Tactical Data Link

St Athan
3 weeks ago
Create job alert

Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK (SNCMS UK) is looking for a Tactical Data Link - Systems Engineer

About SNCMS UK
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is a trusted leader in engineering solutions to solve the hardest of technological challenges faced by Defence. As part of our team you will have the opportunity to leverage cutting edge technology to deliver secure, high performing systems to address the demanding requirements of Defence.

As an established mission partner and the “go-to” company in the UK for tactical and operational communication information systems and service integration, you will be working on projects to deliver, integrate and support tactical edge systems and enterprise level networks. As a Tactical Data Link Systems Engineer, you will be required to work as part of a small team in developing configuring and supporting Tactical Data Link (TDL) solutions to support customer requirements across the joint environment. You will be responsible for assisting the TDL Engineering Lead in the design, build, configuration and integration of TDL solutions and work closely with end users to help solve their TDL challenges.

Tactical Data Link Systems Engineer
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Tactical Data Link Systems Engineer to join our dynamic Engineering Team. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing, configuring and implementing, high impact TDL engineering solutions, working closely with the TDL Engineering Manager to address customer requirements in the operational use of TDLs.

As a Tactical Data Link Systems Engineer, You will play a pivotal role in integrating hardware and software to deliver TDL solutions. This will involve close collaboration with cross-functional teams and Communications Systems Engineers to ensure effective integration of TDL solutions within broader mission systems. Additionally, you will support and advise our MOD customers on the employment of TDL technologies and provide training on the maintenance and operation of these capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

System Design: Assist and advise the design and development of TDL solutions to meet project and customer requirements.

Implementation and Testing: Build, configure, test and deploy TDL systems, ensuring high performance and reliability.

Integration: Advise and assist with the Integrating TDL software, hardware, and network components as part of wider mission system solutions.

Problem-Solving: Diagnose and resolve TDL system integration issues related to system performance and compatibility.

Documentation: Prepare and maintain detailed technical documentation, including specifications, design documents, and test plans.

Technology Research: Stay up-to-date with advancements in TDL system development and technologies, applying knowledge to improve systems and processes.

Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with Communications Systems Engineers, customers and internal teams to understand requirements and provide TDL advice.

Training Delivery: Prepare and deliver customer training in support of supplied Data-Link capability solutions.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

  • GCSE English and Maths, grade C or above.

  • Prior Experience – Candidates should ideally have:

    • 5+ years’ experience in enablement / execution of Tactical Data Link operations.

    • 2+ years’ experience with a Data Link Terminal Support/Test facility (TDLSU/MTDLSU or industry).

    • Platform-J Integration Experience.

  • Prior training in one or some of the following areas:

    • JDLMO advanced data link course.

    • NATO Interface Control Officer course (NICO)

    • Maritime Warfare School, tactical picture supervisor/Director (Petty Officer WS(AWT) professional qualification course.

    • Tactical Data-Link Foundation Course.

  • Conversant with relevant Link-16, JREAP, and VMF STANAGs/MIL-STDs/UK VMF Document Set.

  • Comprehensive understanding of multi tactical data link message flows and transactions.

  • Conversant with the UK Link-16 safety management system / frequency clearance agreement.

  • Good grasp of MTDL planning considerations, experience and knowledge of Link-16 terminal systems integration.

  • Working knowledge of Link-16 terminal initialisation & understanding of IP communications.

    Skills & Abilities

  • Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of communication system design and operation.

  • Problem-Solving: Ability to analyse and resolve complex technical challenges effectively.

  • Collaboration: Proven ability to work in cross-functional teams and build strong working relationships.

  • Attention to Detail: Precision in design, testing, and documentation to ensure high-quality outcomes.

  • Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

  • Adaptability: Willingness to learn and work with emerging technologies in dynamic environments.

    Additional Information

  • Competitive Salary: £55,513 - £83,270 depending on experience.

  • Benefits: Excellent benefits package, including up to a 10% annual bonus based on performance, pension scheme, and health insurance.

