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Air Operations Center Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

With deep expertise in data center development, engineering, and operations, Ascent supports ... Room Air Condition Units is a plus. * Experience in change management or work order management ...

Intelligence Planner - Mid

Newport News, VA · On-site

$85K - $107K/yr

This position plays a critical role in integrating Defense and National intelligence capabilities into operational planning processes, with direct support to Air Operations Center (AOC)/Intelligence ...

Intelligence Planner - Mid

Newport News, VA · On-site

$85K - $107K/yr

This position plays a critical role in integrating Defense and National intelligence capabilities into operational planning processes, with direct support to Air Operations Center (AOC)/Intelligence ...

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Air Operations Center information

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How much do air operations center jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 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 jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the context of Air Operations Center roles, high-paying positions such as experienced air traffic controllers or specialized military roles can reach or exceed $10,000 per month without a college degree, often requiring extensive training, certifications, and security clearances. These jobs typically involve shift work, technical skills, and operational responsibility. Outside of this field, careers like commercial pilots, real estate brokers, or sales managers can also achieve similar earnings without a degree, depending on experience and performance.

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

In the US, high-paying roles related to Air Operations Centers typically include senior military officers, defense contractors, and specialized aerospace or aviation managers, often requiring advanced certifications, security clearances, and extensive experience. These positions may involve leadership, strategic planning, and technical expertise, with salaries reaching or exceeding $300,000 annually for top-level roles. Such jobs are usually found in government agencies, defense contractors, or large aerospace organizations.

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 manages aircraft movements, air defense, and mission execution, often using specialized software and communication tools to ensure effective airspace management and mission success.

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 5 jobs that don't exist anymore?

In the context of air operations, roles like radar operators, flight dispatchers for manual navigation, and air traffic control positions relying solely on analog systems have become obsolete due to technological advancements. Additionally, jobs such as aerial reconnaissance pilots using film cameras and manual navigation specialists have been phased out. Modern air operations now rely on digital tools, automated systems, and advanced communication technologies, reducing the need for these traditional roles.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. 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.
Air Operations Systems Engineer (Test & Evaluation) with Security Clearance

Air Operations Systems Engineer (Test & Evaluation) with Security Clearance

Torch Technologies Inc.

