Tactical Data Links Specialist II

KES • San Diego, CA

14h

About The Position

Koam Engineering Systems, Inc. (KES Inc.) is seeking a Tactical Data Links Specialist II to support configuration, integration, operation, testing, sustainment, and troubleshooting of Tactical Data Link (TDL) systems in a Department of Defense laboratory and fleet test environment. The position supports Ballistic Missile Defense test events, tactical communications, and interoperability between combat systems, ensuring reliable and accurate exchange of tactical data across platforms, networks, and mission systems.

The specialist will provide hands-on technical support for Link 16, JREAP, tactical IP networking, physical connectivity, and tactical message processing. Work includes establishing and monitoring tactical data links, validating J-Series message exchange, diagnosing system and network connectivity problems, and supporting system integration and test execution. The role also includes operating and maintaining TDL processing systems, supporting network infrastructure and associated hardware and software, performing basic Linux and Windows system administration, investigating anomalies, documenting technical work, and coordinating with government and technical teams.

KES is an employee-owned small business providing systems engineering, technical assistance, software development, systems integration and testing, verification and validation, and operational and logistical support. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California, with an additional office in Gig Harbor, Washington, and provides services globally. KES offers a competitive salary and a full range of benefits and is an EEO/AA employer committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline such as computer science, computer engineering, information systems, network engineering, systems engineering, or software engineering; alternatively, equivalent specialized knowledge from military training, formal technical instruction, certifications, and at least five years of progressively responsible hands-on experience supporting Navy combat systems, tactical communications, C4I/C5ISR systems, or comparable DoD technical environments.
• Existing U.S. Government DoD-granted Secret-level security clearance or eligibility; the candidate must maintain the necessary clearance requirements for continued employment.
• U.S. citizenship.
• At least two years of relevant hands-on technical experience for candidates with a qualifying bachelor’s degree, or five years of equivalent experience for candidates qualifying through military training, technical instruction, certifications, or professional experience.
• Hands-on experience configuring, operating, monitoring, or troubleshooting TDL systems, including C2P/NGC2P, CDLMS, LMMT, or comparable processing and management systems.
• Working knowledge of Link 16, J-Series message processing, and JREAP protocols, particularly JREAP-C communications over IP networks.
• Experience independently troubleshooting tactical communications and system connectivity involving server NICs, fiber-optic and copper cabling, patch panels, transceivers, network equipment, and other physical-layer infrastructure.
• Functional understanding of TCP/IP, UDP, subnetting, static routing, VLANs, multicast, and network connectivity troubleshooting for tactical communications.
• Experience supporting technical operations, system integration, troubleshooting, or test execution in a DoD, Navy, laboratory, fleet, or other mission-critical technical environment.
• Ability to independently investigate technical problems, identify root causes, implement corrective actions, document troubleshooting results, and coordinate with technical teams.

Nice To Haves

• Security+ certification (DoD IAT Level II).
• Experience supporting BMD test events, Aegis BMD combat systems, C2BMC architectures, or tactical track exchange between combat system elements.
• Experience with TDL systems and tools including C2P, NGC2P, C2PS, CDLMS, TNP, LMMT, NSITE, and DLTT, as well as JREAP-A/B/C communications, multicast, and J-Series message processing.
• Working knowledge of RHEL, CentOS, or Windows Server, including host network configuration, system services, log analysis, user administration, and command-line troubleshooting.
• Experience supporting hardware installations, equipment replacements, system integration, and physical network infrastructure, including fiber-optic and copper cabling, patch panels, and laboratory equipment.
• Experience in DoD or Navy technical environments, including NIWC Pacific Combined Test Bed laboratory operations, fleet waterfront integration, combat systems testing, or operational evaluation.
• Prior military experience in Navy combat systems, tactical communications, or information technology roles, including Operations Specialist (OS), Electronics Technician (ET), or Information Systems Technician (IT).

Responsibilities

• Configure, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot TDL processing systems, including C2P/NGC2P/C2PS, CDLMS, and TNP.
• Establish, configure, monitor, and sustain tactical communications using Link 16, J-Series messages, JREAP-A, JREAP-B, and JREAP-C, using tools such as LMMT, NSITE, and DLTT.
• Configure and troubleshoot tactical network connectivity involving TCP/IP, UDP, VLANs, subnetting, static routing, multicast, and supporting network infrastructure.
• Diagnose end-to-end connectivity issues involving servers, NICs, fiber-optic and copper cabling, patch panels, transceivers, serial interfaces, host configurations, and tactical link processing.
• Support BMD test events, fleet synthetic training, and system integration by establishing communications, monitoring system performance, validating J-Series message flow, and resolving interoperability issues involving Aegis BMD, C2BMC, and supporting systems.
• Perform basic system administration in RHEL and Windows environments, including network interface configuration, service management, user administration, system logs, and host connectivity.
• Investigate system and test anomalies, conduct root cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and maintain trouble reports, configuration baselines, technical procedures, and system documentation.
• Coordinate with government engineers, system administrators, network engineers, combat systems personnel, and external sites on hardware installations, equipment replacements, integrations, and technical issue resolution.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Full range of benefits

What This Job Offers

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