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Tactical Air Support Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Tactical Data Link Test Engineer - Senior

FL · On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

Our Tactical Data Links (TDL) Test Flight (TGBC) is searching for a Tactical Data Link Test Engineer for the TMAS 2 96 CTG Task Order , supporting the 46 TS / TGBC - the United States Air Force ...

Metron

Network Engineer

Crane, IN

USMC Prior Service MOS: 7236 - Tactical Air Defense Controller, 7242 - Air Support Operations Operator, 5979 - Tactical Air Operations/Air Defense Systems Technician experience. * Experience with ...

Metron, Inc

Network Engineer

Crane, IN · On-site

USMC Prior Service MOS: 7236 - Tactical Air Defense Controller, 7242 - Air Support Operations Operator, 5979 - Tactical Air Operations/Air Defense Systems Technician experience. * Experience with ...

Metron

Network Engineer

Crane, IN · On-site

USMC Prior Service MOS: 7236 - Tactical Air Defense Controller, 7242 - Air Support Operations Operator, 5979 - Tactical Air Operations/Air Defense Systems Technician experience. * Experience with ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Air Defense Control SME

Stafford, VA

$86K - $198K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience operating within a Tactical Air Operations Center (TAOC) to direct aircraft and air-defense assets, integrate intelligence for targeting, prosecute deep air support missions, and identify ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Air Defense Control SME

Stafford, VA · On-site +1

$86K - $198K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience operating within a Tactical Air Operations Center (TAOC) to direct aircraft and air-defense assets, integrate intelligence for targeting, prosecute deep air support missions, and identify ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Air Defense Control SME

Stafford, VA · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience operating within a Tactical Air Operations Center (TAOC) to direct aircraft and air-defense assets, integrate intelligence for targeting, prosecute deep air support missions, and identify ...

Astrion

Data Link Test Engineer Mid-Level

FL · On-site

... SPIDR), Tactical Air Control Party Close Air Support System (TACP-CASS), Move Out/Jump Off (MOJO) Kit, Battlefield Operations Support System (BOSS), and Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK)

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Tactical Air Support information

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How much do tactical air support jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for tactical air support in the United States is $70,697.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is tactical air support?

Tactical Air Support refers to the use of military aircraft to provide direct assistance to ground troops during combat operations. This includes delivering close air support, reconnaissance, and logistical aid to enhance the effectiveness and safety of ground forces. Personnel in Tactical Air Support roles coordinate with pilots, ground commanders, and other military units to ensure timely and accurate air strikes or support missions. These positions are critical for modern military operations, helping to achieve strategic objectives and minimize risks to friendly forces.

What is the difference between Tactical Air Support vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectTactical Air SupportAir Traffic Controller
Required CertificationsMilitary pilot certifications, tactical trainingFAA certification, radar and communication licenses
Work EnvironmentMilitary operations, combat zones, airbasesAirports, control towers, radar facilities
Employer & IndustryMilitary, defense contractorsCommercial and regional airports
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While Tactical Air Support involves military aviation and tactical missions, Air Traffic Controllers manage civilian air traffic at airports. Both roles require specialized certifications and work in aviation environments, but their responsibilities and employer types differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in tactical air support roles, and why are they important?

Success in Tactical Air Support requires a strong background in aviation, military strategy, and operational planning, often supported by a degree in aviation, engineering, or military science and relevant pilot or technical certifications. Familiarity with mission planning software, communications systems, and advanced aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicles is typically necessary. Exceptional decision-making, teamwork, and situational awareness help individuals excel in dynamic and high-pressure environments. These skills ensure the effective coordination and execution of air support missions, directly impacting operational success and safety.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in tactical air support roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Tactical Air Support often face challenges such as rapidly changing mission requirements, maintaining clear communication with ground and air units, and operating in high-pressure environments. To address these, it's important to develop strong situational awareness, build effective teamwork skills, and stay current with training on both equipment and tactical procedures. Proactive communication and regular debriefings with team members help ensure mission success and continuous improvement.
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What states have the most Tactical Air Support jobs?

States with the most job openings for Tactical Air Support jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Tactical Air Support jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Tactical Air Support jobs are:

Tactical Air Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tactical Air Support job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,697 per year, or $34 per hour.

