Tactical Data Link Engineer

Torch Technologies, Inc. • Eglin AFB, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Torch Technologies is seeking a Tactical Data Link Engineer to join its team onsite at Eglin AFB, Florida. The role supports Federal Government and Department of War research, development, and engineering activities, operating and integrating tactical data link hardware within Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) simulation environments and Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) architectures. The engineer will support Link-16 and related tactical data link systems, network operations, testing, modernization, and technical evaluation, including navigation and NAVWAR-related work.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with 0–10% travel. Relocation assistance is not available, and the position is not contingent upon contract award. A Top Secret clearance must be obtained and maintained.

Torch Technologies describes itself as a 100% employee-owned company, a Certified Great Place To Work, and a Certified Evergreen ESOP. The company offers a stable and professional work environment, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• One of the following qualification paths: a master’s or doctorate degree in a related field and 8 years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline, including 5 years in the Department of War; a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 12 years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline, including 5 years in the Department of War; or 15 years of directly related experience with proper certifications described in the PWS labor category performance requirements, including 8 years in the Department of War.
• Working knowledge of Link-16 and other tactical data link systems.
• Proficiency with Wireshark and networking protocols, including TCP/IP, UDP, and HTTP.
• Strong understanding of RF transceiver design, propagation modeling, and link budgets.
• Experience with oscilloscopes, spectrum/network analyzers, logic analyzers, and signal generators.
• Familiarity with COMSEC handling and Simple Key Loaders (SKL).
• Experience with MATLAB or similar modeling/simulation tools.
• Must obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with GNSS/INS systems, Alt-Nav, Kalman filtering, and navigation algorithms.
• Knowledge of anti-jam techniques, NAVWAR considerations, and jamming threat environments.
• Familiarity with C++ coding for algorithm development, simulation integration, or hardware-interface support.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor real tactical hardware, including data link radios, GPS/INS units, and RF front-ends, within HITL simulation environments.
• Integrate hardware with Live-Virtual-Constructive architectures so real equipment can interact with virtual platforms.
• Configure, initialize, and monitor LVC-integrated tactical data link networks during simulation test events.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software interfaces, timing, and synchronization.
• Operate and analyze Link-16 and similar or related tactical data link systems.
• Research, develop, and modernize existing TDL HITL emulators to maintain relevance and interoperability with emerging and modernized TDL-enabled weapon systems and UAS platforms.
• Build, decode, and evaluate TDL messages and network architectures.
• Support gateway operations, network initialization, and real-time monitoring during events.
• Present technical findings and recommend improvements to system designs.
• Assess proposals, requirements, and system documentation for technical feasibility and proper allocation of navigation/TSPI requirements.
• Support NAVWAR-related testing, jamming threat assessments, and degraded-environment navigation evaluations.

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) participation.
• 401(k) match.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Short-term disability coverage.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Health Savings Accounts.
• Health Reimbursement Accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Education assistance.
• Paid time off.
• Holidays.

What This Job Offers

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