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Air Combat Systems Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Beyond SOF

Brawler Air Combat Simulation

Hampton, VA · On-site

Experience in modeling & simulation of modern combat aircraft, other airborne systems, and weapons ... Air Combat Simulation, or Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM)

ManTech

Navy Combat Systems Trainer

San Diego, CA

$77K - $128K/yr

Combat Systems Officer of the Watch (CSOOW) letter Clearance Requirements: * Must be a U.S. Citizen and possess an active Secret security clearance Physical Requirements: * The person in this ...

ManTech

Combat Systems Analyst

Norfolk, VA

$62K - $103K/yr

... CSMO and Ship's Maintenance Officer * 10+ years of technical, management, development and ... combat systems requirements Clearance Requirements: * Must be a U.S. Citizen and have the ability ...

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Air Combat Systems Officer information

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$21K

$82.7K

$147.5K

How much do air combat systems officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for air combat systems officer in the United States is $82,740.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Combat Systems Officer?

To thrive as an Air Combat Systems Officer, you need a strong background in aeronautics, navigation, and military tactics, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized military training. Familiarity with advanced avionics, radar systems, communication technologies, and mission planning software is essential. Outstanding situational awareness, quick decision-making, teamwork, and strong communication skills set top performers apart. These skills ensure mission success, operational safety, and effective coordination in high-stakes environments.

What is an Air Combat Systems Officer?

Air Combat Systems Officers (ACSOs) are highly trained military personnel responsible for operating and managing advanced airborne systems on a variety of aircraft. They coordinate navigation, weapons systems, radar, electronic warfare, and communications during missions. ACSOs work closely with pilots and other crew members to ensure the success of complex operations, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions. Their expertise is critical for mission planning, execution, and real-time decision-making in high-pressure environments.

What is the difference between Air Combat Systems Officer vs Pilot?

AspectAir Combat Systems OfficerPilot
Required CredentialsMilitary flight training, specialized systems knowledgeFlight training, pilot certifications, licenses
Work EnvironmentAircraft systems management, mission planningFlying aircraft, navigation, flight operation
Employer & IndustryMilitary aviation, defense sectorCommercial or military airlines, private aviation

Both roles are vital in aviation, with Air Combat Systems Officers focusing on aircraft systems and mission management, while pilots operate and navigate aircraft. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths in military aviation.

What are some common challenges faced by Air Combat Systems Officers during multi-aircraft operations?

Air Combat Systems Officers often face the challenge of managing complex information and maintaining situational awareness during multi-aircraft operations. Coordinating with pilots, other aircrew, and ground teams requires strong communication skills and quick decision-making, especially in rapidly changing environments. Adapting to evolving mission objectives and integrating data from multiple sources can be demanding, but ongoing training and teamwork help officers excel in these high-pressure situations.
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What job categories do people searching Air Combat Systems Officer jobs look for?

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Air Combat Systems Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Combat Systems Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,740 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Fighter Pilot - (Secret Clearance)

MILVETS Systems Technology, Inc.

Hampton, VA • On-site

$83K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position: Fighter Pilot or WSO (Weapon Systems Officer) / CSO (Combat Systems Officer) / NFO (Naval Flight Officer)

Location: Langley AFB, VA

Clearance Required: Active D.O.D. Secret Clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI and SAP/SAR

Employment Type: Full-Time, On-site

MILVETS Systems Technology, Inc. is seeking a mission-driven Fighter Pilot or WSO (Weapon Systems Officer) / CSO (Combat Systems Officer) / NFO (Naval Flight Officer) for Air Combat Command’s Combat Air Forces Distributed Training Center (CAF DTC) at Langley AFB, VA.  Daily, the CAF DTC provides world-class integration training in large force and small team formats to combat units around the globe against cutting-edge threats in a boundless virtual battle space.

About the company: Since its founding in 1986, MILVETS Systems Technology, Inc. has been a reliable provider of quality services in the information and technology fields. As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, certified by the Small Business Administration as a Small Disadvantaged Business, the company was founded to offer efficient, cost-effective information technology services to commercial and government clients.

Responsibilities:

  • Facilitate integration training by role-playing fighter aircraft in Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) events for:

- U.S. and allied military aircrew

- Air battle managers

- Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs)

  • Learn and execute missions using Combat Environment Server (CES), Next Generation Threat System (NGTS), and/or Modern Air Combat Environment (MACE)
  • Maintain current knowledge of threats, tactics, techniques, and procedures by reviewing tactics manuals, flash bulletins and tactics bulletins
  • Support daily training by scheduling, mission planning, creating mission materials, briefing, executing, and debriefing the DTC’s Large Force Exercises (LFEs) and Small Team events
  • Attend CAF exercise planning conferences (e.g. RED FLAG), meetings, and sites as to discuss unit training requirements; then, you’ll help the DTC incorporate those unit training requirements into missions

Additional duties may include:

  • Providing consulting expertise to military and/or defense clients to develop and evaluate military training and doctrine
  • Providing specialized planning and/or execution expertise in specialized phases of military training exercises--including doctrinal development, scenario development, after action review and data analysis

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree with 9 years' experience; master’s degree with 7 years' experience; PhD with 4 years' experience
  • Fighter Pilot, NFO, CSO, or WSO with any of the following aircraft = (F-15, F-16, F/A-18, EA-18G, F-22, F-35)
  • Thorough knowledge of AFTTP 3-1 fighter or bomber employment, or other service equivalent manual
  • Operationally relevant experience within the past 10 years (simulator experience considered)
  • Secret Clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI and SAP/SAR

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Mission Commander qualified
  • Instructor Pilot/WSO/CSO/NFO experience
  • Thorough knowledge of 5th gen fighter employment and/or integration
  • Possess an active DoD Top Secret security clearance

The U.S. Air Force can only utilize its full capability against modern threats in a virtual environment.  Be a part of that environment and continue to make the USAF the best Air Force in the world, at the CAF DTC.

MILVETS offers an excellent benefits package including Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Vision, 401(k), Paid Time Off. 

Applicants for U.S. based positions with MILVETS Systems Technology, Inc. must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

www.dhs.gov/E-Verify     E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

MILVETS Systems Technology, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and maintains a Drug-Free Workplace.

MILVETS Systems Technology, Inc. (“MILVETS”) uses JazzHR Talent Fit AI to assist in candidate evaluation. This tool leverages artificial intelligence to generate insights but does not make autonomous hiring decisions. All employment decisions are made solely by MILVETS’ recruitment and management teams.  

Candidate data processed through JazzHR Talent Fit AI is handled in compliance with applicable privacy and data protection regulations, including GDPR, and MILVETS’ internal policies. MILVETS is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and complies with all relevant EEOC regulations to ensure fair and equitable hiring practices.  

By applying, candidates acknowledge and consent to the use of this tool for recruitment purposes.

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