Tactical Data Link Test Engineer - Senior

Astrion

FL • On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 hours ago

Job description

Overview
Tactical Data Link Test Engineer - Senior
LOCATION: Eglin AFB, FL
JOB STATUS: Full-time
CLEARANCE: Secret
CERTIFICATION: N/A
TRAVEL: 35% CONUS / OCONUS
Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Tactical Data Link Test Engineer - Senior located at Eglin, AFB in Valparaiso, FL.
Our Tactical Data Links (TDL) Test Flight (TGBC) is searching for a Tactical Data Link Test Engineer for the TMAS 2 96 CTG Task Order, supporting the 46 TS / TGBC - the United States Air Force's premier TDL Developmental Test (DT) Team. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and being on the cutting edge of innovative communications technology, this is the place for you. We provide several opportunities to learn and grow, ranging from on-the-job training with other team members to formal courses for unique technology areas.
We realize that no one will possess all the qualifications listed below. We are looking for people that have a strong engineering background and/or TDL foundation and have the drive and motivation to learn all other required/preferred areas. Position responsibilities can span from serving as a test lead responsible for planning, developing, and executing all aspects of a test event to assisting another test lead as a team member.
This position provides support to the 46 Test Squadron at Eglin AFB as a member of a Tactical Integration Element (TIE) responsible for planning, designing, and executing test events for tactical integration programs.
Astrion has worked extensively with the Department of Defense executing a Technical Management and Advisory Service contract where it has earned a reputation for on-time delivery of high-quality products tailored to the needs of its clients.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
  • Master's Degree in a technical field and a minimum of 10 years of technical experience is required. Additional experience may be substituted for education.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and possess or be eligible to obtain a Secret clearance. Interim Secret clearance required prior to starting employment.
  • Relevant engineering (electrical, mechanical, aerospace or systems) and/or technical experience in areas related to TDL, data link radios, radio frequency waves and propagation, and computer networking
  • Ability to participate on a test team to meet exercise, demonstration, or test requirements.
  • Ability to execute test scripts, run test procedures, develop block diagrams, and collect data for post-test analysis and reporting.
  • Strong work ethic; Comfortable working in a team environment with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to communicate and present technical details both written and verbally.
  • Experience developing and authoring documents such as briefings, plans, reports, executive summaries, white papers, and staff actions.
  • Proficiency with the Microsoft Suite of Office applications.
  • Able to travel to contractors' facilities, test sites, and other locations, CONUS and OCONUS, up to 25% of the time.
  • Able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
  • Relevant operational experience planning, operating, and troubleshooting TDL networks including but not limited to: Link 16, Joint Range Extension Application Protocols (JREAP) A, B and C, Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL), Variable Message Format (VMF), Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL), Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT), Link 11, Link 11B, Link 22, Satellite TDL J, Socket J, and Standard Interface for Multiple Platform Link Evaluation (SIMPLE) J.
  • Relevant operational experience performing Command and Control (C2) battle management roles/functions in USAF military ground or airborne C2 platforms such as Air Operation Centers (AOC), Control and Reporting Center (CRC), Air Support Operations Center (ASOC), Air Defense Sector (ADS), Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), and Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) or sister service equivalent.
  • Understanding of tactical data link systems and their employment across theater-level operations to include, but not limited to: 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 Integrated Data Router (SPIDR), Tactical Air Control Party Close Air Support System (TACP-CASS), Move Out/Jump Off (MOJO) Kit, Battlefield Operations Support System (BOSS), and Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK).
  • Familiar with TDL military standards (MIL-STD) such as MIL-STD 6016, MIL-STD 3011, MIL-STD 6020, MIL-STD 6017, MIL-STD 188-220, MIL-STD 2045-47001, MIL-STD 6090 and MIL-STD 6011.
  • Proficient/familiar with common TDL radios to include: Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS), MIDS Low Volume Terminal (LVT), SADL Radio, KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminal (STT), PRC-161, PRC-117F/G, PRC-152, PRC-163, and PRC-160.
  • Familiar with DoD and Air Force test instructions DODI5000.89_DAFI99-103 Capabilities Based Test and Evaluation and Technical Order 00-35D-54 USAF Deficiency Reporting, Investigation, and Resolution.
  • Possess a current and active Top Secret security clearance.
  • Bachelor of Science in a technical field.
  • Graduate of JT-301, Joint Interface Control Officer Course (JICO) or JT-310, Advanced JICC Operators Course (AJOC).

RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as the primary face to the customer and TGBC focal point for all test planning, execution, and reporting activities for which TGBC is chartered to support.
  • Design, coordinate, document, and brief test equipment architectures required to meet information exchange requirements (voice and data communications) specific to assigned program operations.
  • Advise the government in decision making relevant to lead command responsibilities and to assigned capabilities and/or programs.
  • Assist program offices in developing technical requirements associated with supported capabilities and/or programs and translating user operational requirements statements into the appropriate requirements format(s).
  • Author, review and edit program documentation, including test plans, concept of operations, test cards, data-analysis plans, and formal reports.
  • Coordinate test resources with Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB) program managers for use of and support to program testing activities.
  • Maintain a comprehensive schedule of program activities, including TGBC support requirements and personnel utilization.
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive library and/or continuity database used to capture all lessons learned, planning, execution, and reporting documentation relative to TGBC program involvement.
  • Develop and present briefings to test community, program office and senior-level personnel on program activities.
  • Utilize software tools to conduct in-depth data reduction and analysis which will be used to inform leadership of program activities pursuant to established objectives and technical performance criteria.
  • Travel to various sites to participate in planning, execution, data analysis, report generation, etc., of program-related activities.
  • Attends meetings as necessary to provide briefings, information, and recommendations.
  • Support any additional test activities as assigned by TGBC leadership.

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