Eglin Air Force Base, FL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Torch Technologies Thank you for your interest in employment with Torch Technologies. We are a 100% employee-owned, Certified Great Place To Work and named Best Places to Work in Huntsville/Madison County, headquartered in Huntsville, AL. Our team provides superior research, development, and engineering services to the Federal Government and Department of War. As one of the nation's top 100 defense companies, the services we provide directly support the men and women who serve our country. Our corporate mission sums up the pride our employee-owners take in the work we do: "Lighting the Pathway of Freedom". And, as a Certified Evergreen ESOP, we have made the commitment to grow and sustain our company for the next 100 years! Come grow with us! Torch Technologies is seeking an Air Operations Command and Control (C2) Test Engineer with the 96th Cyberspace Test Group (96 CTG) at Eglin AFB, FL. The 96 CTG is the DoW's premier organization for Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E), responsible for ensuring the mission readiness of critical C4ISR, Cyber, and Electronic Warfare programs. This is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise to complex challenges and directly contribute to the warfighter's technological advantage. As an Air Operations Command and Control (C2) Test Engineer, your duties will include the following, but are not limited to: * Lead Test & Evaluation Lifecycle: Drive the end-to-end development test and evaluation (DT&E) process for the AOC Weapon System in both on-premises and cloud environments. This includes authoring comprehensive test strategies, plans, and procedures; executing Developmental Test (DT), Operational Test (OT), and Risk Reduction efforts; and delivering detailed technical reports with actionable findings.
* Perform Rigorous System Analysis: Conduct in-depth data analysis to evaluate system performance against technical specifications and operational requirements. Identify, document, and report system deficiencies, verify compliance with standards, and assess the stability of various system configurations to ensure mission readiness.
* Serve as a Technical Subject Matter Expert: Act as a key technical advisor on the operational employment of the AOC WS and other C2 systems. Collaborate closely with System Program Offices, development contractors, and senior engineers to coordinate test objectives, schedules, and budgets, ensuring alignment across all program stakeholders.
* Support the full system lifecycle through required travel to both developer and operational locations for hands-on integration, testing, and direct user feedback sessions. Testing and analysis is focused on the following functional areas: Strategy Division (SRD) Support * Verify the system's capability to support the development, documentation, and dissemination of key strategic products, including the Joint Air Operations Plan (JAOP), Air Operations Directive (AOD), and the JFACC's air apportionment recommendation.
* Test functionalities related to the development and modification of Rules of Engagement (ROE/RUF) and Commander's Critical Information Requirements (CCIR).
* Evaluate the system's assessment tools to ensure they effectively track Measures of Effectiveness (MOE) and Measures of Performance (MOP) and generate accurate assessment reports. Combat Operations Division (COD) Support * Test the real-time mission monitoring and command and control (C2) functionalities of the system.
* Verify the system's ability to dynamically adjust the ATO in response to a changing operational environment, including executing immediate air support requests and prosecuting time-sensitive targets.
* Evaluate software applications for executing the Air Defense Plan (AADP), managing the tactical data link interface, managing the Common Operational Picture (COP) and monitoring Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations as directed by the RSTA Annex.
* Confirm the system's ability to generate required execution data and reports for delivery to the Strategy Division and higher headquarters. Required Qualifications * US Citizenship
* Bachelor's Degree in a technical field with 3 years' relevant experience. An Associate's degree plus 4 years of experience; or 8 years' experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
* Proven expertise in Air Operations Center (AOC) processes with in-depth, hands-on experience in at least one key division: Strategy (SRD), Combat Plans (CPD), or Combat Operations (COD).
* Comprehensive understanding of the Joint Air Tasking Cycle and its associated products, including the JAOP, AOD, JIPTL, MAAP, ATO, ACO, OPTASKLINK and SPINS.
* Strong analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to deconstruct complex operational workflows and translate them into clear, testable requirements.
* Excellent communication skills, encompassing both oral presentation and technical writing, with proficiency in creating documentation and reports using the MS Office Suite.
* Must possess, or be able to obtain and maintain, a Secret security clearance. Preferred Qualifications * Direct hands-on experience with the AOC Weapon System, preferably from an operational assignment within the Strategy (SRD), Combat Plans (CPD), or Combat Operations (COD) divisions.
* Proven experience in Developmental and/or Operational Testing (DT/OT), including authoring formal test plans, procedures, and reports in accordance with DoW/Air Force test methodologies (e.g., AFI 99-103).
* Experience testing within an Agile software development environment, with a strong understanding of DevOps, continuous integration, and continuous testing principles.
* Demonstrated ability to interface effectively with prime contractors and development teams regarding test objectives, schedules, budgets, and methods.
* Applied knowledge of "F2T2EA" Long Range Kill Chain process, "strat to task" planning, networked datalink architectures (interoperability), and C2 modeling and simulation into AOC processes.
* Familiarity with advanced test concepts such as Design of Experiments (DoE). Schedule: as needed per customer request Work Location: onsite at Eglin AFB, FL Travel: yes, 20% Relocation Assistance Available: No Position Contingent Upon Award of Contract: No #LI-AP1 Benefits: Torch Technologies is proud to offer a stable and professional work environment, a competitive salary, and an excellent, comprehensive benefit package including: ESOP participation, 401(k) match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, Health Saving Accounts and Health Reimbursement Accounts, EAP, education assistance, paid time off, and holidays. Applying to Torch Technologies: Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Employment at Torch Technologies is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, citizenship, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Torch Technologies, Inc. participates in E-Verify. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Careers Link as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by sending an email to . Thank you for your interest in Torch Technologies.