Lead TDL Analyst

Overview

Lead Tactical Data Links Analyst

Location:

Hampton, Virginia

Rivet Operations Company ("Rivet") has an opening for an experienced Lead Tactical Data Links Analyst with at least 6 years of extensive knowledge for technical, managerial, and policy expertise supporting United States Air Force (USAF). Rivet is an exceptional industry partner to the Department of Defense (DoD) and a leader in physical security, operating in tactical environments, process improvement and development, as well as configuration management by developing and engineering.

The Lead TDL Analyst will need proven leadership experience mentoring TDL analysts, advising senior stakeholders, coordinating U.S. and Allied standards activities, and shaping policy and interoperability decisions to support mission‑critical operational objectives.

• Research, engineer, and propose changes to Tactical Data Link (TDL) Military Standards (MIL‑STDs) based on USAF tactical combat system Information Exchange Requirements (IERs), while minimizing impact to legacy and fielded systems.
• Develop and evaluate bit‑level implementation specifications and advise software developers, system engineers, and testers on technical implementation details.
• Draft, initiate, and submit TDL interface change proposals formate.
• Review draft MIL‑STDs for technical accuracy, identify errors, and recommend corrections; draft TIDP‑TE documentation for new TDL capabilities as required.
• Mentor and guide junior TDL analysts in the development, evaluation, and submission of TDL change proposals.
• Support Configuration Management (CM) for USAF Link 16 proprietary message number references.
• Support Air Force Standards Interoperability Board (AFSIB) activities by compiling and organizing USAF, Joint, and NATO change proposals, evaluations, and decisions.
• Recommend and consolidate USAF positions for AFSIB system representatives and support adjudication at meetings.
• Collaborate with Joint Multi‑TDL Standards Working Group (JMSWG), JMTCCB, NATO Digital Policy Committee, TDL Capabilities Team (CaT), and US‑UK bilateral partners to resolve action items and technical issues.
• Ensure technical discussions and decisions are accurately documented in meeting records and reflected in formal evaluations.
• Analyze and compare TDL concepts against Air Force, Joint, and Coalition standards; assess system impacts and recommend solutions to interoperability challenges.
• Draft technical evaluations of NATO Data Link Change Proposals (DLCPs), addressing accuracy, doctrinal implications, and system implementation considerations.
• Advise government leadership on policy matters and draft formal USAF responses to assigned action items.
• Attend and provide technical representation.
• Support Foreign Disclosure processes for international engagements and standards discussions as required.
• Support Defense Standardization Program (DSP) and Defense Information Systems Registry (DISR) meetings and articulate government‑provided positions.
• Maintain authorized access to ASSIST and JASM systems; provide MIL‑STD documentation to authorized USAF consumers at government direction.
• Research and develop background papers, staff studies, talking points, and presentation materials in support of government leadership.
• Maintain a comprehensive custodial catalog of electronic TDL, USMTF, symbol, and XML schema documentation, including classified and unclassified materials, and support configuration management planning.

• Minimum of 8 years of experience supporting Tactical Data Link standards, interoperability, and military data exchange systems.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated experience originating, drafting, and submitting at least 30 TDL MIL‑STD interface change proposals to the JMTCCB.
• Minimum of 4 years of participation in JMSWG meetings (at least 12 meetings), including action item development and resolution.
• Minimum of 6 years of attendance at AFSIB meetings (at least 18 meetings).
• At least 1 year of experience working with DSP and DISR standards processes.
• In‑depth knowledge of Link 16, JINTACCS, USMTF,…