  • Work Schedule: Full-time role based in South Wales/Southwest with occasional travel to customer sites and the United States. Hybrid working is available on occasion.

  • Professional Development: SNCMS UK provides ample opportunities for training and development, working on cutting-edge technologies and projects.

  • Support for Armed Forces: SNCMS UK is a proud Armed Forces Covenant member and offers 15 days paid leave for reservists and 5 days paid leave for Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers.

    What you will encounter

    Link 16 Terminals (Platform-J): AN/PRC-161(BATS-D), KOR 24A (STT).

    Radios: Harris AN/PRC 163, AN/PRC 167, AN/PRC 117, AN/PRC 160.

    Satellite Communications Technologies: TACSAT, Viasat, Starlink,

    Platform Integration: Dismounted Soldier, Fixed Infrastructure, Off-road Vehicle, Maritime, Fixed and Rotory Wing Aircraft.

    Dismounted Soldier Data Systems: Glenair, Black Diamond, Ultralink.

    Client devices: Windows, Android, Linux.

    Switches/routers: Cisco, Fortigate, Peplink

    Boundary devices: Fortigate, Cisco ASA

    Servers: KLAS, Dell, HPE

    Hypervisors: VMWare, Hyper-V, Proxmox VE.

    VM’s/Containers: Windows OS, Linux, Docker, Kubernetes

    Cloud environments: AWS, Azure

Related Jobs

View all jobs

React.js Developer

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Cloud Computing Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Cloud Job?

If you are aiming for a role in cloud computing, it can feel like the skills list never ends. One job advert asks for AWS, Terraform and Kubernetes. Another mentions Azure DevOps, PowerShell and ARM templates. A third throws in Docker, Python, Linux, CI/CD, monitoring tools and security frameworks. It is no surprise that many cloud job seekers feel overwhelmed before they even apply. Here is the reality most cloud hiring managers agree on: they are not hiring you because you know every cloud tool. They are hiring you because you understand cloud concepts, can design reliable systems, manage costs, keep things secure and support real workloads. Tools matter, but only when they support outcomes. So how many cloud computing tools do you actually need to know to get a job? For most roles, the answer is far fewer than you think. This article explains what employers really expect, which tools are essential, which are role-specific, and how to focus your learning so you look capable and employable rather than scattered.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Cloud Computing Job Applications (UK Guide)

anding a job in cloud computing can be highly competitive — especially in the UK market where demand far outpaces supply in many segments. Whether you’re aiming for roles in Cloud Engineering, DevOps, Site Reliability, Cloud Architecture, Security, Data/Analytics, or Platform Operations, hiring managers screen applications quickly and with specific priorities in mind. Hiring managers don’t read every detail at first; they scan for critical signals in the first 10–20 seconds. These early signals determine whether your CV gets read more closely, whether your LinkedIn profile gets clicked, and whether you’re invited to interview. This guide breaks down, in practical terms, exactly what hiring managers look for first in cloud computing applications — and what you should emphasise in your CV, cover letter and portfolio to stand out on www.cloudcomputingjobs.co.uk .

The Skills Gap in Cloud Computing Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Cloud computing underpins almost every modern digital service. From financial systems and healthcare platforms to AI, e-commerce, government infrastructure and cybersecurity, the cloud is now the default operating environment for UK organisations. Demand for cloud professionals has grown rapidly, with roles spanning architecture, engineering, security, DevOps, platform operations and cost optimisation. Salaries remain high, and vacancies remain stubbornly difficult to fill. Yet despite a growing number of graduates with computer science, IT and software engineering degrees, employers across the UK report a persistent problem: Too many candidates are not job-ready for real cloud computing roles. This is not a question of intelligence or motivation. It is a structural skills gap between what universities teach and what cloud jobs actually require. This article explores that gap in depth: what universities do well, what they consistently miss, why the gap exists, what employers genuinely want, and how jobseekers can bridge the divide to build sustainable careers in cloud computing.