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Tactical Controller Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Tactical Controller information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$62.6K

$136K

$199.7K

How much do tactical controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for tactical controller in Seattle, WA is $135,990.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,400.00 and $157,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tactical controller?

A Tactical Controller is a professional responsible for managing and coordinating real-time operations, often within fields such as air traffic control, military operations, or emergency services. Their role is to ensure that missions or procedures are carried out safely, efficiently, and according to protocols. Tactical Controllers monitor multiple sources of information, communicate with teams, and make critical decisions under pressure. They play a vital part in maintaining situational awareness and adapting to rapidly changing conditions to achieve strategic objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tactical controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tactical Controller, you need strong situational awareness, decision-making abilities, and a background in aviation or military operations, often supported by specialized training or certifications. Proficiency with radar systems, communication equipment, and tactical data links is typically required. Excellent teamwork, stress management, and clear communication are essential soft skills for coordinating actions in high-pressure environments. These skills ensure mission success, operational safety, and effective coordination during complex tactical scenarios.

How does a tactical controller typically collaborate with other team members during high-pressure situations?

Tactical Controllers play a crucial role in coordinating responses during high-pressure or emergency situations, often working closely with field units, supervisors, and dispatch teams. Effective communication and quick decision-making are essential, as they must relay information, provide guidance, and adapt strategies in real time. Collaboration usually involves regular briefings, debriefings, and the use of specialized communication tools to ensure all parties are aligned and informed. Building strong relationships with team members helps streamline operations and ensures a cohesive response during critical incidents.

What is the difference between Tactical Controller vs Fire Support Specialist?

AspectTactical ControllerFire Support Specialist
CertificationsMilitary tactical certifications, such as JTAC qualificationMilitary fire support or artillery certifications
Work EnvironmentCombat zones, military operations, joint task forcesTraining ranges, military bases, operational theaters
Employer & IndustryMilitary branches, defense contractors

Both Tactical Controllers and Fire Support Specialists operate within military environments, often requiring similar certifications. Tactical Controllers focus on directing close air support and coordinating battlefield assets, while Fire Support Specialists primarily handle artillery and indirect fire support. Understanding these roles helps clarify their distinct responsibilities despite overlapping skills and environments.

What are popular job titles related to Tactical Controller jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Tactical Controller jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tactical Controller jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Tactical Controller jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Programs Manager III (R&D)

Bothell, WA • On-site


General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Good employer

Paid breaks

Recommended by parents


$125K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Company Overview
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) is a global leader in the design, engineering and production of munitions, energetics, weapons, armaments, and missile subsystems around the world. OTS empowers the U.S. military and its allies with an extensive range of overarching product segments applied across all levels of strategic and tactical operations, providing a cutting-edge advantage to our warfighters.
Our Ethos of Honesty, Trust, Transparency, and Alignment, are the guiding principles that form the foundation of everything we do. Integrity is paramount, innovation fuels our passion, customer satisfaction is at the core of our mission, and collaboration is key to our success - fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual respect among employees, partners, and stakeholders.
Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits that include career development and recognition programs.
If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!
Job Summary
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS), a premier provider of ordnance weapons and tactical systems to the U.S. Department of Defense and allied nations, has an opening for a Program Manager III/II to join our diverse and skilled engineering team in Bothell, WA team. We take pride in supporting the mission of the warfighter by delivering the best, to the best. Our products can be found with every U.S. military branch and with allies around the world. We are looking for a motivated and creative leader to help shape and support our mission.
GD-OTS in Bothell offers great benefits that are effective the first day of employment! Medical, dental vision, 401k and many other benefits are available without a waiting period.
Impact of the Role
General Profile
  • Requires in-depth conceptual and practical knowledge in own job discipline and basic knowledge of related job disciplines
  • Solves complex problems
  • Works independently, receives minimal guidance
  • May lead projects or project steps within a broader project or may have accountability for on-going activities or objectives
  • Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience
  • Consistent exercise of discretion & judgment

Essential Functions
  • Has P&L responsibilities for a specific program.
  • Implements and administers one or more corporate programs, typically consisting of multiple programs or sub-programs.
  • Executes programs that meet the needs of the organization or its employees or customers.
  • Participates in all aspects of corporate programs, including planning, budgeting, staffing, and performance.
  • Promotes the program throughout the organization and tracks utilization.
  • Supervises the work of program or project staff to ensure that work in completed on time or in accordance with established standards or specifications.
  • Evaluates program effectiveness by collecting and analyzing data in support of key performance metrics.
  • Ensures that activities are in compliance with organizational policies and any relevant external regulations.
  • Provides reports and updates to senior management or other stakeholders.
    • Additional Responsibilities
      • Experience in:Writing proposals in pursuit of new business opportunities; Proven record of leading engineering& manufacturing development programs - transitioning them to production; Earned value management (EVM) cost accounting principles;Working experience with creating and maintaining integrated master schedule;Proven track record in building strong working relationships with customers;Strong communication skills (oral and written)

      Required Qualifications
      • Required education and experience: Associate's Degree and 5-7 years' experience OR Equivalent Combination of Relevant Education &/or Experience
      • Critical professional related technical skills; computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

      Preferred Qualifications
      • Preferred education and experience: Bachelor's Degree
      • Discipline/Major: Engineering
      • Knowledge, skills & abilities: Oral and written communication skills. Ability to build collaborative relationships. Detail oriented. Ability to meet deadlines. Project management skills.

      Physical Requirements
      • Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.
      • Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.

      Travel Requirements
      Up to 25% travel likely.
      Pay Range (USD)
      $125,000 - $167,000
      Pay Transparency Statement
      The salary range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum for salary for this position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, internal equity, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the range during the hiring process.
      Benefits
      Hidden (29037)
      The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. The statements do not represent an exhaustive list of required responsibilities and skills. Other duties may be added or this job description may be amended at any time. This job description does not alter an employee's at-will employment status or create an employment agreement or contract, implied or otherwise.


What General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems employees say

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