LINK UNIT MANAGER Job in Bangor, ME

Vacancy No. ME-13060673-AF-T5-26-159 Department Air National Guard Units
Salary $89,508.00 to $116,362.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/11/2026 Close Date 9/30/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Bangor, ME


LINK UNIT MANAGER

Department of the Air Force
Air National Guard Units

Summary

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 job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Area I: All Current On-Board Permanent and Term Title 32 and Title 5 (Competitive & Excepted) Employees Area II: Currently serving members of the Maine Air and Army National Guard. (Veterans' Preference will Apply) Area III: Former members of the Maine Air and Army National Guard. (Veterans' Preference will Apply)

Duties

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.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.

Qualifications

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Experience, education or training which provided a general knowledge of principles of organization, management, and administration. Compiling reports, letters, memoranda, etc., and required person-to-person contacts to convey information. Progressively responsible experience which demonstrates the ability to provide technical guidance and assistance in the type of work or in comparable work of the position to be filled. Experience using computer and automation systems.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Experience, education or training in program or managerial experience in a type of work or a combination of functions directly related to the position to be filled or in comparable work or functions. Experience developing and recommending policy; organizing and carrying out specific programs, evaluating and recommending changes in methods of operations. Experience in supervisory, staff or technical work which included study, analysis or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of managerial or administrative policies, practices and procedures. Experience preparing written communications and oral presentations. Experience with the KC-135 RTIC TDL combat system.

Education

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.

Additional information

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

1. Ability to develop tailored procedures, conduct technical training and support, and improve processes of TDL systems for users and maintainers.

2. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing, using presentation and report formats.

3. Skill in recommending changes to operations and maintenance processes to improve mission readiness and system capabilities

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your resume showing:

  • Contact Information-your name and the best way to contact you.
  • Relevant work experience-include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (month/year), the number of hours worked per week and describe how you meet the required qualifications of the job. Federal jobs should include series and grade.
  • Education, certifications or licensures.

2. Other supporting documents: It is highly suggested that applicants address the General and Specialized Experience required of the position within their resume or on a separate document. All information provided during the application process will be verified. Failure to address all General and Specialized Experience requirements may result in non-selection for an interview.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13060673

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.


To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

Kacy Hikel
Phone
207-430-6028
Email
kacy.hikel@us.af.mil
Address
ME 101st Operations Support Squadron
105 Maineiac Ave
Bangor, ME 04401
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

Air National Guard Units

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

The National Guard is the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States. Since the earliest American colonial days, citizens have joined together for collective defense. We have a proud tradition of coming to the aid of our friends and neighbors in times of serious emergencies. Join our National Guard team and serve your nation, your states and your community!

Agency contact information

Kacy Hikel
Phone
207-430-6028
Email
kacy.hikel@us.af.mil
Address
ME 101st Operations Support Squadron
105 Maineiac Ave
Bangor, ME 04401
US

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