Tactical Data Links (TDL) Analyst - Military veterans preferred

Referral Eligible  

Salary: 80,000 – 95,000

Summary: 

Zapata Technology is seeking an experienced Tactical Data Link (TDL) Analyst to join our team at Camp Pendleton. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in Air Command and Control (C2) systems, Tactical Data Links, and interoperability testing to support mission-critical assessments. This role requires a detail-oriented professional with hands-on experience in system verification, MIL-STD compliance, and test execution, who can provide technical insight, ensure accurate data collection, and contribute to successful test and evaluation events in support of the warfighter.

Job Duties:

• Perform technical assessments of Air C2 systems, Information Exchange Requirements (IERs), Tactical Data Link (TDL) interfaces, and system requirements.
• Recommend test tools, logging solutions, and post-test analysis approaches.
• Provide alternative strategies for data collection and management.
• Support test planning/coordination with technical input.
• Configure and connect data collection devices; maintain time synchronization.
• Operate (start, monitor, stop) and archive test data per command/test director policy.
• Report data loss or discrepancies promptly.
• Monitor test execution for TDL standard exceptions and report in real time.
• Track Problem Change Requests (PCRs), MIL-STD compliance, and new issues.
• Verify compliance with multiple MIL-STDs and NATO NILE references.
• Conduct interoperability and performance assessments.
• Validate performance of data exchanges via applications or radio terminals/modems.
• Perform root cause analysis during test/engineering events.
• Generate data collection reports.
• Document deviations/observations regarding TDL standards during tests.
• Execute post-test analysis and reporting according to test plans.

Job Qualifications: 

• Hands-on experience with Air C2systems and Tactical Data Links.
• Strong understanding of IERs and interface control documents.
• Familiarity with test planning, execution, and coordination in military/DoD environments.
• Practical skills in test tool configuration, data collection, synchronization, and archiving.
• Knowledge of MIL-STD standards and NATO NILE references.
• Experience with interoperability testing and joint operating procedures.
• Ability to conduct root cause analysis and troubleshoot complex data/system issues.
• Competence in reporting and documentation, including data collection reports and test result summaries.
• Real-time monitoring and issue reporting during test execution.
• Exposure to problem tracking and resolution processes.
• Collaboration skills, working with test directors, engineers, and support personnel.

Education/Experience required: 

• Minimum 4-6 years of experience.  
• 3 years of experience can be substituted by completion of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, and two years of experience can be substituted by completion of a Master’s degree in a related field

Working Conditions: 

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.  Using standard office equipment. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: 

Full time position 

Clearance Type: 

Requires an active Secret Clearance. 

Travel:

Up to 15%

Equal Opportunity Employer – Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. 

Zapata Technology, Inc. provides reasonable accommodation to applicants who are veterans or who have disabilities and are unable to fully use our company application system. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify Christina Hall, EEO Coordinator at ChristinaHall@ZapataTechnology.com