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Data Links Test Engineer – Mid-Level

Odysseyconsult • Niceville, Florida, United States

onsitefull-time
Posted Sep 26, 2026

**Role & seniority: ** Mid-Level Data Links Test Engineer supporting 46 Test Squadron / TGBC under TMAS III (can serve as test lead or support another lead).

**Location & work type: ** Onsite, Eglin AFB, FL; full-time; up to 25% CONUS/OCONUS travel.

**Stack/tools (tools & technical domains): **

  • TDL systems & networking/RF: tactical data links, data link radios, RF propagation, computer networking

  • Microsoft Office Suite (docs/briefs); test data reduction/analysis software (not specified)

  • Knowledge of DoD/USAF test guidance (e.g., DODI 5000.89 / DAFI 99-103, TO 00-35D-54)

  • Top 3 responsibilities:

    1. Primary TGBC customer interface for test planning, execution, and reporting.

    2. Design/coordinate/document tactical integration test equipment architectures for voice/data exchange; develop test documentation (plans, CONOPs, test cards, data-analysis plans, reports).

    3. Analyze test data and maintain program artifacts (schedules, continuity/lessons learned databases, briefings); coordinate resources with MRTFB.

  • Must-have skills:

    • Technical background (Bachelor’s in technical discipline) with 3–10 years relevant experience

    • Test execution and participation on test teams; ability to collect/analyze test data

    • Technical documentation authoring/editing and clear written/verbal communication

    • TS eligibility/Secret clearance (Secret or eli

Full Description

Position Summary

Odyssey has an exciting opportunity for a Mid‑Level Data Links Test Engineer supporting the 46 Test Squadron / TGBC under the TMAS III contract at Eglin AFB, FL.The Tactical Data Links (TDL) Test Flight (TGBC) is the United States Air Force’s premier TDL developmental test team. The role supports the Tactical Integration Element (TIE) responsible for planning, designing, executing, and reporting on tactical integration test events. Candidates should possess a strong engineering background and/or a foundational knowledge of tactical data links, with the motivation to learn new technology areas. Responsibilities may range from serving as a test lead to supporting another test lead as part of a test team. This is a full‑time position at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, with up to 25% CONUS/OCONUS travel.

Responsibilities

Duties include, but not limited to

  • Serve as the primary face to the customer and TGBC focal point for test planning, execution, and reporting activities
  • Design, coordinate, document, and brief test equipment architectures required to meet information exchange requirements for voice and data communications
  • Advise government personnel in decision‑making related to lead‑command responsibilities and supported capabilities/programs
  • Assist program offices with technical requirements development and translating user operational needs into appropriate requirements formats
  • Author, review, and edit program documentation including test plans, concept of operations, test cards, data‑analysis plans, and formal reports
  • Coordinate test resources with Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB) program managers
  • Maintain a comprehensive schedule of program activities including TGBC support requirements and personnel utilization
  • Develop and maintain continuity databases and libraries capturing lessons learned, planning documents, execution artifacts, and reporting materials
  • Present briefings to the test community, program offices, and senior personnel on program activities
  • Use software tools to conduct in‑depth data reduction and analysis supporting leadership assessment of program performance
  • Travel to various locations to support planning, test execution, data analysis, and report development
  • Attend meetings to provide technical briefings, updates, information, and recommendations
  • Support additional test activities as assigned by TGBC leadership

Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen Minimum Required Qualifications

Clearance: Must possess or be eligible to obtain a Secret clearance; Interim Secret required before start

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a technical discipline and 3–10 years of relevant experience (additional experience may substitute for education). Relevant engineering or technical experience related to TDLs, RF propagation, radios, and networking Ability to execute test procedures and participate on test teams Ability to communicate technical material clearly Experience authoring technical documents Proficiency with Microsoft Office Ability to lift 50 lbs Preferred Qualifications

Clearance: Secret

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a technical field

Years of experience

Certifications: Graduation from JT‑301 JICO or JT‑310 AJOC courses Relevant operational experience planning, operating, and troubleshooting TDL networks Operational C2 experience in USAF ground or airborne platforms (AOC, CRC, ASOC, ADS, AWACS, JSTARS, or equivalents) Understanding of tactical data link systems used at theater‑level operations Familiarity with multiple TDL MIL‑STDs Familiarity with common DoD tactical radios Familiarity with Air Force test guidance (DODI 5000.89 / DAFI 99‑103) and USAF deficiency reporting (TO 00‑35D‑54) Technical Skills Relevant engineering experience in electrical, mechanical, aerospace, or systems engineering Technical experience with tactical data links, data link radios, RF waves/propagation, and computer networking Ability to execute test scripts, run test procedures, develop block diagrams, and collect test data for post‑analysis Ability to develop technical documentation including briefings, plans, reports, and white papers Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite Ability to lift 50 lbs. unassisted

Preferred operational experience with TDL networks

  • Link 16, JREAP A/B/C, SADL, VMF, MADL, TTNT, Link 11/11B/22, Satellite TDL J, Socket J, SIMPLE J
  • Preferred understanding of theater‑level systems such as JRE, JADSI, TRAX, Gateway Manager, LMMT, SPIDR, TACP‑CASS, MOJO, BOSS, ATAK

Preferred familiarity with TDL MIL‑STDs: 6016, 3011, 6020, 6017, 188‑220, 2045‑47001, 6090, 6011

Preferred knowledge of common tactical radios: MIDS JTRS, MIDS LVT, SADL Radio, KOR‑24A STT, PRC‑161/117F/G/152/163/160

Preferred understanding of DoD/USAF test instructions: DODI 5000.89, DAFI 99‑103, TO 00‑35D‑54 Interpersonal Skills Strong work ethic; able to work with minimal supervision Ability to work within a team environment and support integrated test activities Ability to communicate and present technical details clearly (written and verbal) Ability to serve as primary TGBC representative and interface effectively with program offices, contractors, and test partners Comfortable providing technical briefings and presenting information to senior‑level personnel Additional Information

Location: Eglin AFB, FL

Work Environment: Onsite

Job Status: Full‑time

Travel: Up to 25% CONUS/OCONUS #LI-SB1 #TMAS3 #CTG

Company Overview

Odyssey is a world-class technical, engineering, and integration company serving the warfighting ecosystem with airborne integration, ISR, C2, and warfighter readiness capabilities. Odyssey meets the military’s operational needs by integrating layered defense systems from equipment, technology, and services to data, information, and business operations. We streamline defense acquisition and sustainment, engineering the technical battlefield with domain-specific proficiency to ensure lethality. Odyssey is dedicated to excellent contract execution, peak organizational performance, and fostering a workplace built on employee care. Odyssey is proud to live out our core values of commitment, ambition, and respect in our work and communities through OdysseyCares, a philanthropic group focused on giving back through direct donations, an employer match program, and volunteering events.

Please note: Final compensation for this position will be determined by various factors such as the Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Tactical Data LinksTest PlanningSystems EngineeringData AnalysisTechnical DocumentationRF PropagationNetworkingTest ExecutionMicrosoft OfficeRequirements DevelopmentCommunicationTest Equipment ArchitectureProject SchedulingBriefingTroubleshootingDoD Standardsmulti-location

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