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Joint Terminal Attack Controller Jobs in Virginia

asrcfh

IBS and Tactical Terminal Support

Hampton, VA

... Controlled Items (CCI). * Assist in the identification and validation of AF and Joint user IBS ... terminals and software applications. Training material must be scalable to satisfy needs of AF user ...

asrcfh

IBS and Tactical Terminal Support

Hampton, VA · On-site

... Controlled Items (CCI). * Assist in the identification and validation of AF and Joint user IBS ... terminals and software applications. Training material must be scalable to satisfy needs of AF user ...

Chippenham Hospital

Pharmacist Intern PRN

Tuckahoe, VA · On-site

$18.69 - $26.16/hr

The Joint Commission awarded Chippenham Hospital the Gold Seal of Approval and named us a Top ... attack, heart failure, pneumonia, perinatal care, hip and knee replacement and surgical care. We ...

Chippenham Hospital

Pharmacist Intern PRN

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18.69 - $26.16/hr

The Joint Commission awarded Chippenham Hospital the Gold Seal of Approval and named us a Top ... attack, heart failure, pneumonia, perinatal care, hip and knee replacement and surgical care. We ...

Gentiva

Nurse Practitioner Palliative Care

Richmond, VA · On-site

$109K - $122K/yr

Prescribe medications (including controlled substances) and order diagnostic tests as permitted by ... Wellness Programs (Telemedicine, Diabetes Management, Joint & Spine Concierge Care) * Education ...

Empatia

Nurse Practitioner Palliative Care

Richmond, VA · On-site

$109K - $122K/yr

Prescribe medications (including controlled substances) and order diagnostic tests as permitted by ... Wellness Programs (Telemedicine, Diabetes Management, Joint & Spine Concierge Care) * Education ...

Empatia

Nurse Practitioner Palliative Care

Richmond, VA · On-site

$109K - $122K/yr

Prescribe medications (including controlled substances) and order diagnostic tests as permitted by ... Wellness Programs (Telemedicine, Diabetes Management, Joint & Spine Concierge Care) * Education ...

All JobsJoint Terminal Attack Controller JobsJoint Terminal Attack Controller Jobs in Virginia

Joint Terminal Attack Controller information

See Virginia salary details

$48.1K

$76K

$109.1K

How much do joint terminal attack controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for joint terminal attack controller in Virginia is $75,997.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $100,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.
More about Joint Terminal Attack Controller jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Joint Terminal Attack Controller jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Joint Terminal Attack Controller jobs in Virginia are:
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Joint Terminal Attack Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Joint Terminal Attack Controller job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,997 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Operational Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Integrity Defense Solutions Inc

Arlington, VA • On-site

$77.50 - $103.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Description:
The ideal candidate will be an experienced consultant with deep expertise in joint fires doctrine and modern AI-enabled targeting systems to support the CDAO's mission of accelerating digital modernization across the Department of War. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in operational fires and demonstrated technical proficiency with advanced AI/ML platforms, including the Maven Smart System (MSS) and Edge Data Mesh (EDM) architectures. You will work alongside experienced engineers, military operations experts, and senior leadership to support the Global Information Dominance Experiments (GIDEs).
Key Responsibilities
Doctrine & Operations
  • Provide expert consultation on joint fires doctrine, including Joint Publication 3-09, Joint Publication 3-60, and related targeting processes
  • Advise on the integration of AI capabilities into joint fires kill chains and targeting cycles
  • Support the development of concepts of operations (CONOPS) for AI-enabled fires coordination
  • Identify and assess gaps between current joint fires processes and AI-enabled capabilities
  • Lead and facilitate cross-service working groups with fires professionals across services to define requirements and develop operational use cases

Technical Integration
  • Apply knowledge of AI tools and architectures, like Maven Smart System, to improve joint fires planning and execution.
  • Architect solutions leveraging commercial and custom AI tools, like Edge Data Mesh, for distributed fires data sharing and decision-making
  • Design and implement data pipelines that support real-time targeting, cueing, and battle damage assessment
  • Ensure AI/ML models align with and adhere to doctrinal targeting methodologies and applicable rules of engagement
  • Evaluate AI system performance in joint fires contexts and recommend technical and operational improvements

Strategic Advisory
  • Brief senior military and civilian leadership on opportunities to integrate AI-enabled fires capabilities.
  • Develop and implement roadmaps for AI-enabled joint fires capabilities
  • Coordinate with combatant commands, service components, and joint task forces to align efforts with requirements.
  • Prepare white papers, capability assessments, and strategic recommendations to inform decision making.
  • Support acquisition and requirements development processes for emerging AI-enabled fires systems.

Required Qualifications
Experience
  • 10+ years of experience in joint fires operations, targeting, or fire support coordination
  • Demonstrated expertise with joint fires doctrine (JP 3-09, JP 3-60, ATP 3-09 series, or equivalent)
  • 3+ years working with AI/ML systems in defense or operational contexts
  • Hands-on experience with Maven Smart System or similar AI-enabled targeting platforms
  • Proven track record working with Edge Data Mesh or distributed data architectures

Technical Skills
  • Understanding of machine learning operations (MLOps) in tactical environments
  • Familiarity with edge computing architectures and contested communications environments
  • Knowledge of data standards for fires and targeting (e.g., VMF, Link 16, JREAP)
  • Experience with AI model validation, testing, and responsible AI principles
  • Comprehensive knowledge of linear regression, logistic regression, clustering, classification models, neural networks, optimization, and gradient descent.

Professional Background
  • Military experience as Fire Support Officer, Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), Joint Fires Observer (JFO), Targeting Officer, or equivalent

Desired Qualifications
  • Familiarity with Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) concepts
  • Knowledge of Multi-Domain Operations and kill web architectures
  • Certifications in AI/ML, data science, or cloud architecture
  • Combat deployment experience in joint or coalition operations
  • Published thought leadership on AI in military operation
  • Strategic thinking with ability to bridge operational and technical domains
  • Excellent communication skills for diverse audiences (operators to data scientists)
  • Collaborative approach to cross-functional problem solving
  • Comfort with ambiguity and rapidly evolving technologies
  • Mission-focused with understanding of warfighter needs

Work Environment
  • Hybrid work arrangement with periodic travel to DoD installations
  • Majority of time on-site within National Capital Region
  • May require CONUS/OCONUS travel up to 25%
  • Fast-paced environment supporting critical national security missions

Security Requirements
  • Active Top Secret and ability to obtain/maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
  • Obtain/maintain any other appropriate security clearances and/or access requirements.
  • U.S. citizenship required

About Integrity Defense Solutions
Integrity Defense Solutions, founded in 2022, is a rapidly growing engineering services company providing systems and software engineering, program management, and acquisition services to the DoD and federal civilian clients. With a team of experienced entrepreneurs, executives, and leaders, it's demonstrating leadership in the industry and poised for significant growth.
IDS offers competitive full-time benefits, including paid vacation and holidays, 401(k) matching, full health/dental/vision coverage, plus much more. For on-site and remote employees, flexible work schedules are offered when authorized. By joining our team, you are choosing to embark on a journey towards excellence as a valued team member and trusted partner. We appreciate your inquiry and look forward to discussing the opportunity further.
EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled:
Integrity Defense Solutions, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in its job application procedures.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, citizenship, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Integrity Defense Solutions, Inc., participates in E-Verify.

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