Tactical Data Link (TDL) Technician

Job ID 2614359

Location Virginia Beach, VA, US

Date Posted 2026-07-08

Category Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory Design Engineer

Schedule Full-Time

Shift Day Job

Travel Yes - 50% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain None

Potential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITE

Description

SAIC has an immediate opening for a Tactical Data Link (TDL) technician in Virginia Beach, VA

Principal responsibilities include

• Act as a TDL Link-11 and 16 operator and technician during test events. Analyze Link messages through MLST-3 server interacting with MIDS, STT and/or DTSK-11.
• Support test efforts with AEGIS Modernization Team and Systems Operations Verification Testing at various shipyards.
• Work with assigned government TDL lead to understand Link test objectives and obtain necessary keymat and OPTASK parameters
• Pre-check and groom of Link equipment prior to testing
• Perform Link-11 and Link-16 operations during test events
• Troubleshoot with shipboard personnel and other land-based test sites if problems arise during operations; and provide reports to government TDL lead with findings and notes.
  
  

Candidate must be have high level of competency with MLST-3 servers to investigate any complications that may arise during testing. Candidate must have a high level of competency upgrading, installing, and configuring application software and computer hardware. Working knowledge of Link-11 and Link-16 message strings.

The ability to evaluate data needed for testing is essential for this role. This position will also be responsible for Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) cryptographic load testing with the commercial Lear jets.

Qualifications

Minimum

• Security clearance required SECRET (minimum).
• A BS and 0 years of experience or a HS and minimum of 6 years working with TDL systems Experience with operating Link-11 and 16 TDL equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a complex Test and Evaluation (T&E) environment within the Department of Defense (NAVSEA, NAVAIR, FMS, etc.)
• Computer literacy (MS Office), technical writing proficiency, and excellent oral presentation skills.
• Ability to traverse from aircraft and ships at-sea, up and down shipboard ladders/decks.
• Demonstrated experience briefing large contingents of active duty and civilian personnel.
• Travel 25 - 50% minimum.
• Must be able to mutli-person lift heavy objects in excess of 50 pounds.
  
  

Desired

• Electronics Technician capable of maintaining and repairing complex computer and cryptographic systems.
• Experience with loading keymat to TDL equipment.
• Experience with developing and working from an OPTASK for Link operations.
  
  

Target salary range $40,001 - $80,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.