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Combat Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Corporate Controller

Alameda, CA ยท On-site

$201K - $266K/yr

... combat-deployed systems supporting national security and force projection around the world, 24/7 ... THE POSITION Saildrone is seeking a Controller to join our Finance team. Reporting to the Chief ...

About Sentradel Over 90 percent of combat deaths in Ukraine are caused by small drones. In Colombia ... Unjammable fiber optic and AI controlled drones are making the threat cheaper, faster, and harder ...

Head of Manufacturing

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $220K/yr

About Sentradel Over 90 percent of combat deaths in Ukraine are caused by small drones. In Colombia ... Unjammable fiber optic and AI controlled drones are making the threat cheaper, faster, and harder ...

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

... controllers, navigation, and EQS * Utility AI or comparable decision-making architectures * AI in networked multiplayer: client/server authority, prediction, dedicated servers * Humanlike combat AI ...

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

... controllers, navigation, and EQS * Utility AI or comparable decision-making architectures * AI in networked multiplayer: client/server authority, prediction, dedicated servers * Humanlike combat AI ...

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

... controllers, navigation, and EQS * Utility AI or comparable decision-making architectures * AI in networked multiplayer: client/server authority, prediction, dedicated servers * Humanlike combat AI ...

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

... controllers, navigation, and EQS * Utility AI or comparable decision-making architectures * AI in networked multiplayer: client/server authority, prediction, dedicated servers * Humanlike combat AI ...

Computer Vision Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $210K/yr

About Sentradel Over 90 percent of combat deaths in Ukraine are caused by small drones. In Colombia ... Unjammable fiber optic and AI controlled drones are making the threat cheaper, faster, and harder ...

Mechanical Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$105K - $170K/yr

About Sentradel Over 90 percent of combat deaths in Ukraine are caused by small drones. In Colombia ... Unjammable fiber optic and AI controlled drones are making the threat cheaper, faster, and harder ...

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Combat Controller information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$117.9K

$173.2K

How much do combat controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for combat controller in California is $117,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $136,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Combat Controller job?

A Combat Controller (CCT) is a highly trained specialist in the U.S. Air Force who conducts air traffic control, close air support, and special operations missions in hostile environments. They deploy with special forces teams to establish airfields, coordinate airstrikes, and provide battlefield communication. Combat Controllers are trained in parachuting, scuba diving, survival, and combat tactics to operate in high-risk areas. Their expertise is critical for directing aircraft and ensuring mission success in austere and contested environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Combat Controller position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Combat Controller, you need advanced physical fitness, proficiency in air traffic control procedures, parachuting, and specialized combat skills, typically obtained through intense military training and certification. Familiarity with military radios, navigation equipment, and laser target designators is crucial for mission success. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and strong communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills enable precise coordination under high-stress conditions, directly impacting mission success and team safety.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Combat Controller?

Combat Controllers are responsible for coordinating air traffic in combat zones, conducting reconnaissance, and directing close air support missions alongside ground forces. Daily duties often include maintaining readiness through rigorous physical training, rehearsing communication protocols, and preparing specialized equipment for deployment. Teamwork is essential, as Combat Controllers regularly collaborate with special operations teams, pilots, and other military units to ensure successful mission execution. This dynamic role requires adaptability, excellent situational awareness, and unwavering attention to detail.

What are the most commonly searched types of Combat Controller jobs in California? The most popular types of Combat Controller jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Combat Controller jobs in California? For Combat Controller jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Combat Controller jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Combat Controller jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Combat Controller job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,932 per year, or $56.7 per hour.
Air-Intercept Controller Instructor

Air-Intercept Controller Instructor

Future Technologies, Inc.

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Description
The Air-Intercept Controller Instructor II develops, organizes and conducts training and educational programs for Fleet sailors in support of Surface Combat Systems Training Command - South West (SCSTC-SW) in San Diego, CA.
The AAWCI would serve as a Journeyman Instructor to train CG/DDG sailors in the operation and tactical employment of the latest Aegis Combat System and associated weapons systems, system capabilities and limitations, employment of organic and non-organic aircraft and systems, mission planning and execution, and tactical communications. In addition, the candidate will plan, brief, evaluate, and debrief classes and provide instruction on the tactical employment techniques of Air-Intercept Controller through classroom and practical scenarios based on current Navy-wide operational tasking, doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures. The ideal candidate would provide subject matter expertise in support of curriculum development for SCSTC courses; supporting present and future course development.
In addition, the Air-Intercept Controller Instructor will:
  • Provides dynamic teaching & training as well as assessment that require advanced knowledge of U.S. Navy Combat Systems Capabilities and Limitations to the officer level.
  • Conduct dynamic assessment of the sailors' abilities to comply with approved maintenance and operational procedures and thereafter provides formal appraisal of performance with recommendations for improvement and methods to maintain technical and tactical proficiency.
  • Prepare; reviews; and customizes curriculum lesson plans and instructor guide in support of traditional classroom teaching.
  • Support Course Reviews and Curriculum Updates; conducts training gap analysis provides formal feedback and recommendation for course improvement.
  • Document the training conducted with specifics of the individual areas / watch station and is responsible for generation of a formal assessment of measure of success via written report.

Requirements
  • Seven (7) years of experience as a qualified Aegis AAWC with responsibility for teaching the applicable system or function task to others in a journeyman level training environment.
  • One (1) year of experience as an instructor in a Navy Training Environment, to include presentation skills, public speaking, curriculum maintenance, writing learning objectives, preparing test items, evaluating instructional materials and the results of instruction and counseling students on academic learning problems.
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, technical certifications, training, or work/military experience.
  • Active Secret security clearance.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $90,000 to $110,000.
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship may be required for certain positions.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to recruiting@ftechi.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis.