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Airborne Combat Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Staff Radar Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

... combat operations-from protecting airspace to enabling advanced airborne early warning and fire ... Mentor and guide team members in radar theory, systems engineering, and operational best practices

Staff Radar Engineer

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$165K - $218K/yr

... combat operations-from protecting airspace to enabling advanced airborne early warning and fire ... Mentor and guide team members in radar theory, systems engineering, and operational best practices

Staff Radar Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

... combat operations-from protecting airspace to enabling advanced airborne early warning and fire ... Mentor and guide team members in radar theory, systems engineering, and operational best practices

Staff Radar Engineer

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$165K - $218K/yr

... combat operations-from protecting airspace to enabling advanced airborne early warning and fire ... Mentor and guide team members in radar theory, systems engineering, and operational best practices

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Airborne Combat Engineer information

See salary details

$31K

$95.8K

$127.5K

How much do airborne combat engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for airborne combat engineer in the United States is $95,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Airborne Combat Engineer?

Airborne Combat Engineers are military personnel who specialize in engineering duties such as constructing fortifications, demolitions, and clearing obstacles, while being trained and qualified to parachute into combat zones. They support airborne infantry units by ensuring mobility, countermobility, and survivability on the battlefield. Their tasks can include building bridges, setting up explosives, and clearing mines, all while operating in rapidly changing and often dangerous environments. Airborne Combat Engineers are part of specialized units and must complete both combat engineer and airborne training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Airborne Combat Engineer?

To thrive as an Airborne Combat Engineer, you need strong physical fitness, mechanical aptitude, and a solid understanding of engineering principles, typically supported by military training and completion of relevant occupational specialty schools. Familiarity with explosives handling, demolition equipment, and parachuting operations is essential, along with certifications like Airborne School graduation. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability under pressure are critical soft skills for effective mission support. These skills and qualities ensure that airborne combat engineers can safely and efficiently support combat operations, overcome obstacles, and enhance unit mobility in challenging environments.

What are some unique challenges an Airborne Combat Engineer faces during deployment, and how are they addressed?

Airborne Combat Engineers often operate in rapidly changing and high-pressure environments, such as establishing obstacles or clearing hazards immediately after parachuting into hostile territory. They must quickly adapt to unpredictable conditions, work efficiently with limited resources, and maintain strong communication with infantry and support units to ensure mission success. To address these challenges, rigorous training focuses on both technical engineering skills and physical readiness, as well as fostering teamwork and adaptability under stress.

What is the difference between Airborne Combat Engineer vs Combat Engineer?

AspectAirborne Combat EngineerCombat Engineer
CertificationsBasic Combat Engineer, Airborne QualificationBasic Combat Engineer
Work EnvironmentAirborne units, parachute insertion, airborne operationsGround combat zones, construction, demolition
Employer & IndustryMilitary, Army airborne unitsMilitary, Army engineering units

Airborne Combat Engineers specialize in parachuting into combat zones and supporting airborne operations, combining engineering skills with airborne qualifications. Combat Engineers focus on construction, demolition, and obstacle clearance on the ground. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in their deployment methods and operational environments.

More about Airborne Combat Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Airborne Combat Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,796 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Lead Engineer: Airborne EW Systems & Integration

GTS

Crane, IN • On-site

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Global Technical Systems (GTS) provides innovative, cost-effective, high-tech engineering products and product-based services encompassing the latest generation software and hardware solutions and engineering services for defense, homeland security, and other critical Government interests. GTS products and services span a spectrum that includes mission-critical combat systems infrastructure; composite applications for munitions, armor and energy storage; avionics test systems; weapon systems engineering and integration, and lifecycle logistics support and repair.GTS is in search of a Senior Engineer IV to support research, development, sustainment and upgrade of Airborne EW systems in Crane, IN.

Crane, IN General Description:

Leads the design, development, life cycle sustainment and upgrade of Airborne EW systems and capabilities. Leads the development, design and performance verification of complex systems Evaluates and recommends options and alternatives for system- and module-level components. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Provides technical leadership and original design inputs for complex systems. Applies system, hardware and software knowledge, as applicable, to the design, development, sustainment and upgrade of new products and the redesign / modification of existing systems and components. Evaluates and recommends options and alternatives for EW systems. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Lead the application of theories and principles of science and mathematics to research and develop solutions to technical problems.
  • Lead the design of products, implement improved processes to enhance performance of systems.
  • Lead testing and analysis of electromagnetic systems.
  • Lead the design, analysis, and troubleshooting of electrical and electronic systems and components.
  • Lead systems integration activities associated with electrical and electronics systems.
  • Develop and update engineering documentation, including schematics, technical specifications, test procedures, analysis, and reports.
  • Perform testing, validation, and verification of hardware designs to ensure compliance with technical and safety standards.
  • Ensure adherence to industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
  • Lead investigations and engineering evaluations of highly complex projects and products.
  • Lead team members, including other engineering disciplines and program management, to transfer ideas into core product processes, facilitate/implement design ideas, and improve existing products.
  • Interact with customers, engineers, production personnel and program management to successfully complete projects.
Work Experience Requirements:

10 years’ professional experience in engineering. US Citizen, Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. There are 2 positions. One requires Secret and one TS-SCI.

Educational Requirement:

Master’s level degree in any engineering discipline.

Working Conditions:

This work is typically performed in an office environment, which requires normal safety precautions; work may require some physical effort in the handling of light materials, boxes, or equipment. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job. Physical demands include ability to lift and/or move 10 -25 pounds.

  • Ability to prepare and present technical information.
  • Strong organizational skills; demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Solid understanding of engineering in area of expertise, and capability to understand other engineering disciplines.
  • Ability to work both independently and lead highly collaborative teams.
  • Ability to accurately articulate concepts, theories and system design attributes to junior team members as well as senior management.
Beneficial Skills/Experience:
  • Experience with government programs and defense systems
  • Experience with RF and Digital Devices

The above Position Description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an all-encompassing list of responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with this position.

GTS offers a stimulating and exciting work atmosphere with competitive salary and benefits package.

Pursuant to our contracts with the federal government, U.S. citizenship is required for this position.

GTS offers a stimulating and exciting work atmosphere with competitive salary and benefits package.

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