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Air Operations Center Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Strategic Bomber SME

NE · On-site

$93K - $125K/yr

... Air Operations Center (AOC) planning processes and integration of bomber assets into air tasking cycles. • Participate in joint planning forums and provide bomber-specific expertise during strategy ...

Intelligence Planner - Senior

Newport News, VA · On-site

$85K - $107K/yr

This role focuses on integrating Defense and National intelligence capabilities into operational planning processes, ensuring effective ISR employment in support of Air Operations Center (AOC ...

Intelligence Planner - Senior

Newport News, VA · On-site

$85K - $107K/yr

This role focuses on integrating Defense and National intelligence capabilities into operational planning processes, ensuring effective ISR employment in support of Air Operations Center (AOC ...

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Air Operations Center information

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$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

D&G Support Services, LLC

NE • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Joint Force Air Component Command (JFACC) Exercise Operations SME
On Site | Offutt AFB, Bellevue, Nebraska | TS/SCI Required
If you want to shape realistic Joint air component operations and support strategic-level exercises that replicate national decision-making and operational execution, we would love to talk.
Why This Role Exists
The work we do has real impact, and the people behind it matter just as much.
D amp;G is seeking a highly experienced Joint Force Air Component Command (JFACC) Exercise Operations Subject Matter Expert to support planning, coordination, and execution of joint operations and exercises. This role provides operational expertise spanning national-level decision-making through unit-level execution, ensuring realistic, mission-focused support to strategic and operational objectives. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of Joint doctrine, weapons system operations, and JFACC processes, with the ability to advise senior leaders and operational teams across complex mission environments.
What You Will Do
• Provide subject matter expertise on Joint doctrine, operational planning processes, and JFACC exercise operations.
• Support end-to-end operational planning and execution from national-level decision-making through unit-level execution.
• Advise leadership and operational teams on weapons systems operations, mission planning, force generation, deployment procedures, and employment tactics.
• Assist in development, coordination, and publication of daily operational orders and related planning products.
• Coordinate with Joint, strategic, and operational stakeholders to support exercise and mission objectives.
• Contribute to exercise scenario development, operational synchronization, and after-action assessments.
• Provide operational insight and recommendations to improve planning effectiveness, execution readiness, and mission integration.
• Communicate complex operational concepts clearly and authoritatively to senior leaders and mission partners.
What We Are Looking For
Required
• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Military Studies, Strategic Studies, International Affairs, or related field preferred; equivalent military operational experience may be substituted.
• Minimum of 9 years of experience supporting Joint doctrine and planning processes.
• Demonstrated experience with end-to-end operational processes from national-level decision-making to unit-level execution.
• Deep understanding of weapons systems operations, including mission planning, force generation, deployment procedures, and employment tactics.
• Experience developing or publishing daily operational orders (e.g., ATO, EXORD, FRAGORD, or equivalent).
• Prior experience working at or coordinating with USSTRATCOM JFACC.
• Strong communication and briefing skills with the ability to speak authoritatively on operational matters.
• Ability to operate effectively in dynamic, high-tempo operational and exercise environments.
Preferred
• Experience supporting Joint exercises, operational planning teams, or Combatant Command activities.
• Background in Air Operations Center (AOC) processes or JFACC operational planning cycles.
• Prior military operational experience in air, space, or joint operations environments.
• Experience collaborating across multi-service and interagency organizations.
Clearance and Eligibility
• Active TS/SCI clearance required.
• This role is restricted to U.S. person(s) (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and other protected individuals under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).
Location
•On site at Offutt Air Force Base, Bellevue, Nebraska.
Who We Are
At D amp;G Solutions, people come first; our teammates, customers, and the communities we serve. We are one of the fastest growing companies in the Washington, DC area and proud to be recognized nationally as a Best Place to Work. As an 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned, and Women Owned Small Business, we bring ownership, accountability, and care to everything we do. We also deeply believe in giving back and proudly support organizations such as Homes for Our Troops, SemperK9, and Wreaths Across America.
Our teams are welcoming, collaborative, and deeply committed to mission success. We believe great work happens when people feel supported, respected, and trusted, and we work hard to create that environment every day.
What We Offer
Competitive salary | Benefits | 401(k) | Bonus and profit sharing | Flexible hours | Education reimbursement | PTO
Final Note
If you want to work for a company that cares about its people, contribute to a mission that truly matters, and be part of a team where you are valued for who you are as well as what you do, we would love to hear from you