data Link (TDL) Architecture & Integration Engineer designs, documents, and evolves the theater TDL enterprise architecture supporting Command and Control (C2) systems. The role serves as a technical authority for how tactical information is transported, distributed, and consumed across mission systems, ensuring reliable data flows from tactical networks to operational decision-making platforms. It focuses on enterprise architecture, systems integration, and information flow, including tactical data moving through Link 16, JREAP-C, gateway services, and C2 applications. The engineer develops scalable architectures to support current and future operational requirements.

As a forward-deployed TDL subject matter expert, the engineer supports existing mission partner networks (CENTRIXS) and works with the Enterprise Architect to develop and maintain the theater TDL enterprise architecture. The role coordinates with government, contractor, and operational stakeholders, including USPACOM J6 stakeholders, service components, mission partners, and GDIT team members. It also provides technical recommendations to customer and internal leadership on integrating new mission systems into the tactical data environment.

The position is onsite at an international work location, with 40 scheduled hours per week and less than 10% travel required. A current Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship are required. The likely salary range is $119,000–$161,000; compensation may vary based on experience, geographic location, and contractual requirements.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of related experience.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Must currently possess a Secret clearance and be able to obtain a Secret clearance.
• Skills in network engineering, network integration, and networks.
• Ability to translate operational requirements into technical architectures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with operators, engineers, software developers, and program leadership.
• Strong systems-thinking and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Experience documenting complex enterprise environments.
• Familiarity with mission-system integration and interoperability.
• Ability to identify information dependencies rather than only physical network connectivity.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Tactical Data Links, including Link 16, Link 11, and related architectures.
• Knowledge of JREAP A/B/C, particularly JREAP-C transport concepts.
• Knowledge of MIL-STD-6016 and its J-Series message architecture.
• Knowledge of MIL-STD-3011 and JREAP.
• Knowledge of Common Operational Picture (COP) concepts.
• Knowledge of GCCS-J and theater C2 architectures.
• Knowledge of tactical gateway concepts, such as ADSI and similar systems.
• Knowledge of enterprise data distribution architectures.
• Knowledge of publish/subscribe and event-driven data architectures.
• Knowledge of Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Knowledge of DoDAF or comparable enterprise architecture methodologies.
• Experience supporting DoD C2 environments or Combatant Command operations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a forward-deployed TDL subject matter expert on existing mission partner networks (CENTRIXS), working with the Enterprise Architect to develop and maintain the theater TDL enterprise architecture.
• Produce and maintain architecture diagrams illustrating tactical data flow between operational systems.
• Document JREAP-C connectivity, logical interfaces, and TDL network topology.
• Identify authoritative data sources, publishers, subscribers, and consumers within the tactical data enterprise.
• Develop future-state architectures for new C2 capabilities, mission applications, and AI-enabled systems.
• Analyze the operational impact of adding, modifying, or removing TDL-connected nodes.
• Maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs), connectivity matrices, and system interface documentation.
• Coordinate with government, contractor, and operational stakeholders to ensure consistent implementation of tactical data exchange architectures.
• Collaborate with USPACOM J6 stakeholders, service components, mission partners, and GDIT team members to resolve technical challenges.
• Participate in architecture reviews, technical interchange meetings, and modernization planning efforts.
• Assess system dependencies, single points of failure, and opportunities to improve resiliency and scalability.
• Provide technical recommendations to customer and internal leadership for integrating new mission systems into the existing tactical data environment.

Benefits

• 401(k) with company match.
• Medical plan options, including some with Health Savings Accounts, for U.S.-based employees.
• Dental plan options.
• Vision plan.
• Paid vacation, sick and personal time, and holidays.
• Paid parental, military, bereavement, and jury duty leave.
• Short- and long-term disability benefits.
• Life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness, and business travel and accident insurance are provided or available.
• Full-flex work weeks where possible and when eligible and approved.
• Professional growth opportunities and internal mobility.
• Paid education and certifications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed