1

Joint Terminal Attack Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BST Air/Fires Specialist

Camp Lejeune, NC ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) experience * Demonstrated experience in developing battle staff training and operations * Support to fires integration training exercises completion within the ...

BST Air/Fires Specialist

Camp Lejeune, NC ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) experience * Demonstrated experience in developing battle staff training and operations * Support to fires integration training exercises completion within the ...

$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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 4, 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 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 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:

What states have the most Joint Terminal Attack Controller jobs?

States with the most job openings for Joint Terminal Attack Controller jobs include:

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,655 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

BST Air/Fires Specialist

Threat Tec, LLC

Camp Lejeune, NC โ€ข On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Threat Tec, LLC, a rapidly growing Veteran-Owned Business, is the leader of Operational Environment (OE) replication and Threat Emulation/Wargaming solutions. Threat Tec brings innovative thinking and extensive experience to complex challenges for public and private sector customers. We work alongside our nation's defenders, developing solutions that drive success and protect our future. Join a team that is embodied by an unwavering commitment to professionalism, honesty, and innovation.

Position Overview
Threat Tec, a leader in operational environment replication and training solutions, is seeking a highly qualified Air/Fires Specialist to join our team at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The ideal candidate will leverage their expertise in air operations, fires support, and joint planning processes to develop and execute realistic training programs that enhance the readiness and effectiveness of our military clients. This position requires a deep understanding of multi-domain operations and an ability to integrate multiple capabilities into complex training scenarios.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement battle staff training programs focused on air and fires operations
  • Serve as the subject matter expert on Joint Air Operations, aviation and fires platforms, and their employment
  • Lead or contribute to planning processes, including the Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP) and Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP)
  • Coordinate tactical C2 and common operating picture (COP) systems to ensure seamless integration of fires and air operations
  • Provide thorough guidance on SOF capabilities, fires applications, and multi-domain operations
  • Collaborate with battalion, regiment, and brigade-level staff to ensure comprehensive and realistic training scenarios
  • Deliver clear and concise briefings to diverse audiences, effectively communicating complex operational concepts
  • Maintain compliance with all security requirements, including maintenance of an active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
Minimum Qualifications
  • 10+ years of prior military service
  • Prior experience training and deployments with US Special Operations Forces
  • Experienced Air Officer (Any branch of service)
  • Operational Air/Fires experience (tactical or staff) at the Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) Level or higher. 
  • TACP (Tactical Air Control Party) experience
  • Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) experience
  • Demonstrated experience in developing battle staff training and operations
  • Support to fires integration training exercises completion within the year
  • Experience serving on the staff of a special operations or combat arms battalion, regiment, or brigade
  • Thorough understanding of Joint Air Operations, including aviation and fires platforms, and their employment
  • Proficiency in leading planning processes (MCPP, MDMP, or equivalent)
  • Hands-on experience with tactical C2 and COP systems
  • Subject Matter Expert in Joint Fires Integration and Fires Planning
  • Understanding of multi-domain operations
  • Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to multi-task effectively
  • Active Secret security clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
  • Valid U.S. driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications
  • SOF Fires experience, with thorough knowledge of SOF-specific mission sets
  • Deployment on a SOTF or CJSOTF Staff as an Air Officer
  • Experience conducting training using Virtual Battlespace 3 (VBS3) or VBS4
  • Familiarity with multi-domain and system-of-systems integration
  • Experience as a military instructor or additional training as a digital master gunner, in battle staff operations, simulation operations, or command post operations
  • Experience and familiarity with Joint-C2 and CIP/COP systems
  • Work experience in the planning, development, and execution of a Joint National Training Capability (JNTC) accredited or service-level exercise program
Actual compensation will be determined based on job-related factors including experience, education, certifications, security clearance requirements, internal equity, and customer or contract requirements.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.

Threat Tec, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employers (EEO/AA). All employment and hiring decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, religion, color, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, ethnic origin, disability, age, sex, gender identity, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and/or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request assistance by contacting Talent@threattec.us or calling 757-240-4305.

#TT

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.