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Combat Controller Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Combat Controller information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$62.6K

$136K

$199.7K

How much do combat controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for combat controller in Seattle, WA is $135,990.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,400.00 and $157,600.00 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 popular job titles related to Combat Controller jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Combat Controller jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Combat Controller jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Combat Controller jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Combat Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Combat Controller job openings in Seattle, WA 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 $135,990 per year, or $65.4 per hour.

(C) Integration Test Coordinator / Ship Repair Execution Lead

THE MCHENRY MANAGEMENT GROUP, LLC

Seattle, WA • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description

Salary: $120-$140k/ annual based on experience 


Background check, US Citizenship, and drug screening are requirements of this position. Travel is 95%.


The Integration Test Coordinator / Ship Repair Execution Lead serves as the senior on-site technical integrator responsible for coordinating the planning, execution, sequencing, and readiness of HM&E systems required to support successful testing, restoration, and delivery of U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke (DDG) class destroyers undergoing modernization, repair, and maintenance.

This individual bridges the gap between production, engineering, planning, scheduling, subcontractors, test engineers, waterfront personnel, and the customer to ensure systems are restored in the proper sequence and available when required for testing.

The successful candidate understands that ship repair is not simply completing work packages-it is understanding the complex dependencies between shipboard systems and driving execution so that testing occurs safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary delays.


This position requires an experienced marine engineering professional with extensive shipboard operational experience, preferably as a USCG Licensed Chief Engineer or First Assistant Engineer, combined with significant DDG maintenance, modernization, testing, or ship repair experience.

Minimum 15 years of experience supporting: ship repair, ship modernization, new construction, Fleet maintenance, demonstrated experience coordinating complex engineering system restoration, experience supporting NAVSEA availabilities

Working knowledge of: Tag-Out Program, Shipboard Safety, Lockout/Tagout, Work Authorization Forms, Groom Process, Test Memorandums, Shipboard Test Procedures 

Strong understanding of system boundaries, engineering drawings, piping diagrams, electrical one-lines, test procedures, work specifications

Experience working with SUPSHIP, NAVSEA, Regional Maintenance Centers, Ship's Force 



Requirements

Primary Responsibilities

Serve as the on-site technical lead responsible for coordinating engineering system restoration and integration activities throughout the availability.

Develop and maintain system readiness plans that support production, testing, commissioning, and delivery milestones.

Coordinate daily with: Production Management, Project Management, Waterfront Engineering, Test Engineering, Combat Systems, Electrical Department, Mechanical Department, Planning Department, Scheduling, Ship's Force, SUPSHIP, NAVSEA Representatives, Subcontractors, Identify system dependencies that affect production and testing.

Ensure prerequisite work is complete before testing begins.

Coordinate system turnovers between production and test organizations.

Drive resolution of technical conflicts preventing test execution.

Lead daily system readiness reviews.

Support production planning meetings.

Participate in daily waterfront coordination meetings.

Develop recovery plans for delayed work.

Coordinate test boundaries and equipment alignments.

Assist production teams in determining the most efficient sequence of restoration.

Verify required support systems are available before testing begins.

Track system completion status through testing and final turnover.

Support casualty investigations and troubleshooting when system testing identifies deficiencies.


Technical Areas of Responsibility: 

The Integration Test Coordinator will possess a working knowledge of Engineering Plant, Main Propulsion, Auxiliary Machinery, Fuel Oil Systems, Lube Oil Systems, Seawater Cooling, Firemain, Potable Water, Ballast Systems, Hydraulic Systems 

Electrical Distribution: Ship Service Gas Turbine Generators, 450 VAC Distribution, Vital Power, Emergency Power, Motor Controllers, Switchboards, Load Centers, Lighting Systems, UPS Systems, Ground Fault Isolation

HVAC: Chilled Water Systems, Air Conditioning Plants, Ventilation Systems, Supply/Exhaust Fans, Damage Control Closures, Environmental Controls 

Auxiliary Systems: CHT, Grey Water, Black Water, Drain Systems, Compressed Air, Service Air, 

Instrument Air 

Combat System Interfaces: Working understanding of support systems affecting AEGIS Combat System, Radar Cooling, Electronic Cooling Water, Mission Critical HVAC, Weapons Support Systems, Communications Equipment Cooling, Power Distribution Dependencies 


Integration Responsibilities

The successful candidate understands the sequence required to place systems into an operational condition including: Power Availability - Electrical Distribution - Ventilation - Chilled Water - Cooling Water - Compressed Air - Control Systems - Equipment Operational Checks - Integrated Testing - Final Groom - Customer Demonstration - Delivery


The candidate must understand that one delayed prerequisite can impact dozens of downstream tests.

Test Coordination Responsibilities: Coordinate: Dock Trials, Light-Off Activities, Operational Tests, Functional Tests, Integrated Systems Testing, Machinery Testing, Electrical Testing, Final Acceptance Testing, Sea Trial Preparation, Delivery Readiness 


Physical Job Requirements

Ability to work aboard U.S. Navy surface combatants and in active ship repair and industrial shipyard environments for extended periods.

Ability to safely climb and descend vertical ladders, inclined ladders, stair towers, and gangways while carrying required tools, documents, or equipment.

Ability to enter, exit, and work within confined spaces, machinery rooms, equipment spaces, voids, tanks (when authorized), and other restricted-access areas while complying with all safety regulations.

Ability to walk extensive distances throughout large vessels and shipyard facilities, frequently traversing multiple decks and compartments during a typical workday.

Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods, often exceeding 8-12 hours per day during testing, production evolutions, troubleshooting, and sea trial preparation.

Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 35 pounds on a regular basis and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, stoop, reach overhead, and work in awkward positions while inspecting equipment and supporting troubleshooting activities.

Ability to work in elevated locations using ladders, scaffolding, catwalks, and temporary work platforms while maintaining required fall protection.

Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed footwear, gloves, flotation devices, respirators (when required), and other shipyard-specific protective equipment.

Sufficient visual acuity to read engineering drawings, electrical schematics, test procedures, instrumentation, gauges, equipment nameplates, and computer displays.

Ability to distinguish color-coded wiring, piping systems, status indicators, and warning lights.

Ability to communicate effectively in high-noise industrial environments using radios, telephones, and face-to-face communication.

Ability to safely board vessels by gangway, brow, or accommodation ladder while carrying required equipment. 


Education/Certification Requirements

USCG Unlimited Chief Engineer License or First Assistant Engineer License preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

U.S. Navy Chief Engineer 

Engineering Duty Officer 

Port Engineer 

Senior Test Engineer 

Waterfront Engineer 

Ship Superintendent 

Availability Manager 

Ship Repair Project Manager 


Apply