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Air Operations Center Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qualis LLC

Strategic Bomber SME

NE · On-site

$93K - $125K/yr

Air Operations Center experience is required. This position is contingent upon contract award. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE At a minimum, the ideal candidate will meet the following experience ...

T3i, Inc.

C2 Operations SME

Huntsville, AL · On-site

The ideal candidate is a highly experienced and respected professional with significant time inside an Air and Missile Defense (AMD), Joint Operations Center (JOC), Air Operations Center (AOC), or ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Air Defense Control SME

Stafford, VA

$86K - $198K/yr

Experience operating within a Tactical Air Operations Center (TAOC) to direct aircraft and air-defense assets, integrate intelligence for targeting, prosecute deep air support missions, and identify ...

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How much do air operations center jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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 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 within a specific area. It manages aircraft movements, mission execution, and air defense, often utilizing advanced communication and surveillance tools to ensure mission success and safety.

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:
What job categories do people searching Air Operations Center jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Air Operations Center jobs are:
Air Operations Center jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Operations Center job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,239 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Strategic Bomber SME

Qualis LLC

NE • On-site

$93K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Qualis LLC is seeking a full-time Strategic Bomber Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support USSTRATCOM operational planning, training, exercise, and assessment activities. This position requires extensive practical strategic bomber operational experience supporting B-1, B-2, B-52, and/or B-21 operations. The Strategic Bomber SME shall support operational planning, coordination, training, and exercise activities involving strategic bomber operations and mission requirements. The position requires experience working within Office of the Secretary of War, Joint Staff, Combatant Command (CCMD), Service, MAJCOM, or equivalent operational environments. Air Operations Center experience is required. This position is contingent upon contract award.


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

At a minimum, the ideal candidate will meet the following experience requirements (candidates that exceed these requirements are strongly preferred):

  • Minimum 15 years of practical B-1, B-2, B-52, and/or B-21 operational experience as an officer.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience working at the Office of the Secretary of War, Joint Staff, Combatant Command (CCMD), Service, MAJCOM, or equivalent operational environment.
  • Air Operations Center experience required.
  • Master’s degree or higher required.
  • Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase II graduate required.
  • Senior Service School graduate required.
  • Weapons School graduate required.
  • Experience supporting operational planning, coordination, training, or exercise activities.


SUPERVISION: This position may coordinate with Government personnel, operational planners, air operations personnel, training personnel, and operational support teams in support of mission and planning activities.

Additional Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of strategic bomber operations and operational planning processes
  • Knowledge of Joint operational and training activities
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment
  • Strong organizational and communication skills


SYSTEM KNOWLEDGE: Microsoft Office Suite and standard operational planning and collaboration tools.


LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret operational guidance, exercise planning documents, operational orders, and Joint doctrine publications. Ability to write reports, briefing materials, and operational support documentation in support of exercise planning and execution activities.


MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to apply analytical and operational reasoning techniques in support of exercise planning and operational coordination activities.


REASONING ABILITY: Ability to analyze operational requirements, support Joint exercise planning activities, and coordinate with multiple organizations in support of training objectives and operational requirements.


TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Domestic temporary duty (TDY) travel may be required in support of planning conferences, meetings, and exercise activities.


SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

  • Final Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance required
  • Must comply with all USSTRATCOM and Department of Defense security requirements
  • Must be able to work within classified operational environments and Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs).


PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee may be required to work extended hours during exercises, crisis response operations, and short-notice production deadlines. Specific vision abilities required include close vision for detailed intelligence analysis. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs periodically.


WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in secure government facilities supporting USSTRATCOM missions, exercises, and training activities. Position may require support during exercise execution periods and operational planning events.


Benefits

Qualis LLC is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse and talented workforce who can contribute to the mission and vision of the Company. Our employees are our greatest asset and we promote a positive work environment, teamwork, professional growth, innovation, community involvement, flexible scheduling and a family-friendly work environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer/M/F/Vet/Disabled and a Participant in E-Verify