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Joint Terminal Attack Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$145K - $155K/yr

Test and Demonstration include engineering support for interoperability testing weapon configurations with Threshold and Objective launch platforms/controllers and ground Joint Terminal Attack ...

... joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training. We pride ourselves on our unblemished safety record, having flown an industry leading 130,000+ hours of operational training without accident in ...

... joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training. We pride ourselves on our unblemished safety record, having flown an industry leading 130,000+ hours of operational training without accident in ...

... joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training. We pride ourselves on our unblemished safety record, having flown an industry leading 130,000+ hours of operational training without accident in ...

... joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training. We pride ourselves on our unblemished safety record, having flown an industry leading 130,000+ hours of operational training without accident in ...

Aircraft sheet metal tech

Mesa, AZ ยท On-site

$26.75 - $34.75/hr

... joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training. We pride ourselves on our unblemished safety record, having flown an industry leading 130,000+ hours of operational training without accident in ...

... joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training. We pride ourselves on our unblemished safety record, having flown an industry leading 130,000+ hours of operational training without accident in ...

... joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training. We pride ourselves on our unblemished safety record, having flown an industry leading 130,000+ hours of operational training without accident in ...

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Joint Terminal Attack Controller information

See salary details

$48.5K

$76.7K

$110K

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

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for joint terminal attack controller in the United States is $76,655.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $101,000.00 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 are Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs)?

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 (JTACs) 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 cities are hiring for Joint Terminal Attack Controller jobs? Cities with the most Joint Terminal Attack Controller job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Joint Terminal Attack Controller jobs? The most popular types of Joint Terminal Attack Controller jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Joint Terminal Attack Controller jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Joint Terminal Attack Controller jobs are:
Infographic showing various Joint Terminal Attack Controller job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,655 per year, or $36.9 per hour.
Principal Data Link & Communications Engineer (Link 22)

Principal Data Link & Communications Engineer (Link 22)

Applied Research Solutions

Beavercreek, OH โ€ข On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Applied Research Solutions is seeking candidates for the role of a Principal Data Links & Communication Engineer. This role can be remote as long as the candidate has access to an AFB to access classified documents. This role requires Link 22 and tactical data links engineering experience as well as a degree in Engineering.

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support.ย Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.ย 

Desired Qualifications

  • 5 Years experience in software design and software requirements development
  • Proficiency in C++ an Java Programming languages and development frameworks
  • Proficiency in MBSE modeling, languages, and tools (DODAF, SysML, UML, Cameo)
  • Networking and embedded mission systems experience
  • Familiarity with government acquisition planning, tailoring and documentation (Acquisition Strategy Plan, Statement of Work, System Engineering Plan, User Agreements, Product Roadmap).ย ย 

Additional qualificationsย 

  • Provide knowledge and experience in the development, integration, testing, and deployment of Air Force systems and their associated data links, to include definition of data link interoperability, interfaces, and verification and test assessment requirements. This includes interfacing with the Federal, Department of Defense (DoD), United States Air Force (USAF), United States Army, and Joint communities to ensure the data link communications capability complies with the applicable Federal Aviation Administration, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), National Security Agency (NSA), Service Acquisition Executive, Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS), Damage Assessment and Casualty Report business and technical rules.
  • Provide resources with knowledge and experience in Developmental and Operational test and Evaluation at the sub-system and system level. This includes interface with Air Combat Command, Air Force Command and Control Integration Center, Joint Interoperability Test Command, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, and all levels of the organizations that develop and manage the C3 and encryption key distribution infrastructure for controlling a networked system, providing technical advice on C4 issues, including pre-launch conditioning and planning, aircraft-weapon pre- and post-release communications, and real-time targeting.
  • The Contractor shall advise and assist the program Chief Engineer, Integrated Product Team (IPT) Leads, Program Managers (PMs), and joint combined test team customers on performance, schedule, and cost issues with respect to planning, communications, and control.
  • The contractor will perform other duties as assigned.ย 

The candidate may be called upon for knowledge and experience in the following specific areas:

  • Combat Net Radio (CNR)
  • Test and Demonstration include engineering support for interoperability testing weapon configurations with Threshold and Objective launch platforms/controllers and ground Joint Terminal Attack Controllers over Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) CNR and Link 22 communications.
  • Joint Concept of Employment (CONEMP)
  • Cryptologic Systems
  • Link 16 Networking
  • Interface Control
  • Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DACAS)
  • United States Message Text Format (USMTF)
  • Joint Interoperability of Tactical Command and Control Systems (JINTACCS)

Qualifications/Technical Experience Requirements:

  • Must be a US citizen
  • Active Top- Secret Security Clearance

The expected annual salary range: $160k - $185K. Salary is dependent upon the role, associated responsibilities, candidates experience and qualifications to include education/training and key skills.

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.