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 Link 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 a proven leader experienced in 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,…