Tactical Data Link (TDL) Field Engineer

Arcata Associates, Inc. • North Las Vegas, NV

3d • $85,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The TDL Field Engineer performs field engineering tasks under general supervision, including installation, operation, testing, and maintenance of electronic equipment and systems. The position performs operations and maintenance on assigned Joint Data Network (JDN)/Link 16 equipment and provides system administration support for Joint Interface Control Cell (JICC) computer systems. The engineer assists with JDN operations and maintenance and supports the design, development, modification, analysis, and deployment of data link hardware and systems.

The role configures and operates Link 16 host and auxiliary equipment, performs corrective and preventive maintenance, diagnoses malfunctions, administers Unix/Linux networks, and installs or upgrades Windows operating systems. It also supports Tactical Data Link operations, network management, operational planning, training coordination, and maintenance of a local TDL reference library. The employee may travel or deploy to remote sites to maintain or operate equipment.

The position requires an associate degree in engineering, computer science, or another technical discipline, or formal academic, vocational, or military training, together with at least four years of technical or professional experience in the specialty field. The employee must qualify for and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with SCI, possess a valid Nevada driver's license, and be able to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. The work environment is typically an office but also includes remote company locations and outdoor terrain. Night and weekend shifts are required.

Requirements

• Associate degree in engineering, computer science, or another technical discipline, or formal academic, vocational, or military training.
• At least four years of technical or professional experience in the specialty field.
• Professional knowledge of applicable engineering concepts and principles and familiarity with related engineering fields.
• Practical knowledge of test methods and practices sufficient to perform routine to complex engineering procedures and make minor modifications to standard test procedures or equipment work instructions.
• Specific experience using MS Office and web-enabled applications.
• Planning and organizing skills and ability to work under deadlines.
• Ability to routinely work across fields on somewhat difficult and varied assignments.
• Ability to update or repair computer systems.
• Ability to qualify for and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI.
• Valid Nevada driver's license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Government Security Clearance.
• Ability to travel to remote locations and work night and weekend shifts.
• Ability to perform routine lifting up to 250 pounds with a two-person lift.

Nice To Haves

• At least three years of Tactical Data Link/BC3 experience, including patching upgrades and troubleshooting software and hardware.
• Knowledge of Link 16 operations at a minimum of JTIDS 101 and at least four years of applicable Data Link experience.
• AJOC (JT-310) course completion is highly recommended or desired.
• CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Provide system administration support for JICC computer systems and coordinate with computer activities and units to resolve support issues.
• Assist the JDNO and JICO with operation and maintenance of the JDN.
• Assist in the design, development, modification, and analysis of data link hardware and systems.
• Configure and operate Link 16 host and auxiliary equipment, including JRE, LMMT, JTRS, SADL, and THC.
• Perform corrective and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Diagnose malfunctions in new and existing systems and make improvements or modifications to achieve desired results.
• Perform system administration duties, including networking on Unix/Linux equipment.
• Perform upgrades and installations on Windows OS equipment.
• Perform Link 16 operations to meet customer requirements at a minimum of JTIDS 101 levels.
• Coordinate with project management, engineering disciplines, configuration management, quality assurance, and operations support on system design and deployment.
• Support network management for locally operated networks and modify and operate Link 16 equipment as required.
• Provide own-unit platforms and other participants with information needed to operate on the network, as extracted from applicable OPTASK LINK messages.
• Extract data from OPTASK LINK messages as defined in MIL-STD 6040 and provide platforms with information essential to TDL operations.
• Align track number blocks according to the appropriate TDL section of the OPTASK LINK.
• Act as a multi-TDL expert and interface between wing TDL participants and other elements of the TDL operational infrastructure.
• Interface between own-unit platforms and exercise or host managers when wing assets participate in exercises or TDL operations managed by another unit.
• Coordinate unit TDL equipment requirements and networks, including interfaces between the wing and higher-level agencies.
• Follow procedures mandated in CJCSM 6120.01, Joint Multi Tactical Data Link Operating Procedures.
• Maintain a TDL reference library, obtaining and maintaining network descriptions for joint and allied networks.
• Determine network requirements and identify them to agencies responsible for network support.
• Manage training requirements for local and subordinate-unit link operators.
• Travel to remote sites to maintain or operate equipment and deploy to remote locations in support of data link mission operations.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Read, understand, and implement applicable operational, safety, quality, and environmental requirements.
• Follow Crypto/COMSEC and IA procedures.
• Perform custodian responsibilities for CA/CRL accounts.
• Use Secure Telephone Equipment data and voice procedures.
• Operate Compunetix radio equipment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree