1

Tactical Air Defense Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Present classroom instruction on IAMD and facilitate tactical air defense planning seminars ... Controller Supervisor (AIC SUP) and Anti-Air Warfare Coordinator (AAWC). * Five years' experience ...

Present classroom instruction on IAMD and facilitate tactical air defense planning seminars ... Controller Supervisor (AIC SUP) and Anti-Air Warfare Coordinator (AAWC). * Five years' experience ...

HS/GED and (10) ten years of Navy Warfare Tactical experience planning and executing real-world or ... Air Intercept Controller Supervisor (AIC SUP) * Anti-Air Warfare Coordinator (AAWC) Target salary ...

HS/GED and (10) ten years of Navy Warfare Tactical experience planning and executing real-world or ... Air Intercept Controller Supervisor (AIC SUP) * Anti-Air Warfare Coordinator (AAWC) Target salary ...

Tactical Data Link Test Engineer - Senior

FL · On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

Joint Range Extension (JRE), Joint Air Defense Systems Integrator (JADSI), Tactical Radio Application eXtension (TRAX), Gateway Manager, Link Monitoring and Management Tool (LMMT), Scalable Portable ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Tactical Air Defense Controller information

See salary details

$55K

$119.5K

$175.5K

How much do tactical air defense controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for tactical air defense controller in the United States is $119,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical day-to-day responsibilities for a Tactical Air Defense Controller?

Tactical Air Defense Controllers are responsible for monitoring airspace using radar and surveillance systems, identifying and tracking potential threats, and coordinating aircraft and missile defense responses. They work closely with other controllers, pilots, and military command personnel to relay critical information and ensure seamless communication during high-pressure situations. Regular duties also include conducting readiness drills, maintaining system functionality, and documenting operational activities. This dynamic work environment requires constant vigilance and close teamwork to ensure effective air defense operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Tactical Air Defense Controller position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tactical Air Defense Controller, you need a strong background in air defense operations, situational awareness, and rapid decision-making, often supported by specialized military training and certifications. Familiarity with radar systems, tactical data links, and command-and-control software is essential for real-time threat detection and response. Excellent communication, teamwork, and stress management skills help controllers coordinate with allied units and adapt quickly to evolving scenarios. These abilities are crucial for maintaining airspace security and ensuring timely, effective responses to potential threats.

What is a Tactical Air Defense Controller job?

A Tactical Air Defense Controller is responsible for monitoring and directing military aircraft to ensure airspace security and mission success. They coordinate air defense operations, track airborne threats, and provide real-time guidance to pilots and command units. Their role involves using radar, communication systems, and tactical data links to maintain situational awareness. This position is critical in identifying potential threats and ensuring a rapid response to protect national airspace and military assets.

More about Tactical Air Defense Controller jobs
Infographic showing various Tactical Air Defense Controller job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,497 per year, or $57.5 per hour.
LVC Air Defense Warfare Facilitator

LVC Air Defense Warfare Facilitator

SAIC

San Diego, CA

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 204 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2613048

Location: San Diego, CA, US

Date Posted: 2026-06-15

Category: Defense/Intel

Subcategory: Military Operations

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is seeking a Live Virtual Constructive Operations Warfare Facilitator to provide subject matter expertise in air defense tactics, techniques, and procedures in an integrated LVC training environment to support advanced, high-level pre-deployment training for carrier strike groups and other naval forces.  Place of performance is San Diego, CA, with occasional travel to Fleet Concentration Areas and other locations for exercise planning.

MUST WORK ON-SITE IN SAN DIEGO, CA

JOB DUTIES

  • Provide subject matter expertise in the latest Navy LVC methods, processes, techniques, and procedures, to include C2 organization, unit employment, capabilities/limitations, integration, and threat capabilities.
  • Develop advanced war game scenarios to support training of ships in Certification Events such as Composite Training Unit Exercise (CTX).
  • Facilitate war game execution by serving as a white cell representative for the war game director and staff.
  • Manage accomplishment of training objectives by adjusting war game scenario aspects, and role-playing US forces or threat components as required.
  • Present classroom instruction on IAMD and facilitate tactical air defense planning seminars. 
  • Liaise with Navy and Joint Centers of Excellence and provide SME support to TTGP in the latest USN doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures for LVC training and Air Defense.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND CLEARANCE:

  • Bachelors and 10 years of Navy Warfare Tactical SME experience including planning and executing real-world or simulated warfare and employment of units. 
  • Supervisory watch qualification or equivalent warfare area qualification.
  • 5 years’ experience as a Naval Officer or Chief Petty Officer or equivalent. 
  • Qualification as TAO or aircraft mission commander or equivalent warfare area qualification and/or designation as Air Intercept Controller Supervisor (AIC SUP) and Anti-Air Warfare Coordinator (AAWC).
  • Five years’ experience developing and executing tactical team training. 
  • Equivalent civilian wargaming SME experience is an acceptable offset for years of experience. 
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Must have an active Secret Clearance to start. 

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience with Fleet Synthetic Training and LVC training initiatives

Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

What SAIC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom