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Air Intercept Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Air Support pilot for Marine Corps large force employment exercise, or intercept controller training. * Maintain FAA instrument currency, First Class medical certification, and adversary mission ...

... Air Support pilot for US Navy, Marine Corps and USAF aircrew, JTAC, surface fleet, large force employment exercise, or intercept controller training. • Maintain FAA instrument currency, Second ...

... Intercept Controller, Air Traffic Control, and threat simulation Requirements: Required Qualifications/Experience: * Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a related discipline, or ...

... Air Support pilot for US Navy, Marine Corps and USAF aircrew, JTAC, surface fleet, large force employment exercise, or intercept controller training. • Maintain FAA instrument currency, Second ...

The ISSM will assist with wing-level interface between HQ ACC, AFGSC, AFSOC, AETC, Combat Air Force ... or controlled by the wing and associated personnel. * Certify special access AIS to ensure ...

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Air Intercept Controller information

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How much do air intercept controller jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for air intercept controller in the United States is $28.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for an Air Intercept Controller?

On a typical day, Air Intercept Controllers are responsible for monitoring radar displays, coordinating with pilots and other command personnel, and providing precise instructions to guide aircraft during interception missions or training exercises. The role often requires rapid decision-making, constant communication with both air and ground units, and the ability to quickly adapt to evolving airspace situations. Teamwork is key, as you’ll closely collaborate with other controllers, intelligence personnel, and aircrew to ensure mission objectives are safely and efficiently achieved. This dynamic environment allows you to regularly refine technical skills while contributing to national defense and airspace security.

What is an Air Intercept Controller job?

An Air Intercept Controller (AIC) is responsible for guiding military aircraft during tactical operations, including air-to-air intercepts and engagements. They use radar and communication systems to provide real-time information, ensuring pilots have situational awareness and positioning advantages. AICs work closely with fighter pilots, surveillance teams, and command centers to coordinate missions effectively. Their role is critical for air defense, combat operations, and training exercises.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Air Intercept Controller position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Intercept Controller, you need a solid understanding of radar operations, air defense tactics, and usually must complete specialized military training or certification. Familiarity with command and control (C2) systems, secure communications equipment, and real-time tracking software is essential. Strong decision-making skills, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are highly valued in this role. These competencies are critical for directing aircraft during live intercept missions, ensuring mission success, and maintaining operational safety.

More about Air Intercept Controller jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Intercept Controller jobs? The most popular types of Air Intercept Controller jobs are:
Infographic showing various Air Intercept Controller job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,144 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Fighter Pilot - CP, ATAC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Textron rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 63 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Who We Are

Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems.

This role is in Textron System's Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) business area. Visit TextronSystems.com & Lycoming.com to read more about who we are and the products we make!

About ATAC

Textron Systems - ATAC provides tactical flight training and Adversary, Red Air and Aggressor services to the U.S. Navy, Marines and the US Air Force. ATAC operates simultaneously across eight permanent sites spanning the CONUS, Hawaii and the Pacific. ATAC proudly provides the highest quality live training to 4th and 5th Generation aircrew in Squadrons, Air Wings, and Battle Groups conducting unit level continuation training, pre-deployment spin-up training, large force employment training, or aircrew conversion training. ATAC was the first civilian organization to support the USAF's F-22 Raptors as well as the USN's and USMC's F-35 Lightning IIs. www.atacusa.com.

Summary

Fly the Dassault Mirage F-1 in regular support of US Navy, Marine Corps, and US Air Force training and readiness missions. Fly in support of 4th and 5th Generation Fighter operational and conversion syllabus and continuation training missions. Support surface fleet pre-deployment training and large force employment missions.

Marine Contracts: Conduct flight operations from ATAC'S permanent facilities at Cherry Point, NC. Deploy as required to various locations.

Job Responsibilities

  • Employ the ATAC fighter aircraft throughout their flight envelope as a surrogate Adversary, Red Air, Aggressor or Close Air Support pilot for Marine Corps large force employment exercise, or intercept controller training.
  • Maintain FAA instrument currency, First Class medical certification, and adversary mission qualifications and associated mission currencies, to include low level, dynamic mission, and unlimited air combat tactics maneuvering in the high-G environment.
  • Attend mass briefings, adversary coordination briefings and other pre-flight briefings. Plan and fly adversary missions. Accomplish flight debriefings and attend mass debriefings.
  • Adhere to all training rules and pre-briefed maneuvering restrictions
  • Collect and disseminate lessons learned.
  • Accomplish necessary ground training prior to flights
  • Deploy as required to support mission requirements

Minimum Qualifications

  • Previously qualified DoD-trained Fighter Pilot
  • Previously qualified 4-Ship/Division Flight Lead
  • 700 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD-owned/operated fighter aircraft
  • 100 hours PIC at night
  • Logged 100 hours PIC time in the past 12 months
  • Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
  • FAA Single Engine, Commercial Certificate with Instrument Privileges
  • Secret Security Clearance, US Citizen

Specific Contract Qualifications

  • 1000 hours PIC of a military tactical aircraft

  • 500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD-owned/operated fighter aircraft

Desired Qualifications

  • USAF WIC graduate, USAF adversary qualification
  • USNFWS/NAWDC/TOPGUN graduate
  • TPS graduate
  • DoD military Instructor Pilot qualification
  • Mission Commander qualification
  • Military or Civilian Flight Examiner qualification
  • Functional Check Flight Pilot qualification
  • NVG Instructor, CRM Instructor
  • FAA CFI(I) Certificate
  • Familiarization with DoD Commercial Air Services industry
  • FAA Authorized Experimental Aircraft (AEA) privileges (list types)
  • DoD Safety School or Board President Course graduate
  • Squadron Command experience
  • Active fighter flying (for each fighter type, provide total hours, date of last sortie)
  • Actively flying (provide 1-year look-back per active aircraft type)

How We Care

At Textron Systems, our talented people make us successful. Our Company is committed to offering employees opportunities to grow and develop. Our benefits and compensation packages are designed to help our talented employees excel and achieve their goals, so they can make a difference every day in and outside of the workplace. Below are just a few examples!

  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Education Assistance
  • Career Development & Training Opportunities
  • Wellness Program (including Fitness Reimbursement)
  • Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(K) with Company Funding
  • Paid Parental Leave

Are you a Military Veteran?

Textron's products and services are trusted everyday by those who protect our country. We are dedicated to hiring these Veterans and aim to translate their skills to make an impact on our Company.


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About Textron

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems.

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Providence, RI, US

Year founded

1923