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Combat Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Configuration Manager

Ridgecrest, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Salary Range: $70,310 - $80,000 A Visionary Engineering for Combat Technology and Rapid-Response ... controlled data and records. Ensures data is organized, current, accessible to authorized users ...

Configuration Manager

Ridgecrest, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Salary Range: $70,310 - $80,000 A Visionary Engineering for Combat Technology and Rapid-Response ... controlled data and records. Ensures data is organized, current, accessible to authorized users ...

Salary Range: $70,310 - $80,000 A Visionary Engineering for Combat Technology and Rapid-Response ... controlled data and records. Ensures data is organized, current, accessible to authorized users ...

Showing results 41-60

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 20, 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:

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.

Contract Instructor Pilot E-2C/D

LB&B Associates, Inc.

Port Hueneme, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

E2 CIP, NAVAL AVIATOR (PILOT)

Job Description - Contract Instructor Pilot (CIP)

LB&B Associates Inc. has immediate openings for on-call E2 Contract Instructor Pilots to support its training contract at NAS Point Mugu, CA.

This is an on-call position.

CIPs for the E-2C 2F110 OFT, the E-2D 2F210 OFT, and the E-2D 2F211 APT shall instruct students in the cockpit as required during simulator events.

CIPs shall successfully demonstrate the ability to instruct, interact, and evaluate aircrew performance for all flight scenarios and provide instantaneous feedback regarding tactical employment and safety related decisions.

CIPs must have the tactical expertise required to provide accurate simulation instruction of all current and future mission areas executed by the E-2C/D crew to meet Air Combat Training Continuum (ACTC) training requirements of the ACCLWS, in alignment with the CAEWWS Manual. This includes, but is not limited to:

a) Warfare Commander decisions and communications

b) Tactical Command and Control (TAC C2)

c) Air Intercept Communications (AIC)

d) Strike Warfare

e) Carrier Strike Group Air Defense

f) Maritime Employment

g) Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)

h) Offensive Air Support (OAS)

i) Airspace Management

j) Offensive Counter-Air/Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (OCA/SEAD)

k) Combat Identification (CID)

l) Controlled Approaches

m) Survivability

Principal Duties and Essential Job Functions:

  • Conduct scheduled Instructor-led/supported training for Training Device and Systems Training (including briefs and debriefs) using traditional and modern tools such as interactive white boards, computers and video projector systems.
  • Evaluate student training/mission performance as required.
  • Provide classroom instruction and recommendations for improvement, to include tests and test materials, lesson plans, and trainee guides under the guidelines of current directives.
  • Provide academic instruction to include Instructor led lecture discussion for Crew Resource Management (CRM), Instrument Ground School (IGS), etc., and self-paced Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) and Computer Based Training (CBT) in support of courses required for each platform.
  • Assist with simulator and training device inspections and certification programs and other special projects, as required, to include mishap re-creation and testing.
  • Conduct training device operation instruction to personnel as necessary, to include briefing, debriefing and grading/assessments.
  • Other weapons system specific support responsibilities, as listed in appendices.
  • Evaluate and record trainer performance IAW established criteria.
  • Maintain, assess, and recommend improvements to mission scenarios for effectiveness and currency.
  • Review curriculum, assess and recommend improvements to the training program via the appropriate training management officials.
  • Perform as NATOPS Instrument Evaluators, Assistant NATOPS Instructors (ANI), AW and EW instructors. Contract Instructors may be designated as a NATOPS Instrument Evaluator or Assistant NATOPS Instructor per OPNAVINST 3710.7 SERIES. Refer to OPNAVINST 3710.7 SERIES for definitions of responsibilities, assignments, qualifications, cognizant authority for designations, and annual requirements for certifications.

Requirements and Qualifications

  • Must obtain instructor certification in the platform(s) to which assigned.
  • Must obtain a Top Secret Clearance.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen

Contract Instructor Pilot (CIP)

  • Qualifications.A CIP shall have the following qualifications: Must be or have been an E-2 Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) qualified pilot or have been an E-2 simulator instructor (pilot) within the previous five (5) years. A CIP have been a designated a Carrier Aircraft Plane Commander (CAPC) in the E-2 or Carrier Transport Plane Commander (CTPC) in the C-2 (i.e. level 300 ACTC qualification or greater), Not have had any punitive actions on their record that resulted in termination of their flight status (i.e. Field Naval Aviator Evaluation Board (FNAEB) resulting in a type B classification). Must have a minimum of (800) flying hours in the E-2 or the C-2 aircraft and possess a Bachelor's degree.
  • A CIP should have the following preferred qualifications: Must Be or have been an E-2/C-2 NATOPS Instructor qualified pilot within the previous five (5) years, or have been an E-2/C-2 simulator instructor pilot within the previous five (5) years.
  • Attained the following tactical designations
    • Instructor CAPC in the E-2 (i.e. Level 3i ACTC [formerly level 400 ACTC qualification, prior to 2019])
    • Element lead in the E-2 (i.e. level 400 ACTC qualification)
    • E-2 Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) (i.e. level 500 ACTC qualification)

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

LB&B Associates Inc.is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other protected factor by country, regional or local law.