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Joint Terminal Attack Controller Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Mission Engineer / Analyst

Mission, TX · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

Familiarity with fires and targeting systems, fire support coordination, and Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC/JFO) roles. * Experience with national technical means platforms (e.g., Fade, ISPY ...

New

... lethal attack helicopter units through complex, joint, cross-domain, mixed MDS training against ... You will also perform observer - controller duties and safety supervisor duties, on the ground and ...

... lethal attack helicopter units through complex, joint, cross-domain, mixed MDS training against ... You will also perform observer - controller duties and safety supervisor duties, on the ground and ...

... lethal attack helicopter units through complex, joint, cross-domain, mixed MDS training against ... You will also perform observer - controller duties and safety supervisor duties, on the ground and ...

... lethal attack helicopter units through complex, joint, cross-domain, mixed MDS training against ... You will also perform observer - controller duties and safety supervisor duties, on the ground and ...

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Joint Terminal Attack Controller information

What is a joint terminal attack controller?

Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) are specially trained military personnel responsible for directing the actions of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations from a forward position. They serve as the critical link between the ground forces and aviation assets, ensuring that airstrikes are accurately and safely delivered on enemy targets while minimizing the risk to friendly troops. JTACs undergo rigorous training to coordinate air support, understand complex battlefield environments, and communicate effectively with pilots. Their role is vital for successful integrated operations in modern combat scenarios.

What does a joint terminal attack controller do?

A joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) directs military aircraft during combat operations. Your duties in a theater of operation include communicating with planes, drones, and helicopters and giving directions to help them provide support for military units on the ground. In this career, you also have training responsibilities. A JTAC operator often participates in training scenarios. In these cases, you usually work with a JTAC instructor, who helps you learn procedures and evaluate tactics. As a teacher, you provide simulator instruction and evaluate performance during simulations or war games. You then help JTAC personnel correct mistakes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a joint terminal attack controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), you need comprehensive knowledge of close air support procedures, advanced communications, and tactical coordination, usually requiring specialized military training and JTAC certification. Proficiency with radio systems, targeting software, and digital mapping tools is essential for mission success. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and clear communication are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring precise, safe, and effective coordination of air and ground forces during high-stakes operations.

What are the typical challenges joint terminal attack controllers face when coordinating air support in dynamic combat environments?

JTACs often operate in high-pressure situations where they must quickly and accurately relay targeting information between ground forces and aircraft. A common challenge is managing complex communications across multiple channels while maintaining situational awareness to avoid friendly fire or collateral damage. JTACs must also adapt rapidly to changing battlefield conditions and coordinate with various teams, including pilots, artillery, and infantry units. Strong decision-making skills and attention to detail are crucial for success in this demanding role.

What is the difference between Joint Terminal Attack Controller vs Forward Air Controller?

AspectJoint Terminal Attack ControllerForward Air Controller
CertificationsMilitary tactical certifications, specialized JTAC trainingMilitary or civilian air traffic control certifications, tactical training
Work EnvironmentMilitary combat zones, joint operationsMilitary operations, sometimes civilian airspace coordination
Employer & IndustryMilitary branches, defense industryMilitary units, defense contractors

Both roles involve coordinating air support in military operations, with overlapping training and environments. The main difference is that a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) is specifically trained for close air support and direct engagement with aircraft, often in combat zones, whereas a Forward Air Controller (FAC) may have broader responsibilities including air traffic control and battlefield coordination. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify their unique roles in military operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Joint Terminal Attack Controller jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Joint Terminal Attack Controller jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Joint Terminal Attack Controller jobs in Texas?

For Joint Terminal Attack Controller jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Joint Terminal Attack Controller jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Joint Terminal Attack Controller job openings:

Infographic showing various Joint Terminal Attack Controller job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Mission Engineer / Analyst

Atreidesusa

Mission, TX • On-site

$140 - $210/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Position Overview

Reporting To: VP, Mission Systems

Team Principles

At Atreides, we believe that teams work best when they:

  • Remain curious and passionate in all aspects of our work
  • Promote clear, direct, and transparent communication
  • Embrace the 'measure twice, cut once' philosophy
  • Value and encourage diverse ideas and technologies
  • Lead with empathy in all interactions
Responsibilities
  • Build and manage data integration and targeting cells in deployed, in-theater environments supporting partner force nations.
  • Develop and operationalize tactical mission networks (TMN) that fuse commercial, unclassified, and classified data sources to enable real-time operational decision-making.
  • Build intuitive user experiences for customers to query, visualize, and export data from data fusion engines.
  • Apply advanced analytical techniques to process, analyze, and interpret large-scale, multi-source datasets.
  • Integrate commercially available data with other intelligence disciplines (OSINT, SIGINT, HUMINT, GEOINT) to produce comprehensive, actionable intelligence.
  • Automate targeting and data management workflows to accelerate engagement cycles and reduce decision latency.
  • Ensure high availability for customer-facing systems, meeting strict operational availability requirements.
  • Ensure data security and implement necessary measures to protect sensitive and classified information across all network tiers.
  • Monitor and troubleshoot data pipelines and infrastructure to ensure high availability and performance.
  • Provide direct support and troubleshooting on implemented systems for the customer, including after-hours on-call support on a rotating basis.
  • Brief senior leaders, operational clients, and partner force personnel on data-driven insights and system capabilities.
  • Document analysis design, data engineering processes, and maintain comprehensive operational documentation.
Required Qualifications
  • Active SECRET clearance required.
  • Proven experience as a data lethality adviser or equivalent role supporting Special Operations, EUCOM, or INDOPACOM missions.
  • Demonstrated expertise managing data integration and targeting cells in deployed, high-tempo operational environments.
  • Experience operationalizing tactical mission networks (e.g., UTN, TTN) and integrating multi-domain data sources.
  • Proven multi-intelligence fusion experience (OSINT, SIGINT, HUMINT, GEOINT) with commercial and national technical means data.
  • Experience with digital pattern-of-life analysis supporting intelligence or operational missions.
  • Skilled in geospatial visualization tools (QGIS, ArcGIS, Kepler) and platforms such as Palantir Maven.
  • Proficiency in SQL and Python for analytics and automation.
  • Experience with MVC-style web application architecture and web server technologies (e.g., WebSockets, Nginx).
  • Strong briefing abilities for senior leaders, operational clients, and partner force personnel.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to think quickly in a high-performance, deployed environment.
  • Effective communication skills to convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Desired Qualifications
  • Prior experience with U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF), including 75th Ranger Regiment, SOCOM, or equivalent.
  • Direct experience supporting EUCOM strategic missions, including Ukraine or Taiwan security assistance programs.
  • Familiarity with fires and targeting systems, fire support coordination, and Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC/JFO) roles.
  • Experience with national technical means platforms (e.g., Fade, ISPY, Thresher) and associated networks (UTN, TTN, MME).
  • Military commission or senior NCO experience, particularly in Field Artillery, Special Operations, or Intelligence.
  • Experience standing up and deploying data management cells across multiple combatant commands (EUCOM, INDOPACOM, CONUS).
  • Active or ability to maintain U.S. security clearance at the TS/SCI level.
Compensation and Benefits
  • Competitive salary
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
  • Flexible hybrid work environment
  • Additional benefits like flexible hours, work travel opportunities, competitive vacation time and parental leave

While meeting all of these criteria would be ideal, we understand that some candidates may meet most, but not all. If you're passionate, curious and ready to "work smart and get things done," we'd love to hear from you.

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