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Combat Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · 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 ...

31st Union

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · 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 ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · 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 ...

Sentradel

Mechanical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · 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 ...

Sentradel

Electrical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $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 ...

Sentradel

Electrical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

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 ...

V2X

Computer Operations Specialist IV

Fort Irwin, CA

... combat operations to provide a clear, common operating picture that enables Observer Controllers to see opportunities, shortfalls, and provide predictive assessments of the training unit's ability to ...

V2X

... combat operations to provide a clear, common operating picture that enables Observer Controllers to see opportunities, shortfalls, and provide predictive assessments of the training unit's ability to ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $120K/yr

... Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC). This position is contingent upon award news, expected ... monitoring, controlling, status reporting, drafting, editing, and presenting project related ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

... Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC). This position is contingent upon award news, expected ... monitoring, controlling, status reporting, drafting, editing, and presenting project related ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCombat Controller JobsCombat Controller Jobs in California

Combat Controller information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$117.9K

$173.2K

How much do combat controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 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?

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 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a combat controller?

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.

How do you become a combat controller?

To become a combat controller, candidates must meet basic military requirements, complete basic training, and pass the Air Force Special Warfare training program, which includes physical fitness, water confidence, and survival skills. They also need to obtain security clearances and complete specialized training at the Air Force Combat Control School. Successful candidates are then assigned to operational units where they perform tactical air traffic control, reconnaissance, and direct action missions.

What do combat controllers do?

Combat controllers are specialized military personnel who coordinate air support, establish landing zones, and provide command and control in combat environments. They often operate in challenging conditions, using skills in navigation, communication, and tactical decision-making, and are typically certified through rigorous training programs. Their role is critical in enabling precise air operations and supporting ground forces.

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:

Combat Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Combat Controller job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,932 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Engineer

2K

San Mateo, CA • On-site, Remote

$108K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

WE ARE GAME MAKERS

Who we are:

We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games. We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.  

What we need:

31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C++, Unreal Engine 5, and our in-house utility AI framework, you will make bots that fight, traverse, loot, and team up convincingly enough that players second-guess whether they're facing a human. The same bots power mode backfill and automated testing at scale. 

Responsibilities:

  • Develop combat behavior: target prioritization, hero-appropriate weapon and ability use, movement, and disengagement

  • Develop humanization: tunable aim, reaction time, and error models across difficulty levels

  • Develop macro behavior: team cohesion, traversal, pacing, events, looting, and progression

  • Extend our utility AI framework: new behaviors, scoring, and tuning

  • Keep bot populations performant: throttling, suspension, and LOD

  • Extend bots as automated test clients, from feature tests to match-scale load tests

  • Build bot evaluation tooling: debug visualization and playtest metrics

  • Partner with design to tune behavior through playtests

Who you are:

  • 5+ years of gameplay or game AI engineering on shipped action games

  • Strong C++ and Unreal Engine fluency, including AI controllers, navigation, and EQS

  • Utility AI or comparable decision-making architectures

  • AI in networked multiplayer: client/server authority, prediction, dedicated servers

  • Humanlike combat AI: aim and error models, reaction time, believable movement

  • Optimizing many concurrent agents: LOD and tick throttling

Nice-to-Haves:

  • Player bots in a competitive shooter

  • Unreal Engine 5, StateTree, and the Gameplay Ability System

  • Control systems (e.g., PID controllers) and input simulation

  • Automated test clients and load testing

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $108,900 and $161,160 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.

Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. Ontario only: The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.

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