Tactical Data Link (TDL) Field Engineer

Arcata Associates • Las Vegas, NV

2d

About The Position

The TDL Field Engineer performs field engineering, installation, operations, testing, and maintenance of electronic equipment and systems under general supervision. 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 coordinates computer support issues and assists the Joint Data Link Network Operations Officer (JDNO) and Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) with JDN operations and maintenance.

The role configures and operates Link 16 host and auxiliary equipment, performs corrective and preventative maintenance, diagnoses system malfunctions, and supports system administration and networking on Unix/Linux equipment. It also includes Windows operating system upgrades and installations, Link 16 operations, local network management, and support for the design and deployment of data link systems. The engineer extracts and provides operational information from OPTASK LINK messages, coordinates network and equipment requirements, maintains a TDL reference library, supports training for local and subordinate unit link operators, and interfaces with wing platforms, exercise or host managers, and other TDL infrastructure participants.

The position requires travel to remote sites to maintain or operate equipment and may involve deployments to support data link missions. Additional duties include following operational, safety, quality, environmental, Crypto/COMSEC, and information assurance procedures; maintaining CA/CRL accounts; using Secure Telephone Equipment procedures; and operating Compunetix radio equipment. The role is performed in a typical office environment as well as at remote work locations and ranges, and requires night and weekend shifts and work on uneven or varied outdoor terrain.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in engineering, computer science, or another technical discipline, or formal academic, vocational, or military training.
• A minimum of 4 years of technical or professional experience in the specialty field.
• Qualify for and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with SCI.
• Possess a valid Nevada driver's license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Government Security Clearance.
• Must be able to work under deadlines and have planning and organizing skills.
• Must be capable of updating or repairing computer systems.
• 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 more complex engineering procedures and to prepare or make minor modifications to standard test procedures or test-equipment work instructions.
• Must be able to routinely work across fields on somewhat difficult and varied assignments.
• Night and weekend shifts are required.
• Routine travel to remote Company work locations is required.
• Able to meet the described physical demands, including lifting up to 250 pounds with a two-person lift, prolonged sitting and computer-terminal use, and work on uneven surfaces and varied outdoor terrain.

Nice To Haves

• At least 3 years of Tactical Data Link/BC3 experience, including upgrades and software or hardware troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of Link 16 operations at a minimum of JTIDS 101 and at least 4 years of applicable Data Link experience.
• AJOC (JT-310) course completion is highly recommended or desired.
• CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications or equivalent.
• Specific experience using MS Office and web-enabled applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide system administration support for JICC computer systems and coordinate resolution of computer support issues.
• Assist the JDNO and JICO with JDN operations and maintenance.
• Assist with design, development, modification, and analysis of Data Link hardware devices and systems.
• Configure and operate Link 16 host and auxiliary equipment, including JRE, LMMT, JTRS, SADL, and THC.
• Perform corrective and preventative 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 operating system equipment.
• Perform Link 16 operations to meet customer requirements at a minimum of JTIDS 101 levels.
• Work with project management, engineering disciplines, configuration management, quality assurance, and operations support on system design and deployment.
• Manage locally operated networks and modify and operate Link 16-associated equipment as required.
• Provide own-unit platforms and other participants with operational network information extracted from OPTASK LINK messages.
• Extract OPTASK LINK data as defined in MIL-STD 6040 and provide platforms with information needed to operate Tactical Data Links.
• 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 and network requirements, including coordination between the wing and higher-level agencies.
• Follow procedures mandated in CJCSM 6120.01 when operating TDLs.
• Maintain a local TDL reference library containing network descriptions, including joint and allied networks, for operations personnel.
• Determine network requirements and identify them to the agency responsible for providing network support.
• Manage training requirements for local and subordinate unit link operators.
• Travel to remote sites to maintain or operate equipment and potentially deploy to remote locations in support of data link missions.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Implement applicable operational, safety, quality, and environmental plans, procedures, and policies.
• Follow Crypto/COMSEC and information assurance procedures.
• Perform custodian responsibilities for CA/CRL accounts.
• Follow 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