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Air Force Combat Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ORA_REMOTE Description SAIC is seeking an NGTS/MACE/AFSIM Model Controller / Air Operations SME CAF/MAF/AFSOC (Pilot, Combat Systems Operator, or Air Battle Manager) to support the US Air Force ...

ORA_REMOTE Description SAIC is seeking an NGTS/MACE/AFSIM Model Controller / Air Operations SME CAF/MAF/AFSOC (Pilot, Combat Systems Operator, or Air Battle Manager) to support the US Air Force ...

ORA_REMOTE Description SAIC is seeking an NGTS/MACE/AFSIM Model Controller / Air Operations SME CAF/MAF/AFSOC (Pilot, Combat Systems Operator, or Air Battle Manager) to support the US Air Force ...

The ASCCE Model controller/Exercise Gamer shall support worldwide Air Force and Joint/Coalition ... Combat Systems Interface (CSI), Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS), Air Force Synthetic ...

The ASCCE Model controller/Exercise Gamer shall support worldwide Air Force and Joint/Coalition ... Combat Systems Interface (CSI), Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS), Air Force Synthetic ...

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Air Force Combat Controller information

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$55K

$119.5K

$175.5K

How much do air force combat controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for air force combat controller in the United States is $119,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do Air Force combat controllers make?

Air Force combat controllers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually during initial enlistment, with pay increasing with rank, experience, and additional qualifications. Advanced certifications and deployment can also lead to higher compensation, and they often receive special duty pay for their demanding environment and skills in combat and air traffic control.

How to be a combat controller in the Air Force?

To become an Air Force Combat Controller, candidates must meet specific requirements including age, education, and physical fitness standards, and pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. They must complete Basic Military Training (BMT) followed by specialized training at the Combat Control School, which includes intense physical conditioning, airborne operations, and combat skills. Successful candidates earn certification in air traffic control, parachuting, and combat tactics, preparing them for deployment in challenging environments.

Are USAF combat controllers tier 1?

USAF combat controllers are considered Tier 1 special operations forces, indicating they are among the most elite and highly trained units in the military. They undergo rigorous training, including the Combat Control School and additional special operations courses, to perform precise air traffic control, reconnaissance, and direct action missions in challenging environments.

What is the job of an air force combat controller?

An Air Force Combat Controller is a special operations airman trained to coordinate air and ground forces, conduct reconnaissance, and establish communications in combat environments. They often operate in austere conditions, use advanced communication and navigation tools, and require certification in survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE).
Infographic showing various Air Force Combat Controller job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,497 per year, or $57.5 per hour.
Mathematical Modeling and Simulation Analyst

Mathematical Modeling and Simulation Analyst

ManTech

Arlington, VA

$104K - $172K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


ManTech rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 209 rated software companies


Job description

Description & Requirements
Shape the future of defense with MANTECH! Join a team dedicated to safeguarding our nation through advanced tech and innovative solutions. Since 1968, we've been a trusted partner to the Department of Defense, delivering cutting-edge projects that make a real impact. Dive into exciting opportunities in Cybersecurity, IT, Data Analytics and more. Propel your career forward and be part of something extraordinary. Your journey starts now-protect and innovate with MANTECH!

MANTECH seeks a self-motivated, career and customer-oriented Mathematical Modeling and Simulation Analyst. This is an onsite position performing Modeling & Simulation (M&S) functions at Secretary of the Air Force, Studies and Analysis (SAF/SA) at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA.

In this role, you will be part of a team responsible for the continued development, coding, management, and running of the Combat Forces Assessment Model (CFAM) while conducting campaign-level analysis. You will be a key player in M&S functions and operations through designing, developing and presenting results of various studies.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Conduct and participate in short notice as well as long-term analytical studies and assessments using a variety of tools and techniques to include qualitative, spreadsheet, and computer simulation-based analyses

  • Leading and assisting in the development of analysis plans for trade-off studies of Air Force combat aircraft and weapon requirements, modernization, and new acquisitions. Typical studies include weapon capability analyses, aircraft survivability analyses, current and future combat aircraft inventory requirement analyses, and weapon acquisition analyses

  • Using available data, subject matter expert knowledge, and best judgement, create and maintain input data for Combat Forces Assessment Model (CFAM) and work with other computer simulations

  • Run CFAM and analyze output data. Verify and validate the results

  • Present analysis of CFAM output to include insights, conclusions, and recommendations in written documents and verbal briefings for review by Air Force decision makers

  • Attend and participate in meetings both locally and at other locations as a subject matter expert on CFAM, air combat analysis, and SAF/SA analytic capability

  • Complete computer-based and in person training as required by the government and company policy

  • Travel up to 25% within the continental United States in support of customer needs

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Operations Research, or related engineering and 5+ years of modeling and simulation experience

  • Experience in software programming skills using General Algebraic Modeling Systems

  • Experience in Linear Programming

  • Experience in data analysis, identifying trends in multi-variate data

  • Experience using Microsoft Office products (ex. Excel, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 10+ experience in the US Air Force or other military service

  • Graduate degree in Operations Research/Mathematics/Linear and Nonlinear Optimization

  • Experience in modeling & simulation of modern combat aircraft, other airborne systems, and weapons employment at the campaign level

  • Experience developing study plans that include background, purpose of study, scope/limitations, critical assumptions and constraints, measures of effectiveness, study parameters and variables, methodology description, data requirements and schedule

  • Capable of managing a team of experienced full-stack software engineers who program the front and back ends of a complex software application

Clearance Requirements:

  • Must be a US Citizen and have a current and active, Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret with SCI clearance

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50%.

  • Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer

  • The person in this position frequently communicates with co-workers, management, and customers


The projected compensation range for this position is $104,200.00-$172,900.00. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories.  In addition, MANTECH invests in its employees beyond just compensation.  MANTECH's benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, short-term and long-term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections.

MANTECH considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to disability or veteran status or any other status protected under any federal, state, or local law or regulation.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with MANTECH, please email us at careers@mantech.com and provide your name and contact information.

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