THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION. This National Guard position is for a LINK UNIT MANAGER, Position Description Number NGT6387000 and is part of the ME 101st Operations Support Squadron, National Guard.
This position is located in a Mission Planning Cell (MPC), Operations Support Squadron. The MPC's mission is to support all TDL and integrated air defense testing and training requirements for Department of Defense customers. This position directly supports user requirements for planning, executing, evaluating, and reporting testing and training objectives, mission debrief capabilities, and associated contract Quality Control.
This position also determines requirements for and provides complete project support for Department of Defense testing and training in support of exercises and integration with all partners. MAJOR DUTIES: Serves as the Link Unit Manager (LUM) and technical expert/advisor for planning, coordinating, and scheduling Tactical Data Link (TDL) operations, maintenance, and equipment for the Mobility Air Force (MAF) Wing.
Within the MPC, provides oversight of TDL activities pertaining to the assigned unit and Air Mobility Command (AMC) in accordance with the duties outlined in AFMAN 13-116.Develops tailored procedures, conducts technical training and support, and improves processes of TDL systems for users and maintainers. Recommends changes to operations and maintenance processes to improve mission readiness and system capabilities.
Briefs wing leadership on the operation and performance of multiple TDLs. Coordinates with local reserve units to ensure support for weekend exercises. Coordinates the preparations, maintenance, and equipment configurations to execute TDL Network operations in the MPC/Local Airspace which may include working with Major Command (MAJCOM) and appropriate contractors.
Facilitates support and resolution for complex Data Link system to include troubleshooting feeds, tasked sensors, and reporting systems in aircraft and/or mobile ground stations with respect to mission planning and long-term homeland air defense implications.
Ensures transient, joint, and coalition airframes are equipped with the appropriate client software confirming TDL capability, intelligence, operations, and communications data is received and distributed to subordinate USAF Command and Control elements. Manages execution of the Datalink architecture and coordinates with range and test facilities.
Coordinates with Headquarters United States Air Force (HQ USAF) and Theater/Range Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) on issues related to TDL Network interoperability. Analyzes and resolves problems in order to maintain long-term Data Link architecture due to technology advancements, increased numbers of TDL Network injects, and increased complexity of systems while identifying current and future network information exchange requirements.
Train and prepare crews for operational use of TDL capability in deployments and operations in other Area of Operations (AOR). Applies knowledge of and provides solutions to various weapon systems' Data Link capabilities and their limiting factors, taking into consideration transmission protocols, bandwidth, and message implementation.
Coordinates with Theater/Range JICOs (as applicable), local airspace, TDL users, Electronics coring Ranges, and HQ Air Combat Command (ACC) as the focal points for managing and modifying the TDL networks for execution of all procedures operating in ACC. Represents the MAF at higher levels within AMC, MAJCOMs, and at conferences with HQ USAF, Department of Defense(DoD) and other agencies.
Supports establishment and maintenance of effective working relationships with other coordinating organizations at the field grade officer level. Delivers presentations on status, accomplishments, problems, and requirements for support to organization leadership or other DoD agencies, as required. May advise MAJCOM on Position Description modifications for unit and Manpower Data System (MDS) support.
Responsible for ensuring all multi-TDL networks, sensor networks, and intelligence networks are combined and forwarded on to the MPC's Common Operational Picture (COP). Assists MAF Aircrew in planning TDL network architectures during peacetime, contingency, and wartime operations. Coordinates joint/coalition inputs and adjusts to operational and strategic dynamics.
Supports development of architectures for all major Coalition and Joint exercises, including Weapon School and Operational Test unit support, on-local Flag and non-Flag exercise coordination. Participates in the command LUM monthly meeting. Maintains relationships with those ACC TDL Operations and Management Organization(TDLOMO) personnel supporting Wing Level TDL operations.
Provides oversight of TDL network operations while conducting testing and training missions in accordance with all pertinent instructions. Responsible for development, management, maintenance, and annual review of TDL checklists. Performs as a liaison with multi-command agencies regarding support to testing and training missions.
If you are using Education to qualify for this position, you must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.
kacy.hikel@us.af.mil · 207-430-6028
This position is with Air National Guard Units, Department of the Air Force.
The posted pay range is $89508 – $116362/yr.
Applications close on 2026-09-30.
This position is open under the 'Fed Excepted' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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