1

Air Operations Center Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Briefs senior leaders, Combined Air Operations Center personnel, 9AF (AFCENT) staff, and supported units on adversary air defense threats and associated operational risk. * Performs other related ...

Briefs senior leaders, Combined Air Operations Center personnel, 9AF (AFCENT) staff, and supported units on adversary air defense threats and associated operational risk. Performs other related ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Air Operations Center information

See salary details

$9

$24

$49

How much do air operations center jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for air operations center in the United States is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What's the easiest job to get in the Air Force?

In the Air Operations Center, entry-level positions such as administrative or support roles are generally easier to obtain with minimal specialized training. These jobs often require basic qualifications and may serve as a stepping stone to more advanced roles within the unit.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the US, high-paying roles related to Air Operations Centers often include senior military officers, defense contractors, and specialized aerospace or aviation managers, especially those with extensive experience, security clearances, and advanced certifications. These positions typically require leadership skills, technical expertise, and often involve working in high-stakes environments or with government agencies. Salaries at this level are usually achieved through seniority, specialized skills, or executive roles within defense and aerospace sectors.

Can I work for the Air Force as a civilian?

Yes, the Air Operations Center employs civilians in various roles supporting air operations, logistics, and planning. Civilian positions often require relevant experience, security clearances, and adherence to federal employment standards, and they typically offer full-time schedules with competitive benefits.

What does an air operations center do?

An air operations center (AOC) is a command and control facility responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating air operations. It monitors air traffic, manages aircraft movements, and ensures mission effectiveness through real-time communication and strategic decision-making, often using specialized software and communication tools.

What is an Air Operations Center?

An Air Operations Center (AOC) is a command and control facility used by the military, particularly the Air Force, to plan, direct, and coordinate air and space operations. It serves as the central hub for managing air missions, monitoring airspace, and integrating information from various sources to ensure effective execution of operations. AOCs play a crucial role in both peacetime and combat scenarios, supporting joint and coalition forces by providing real-time situational awareness and decision-making support.

What is the difference between Air Operations Center vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectAir Operations CenterAir Traffic Controller
Primary RoleOversees military or large-scale air operations, coordinating strategic and tactical missionsManages aircraft movement within controlled airspace to ensure safety and efficiency
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, command centers, or large airfieldsAirports, control towers, and radar facilities
CredentialsMilitary or specialized certifications, security clearancesFAA certification, radar and communication training

While both roles involve air traffic management, the Air Operations Center focuses on strategic military or large-scale air missions, whereas the Air Traffic Controller manages daily aircraft movements at airports to ensure safety and efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an Air Operations Center, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Air Operations Center, you need strong analytical skills, situational awareness, and a background in military operations or air traffic management, often supported by relevant security clearances and specialized military training. Familiarity with command and control systems, mission planning software, and communication platforms is typically required. Exceptional teamwork, decision-making under pressure, and clear communication are vital soft skills for success in this environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring mission effectiveness, operational safety, and seamless coordination in dynamic and high-stakes scenarios.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in an Air Operations Center, and how can they be effectively managed?

Professionals in an Air Operations Center (AOC) often face challenges such as managing rapidly changing mission priorities, handling high volumes of information, and coordinating across multiple teams and agencies under tight timelines. Effective management relies on strong communication skills, adaptability, and proficiency with advanced command and control technologies. Regular training, clear standard operating procedures, and fostering a collaborative environment are key strategies for overcoming these challenges and ensuring mission success.
More about Air Operations Center jobs
What states have the most Air Operations Center jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Operations Center jobs include:
Infographic showing various Air Operations Center job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,239 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
Joint Force Air Component Command (JFACC) Exercise Operations SME

Joint Force Air Component Command (JFACC) Exercise Operations SME

Delta Solutions & Strategies

Offutt Air Force Base, NE

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Delta Solutions & Strategies is looking for a Joint Force Air Component Command (JFACC) Exercise Operations SME at Offutt Air Force Base. This position supports United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) Joint Exercises, Training, and Assessment Directorate (J7) in the planning, coordination, execution, and assessment of strategic-level joint exercises and training events supporting strategic deterrence and global operations missions.

This position will provide senior-level operational expertise in JFACC operations and air component integration supporting live, virtual, constructive, and simulated exercise environments. This role supports the development of realistic operational training scenarios involving mission planning, air operations coordination, force deployment, operational execution, and battle staff integration.
What you'll be doing:
  • Support the planning, coordination, execution, and assessment of joint and strategic-level exercises and training events.
  • Provide subject matter expertise on Joint Force Air Component Command (JFACC) operations and air component integration.
  • Support development of realistic exercise scenarios involving air mission planning, air operations execution, aircraft deployment procedures, force generation activities, air refueling coordination, airfield and runway operations, air traffic control coordination, intelligence integration, and weapons system employment tactics.
  • Assist in development of operational orders, exercise products, operational timelines, and mission execution materials.
  • Coordinate with joint planners, battle staffs, and operational stakeholders to support exercise objectives and operational realism.
  • Provide operational expertise related to Air Operations Center (AOC) functions and air component command and control processes.
  • Support operational integration between national-level decision making and unit-level mission execution.
    Participate in planning conferences, rehearsals, after-action reviews, and lessons learned activities.
    Assist with creating realistic operational environments to support strategic deterrence and global operations training objectives.
What you'll need:
  • Minimum of 9 years of experience supporting joint doctrine, operational planning, and military air operations.
  • Prior experience working within or coordinating directly with a Joint Force Air Component Command (JFACC) organization required.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of joint operational planning processes, air component operations, mission planning and execution, operational order development, weapons system operations, deployment and force generation procedures, and Air Operations Center (AOC) functions.
  • Experience supporting Combatant Command, Joint Staff, MAJCOM, or operational-level exercises.
  • Ability to communicate authoritatively on air operations and weapons system employment tactics.
  • Experience supporting large-scale military exercises or operational training environments.
  • Experience supporting senior-level operational planning, joint exercise execution, or air component operations preferred.
  • Prior Combatant Command, Joint Staff, Air Operations Center, or MAJCOM experience preferred.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance required.
Delta Solutions & Strategies offers a generous benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), DTO, paid holidays, military and jury duty paid leaves.
 
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices based on race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring, and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items. EEO/AAP, M, F, V, D
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
apply for this job