1

Airborne Mission System Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Principal Mission Engineer

Fairborn, OH · On-site

$118K - $163K/yr

This position is ideal for individuals who understand both the operational employment and technical integration of advanced airborne mission systems. What You'll Do * Provide mission engineering ...

Senior Principal Mission Engineer

Fairborn, OH · On-site

$118K - $163K/yr

This position is ideal for individuals who understand both the operational employment and technical integration of advanced airborne mission systems. What You'll Do * Provide mission engineering ...

Senior Principal Mission Engineer

Fairborn, OH · On-site

$118K - $163K/yr

This position is ideal for individuals who understand both the operational employment and technical integration of advanced airborne mission systems. What You'll Do * Provide mission engineering ...

Senior Principal Mission Engineer

Fairborn, OH · On-site

$118K - $163K/yr

This position is ideal for individuals who understand both the operational employment and technical integration of advanced airborne mission systems. What You'll Do * Provide mission engineering ...

This position is ideal for individuals who understand both the operational employment and technical integration of advanced airborne mission systems. What You'll Do * Provide mission engineering ...

Our Mission Our mission is to lead the energy transition with innovative client-focused solutions ... Priority Power Management is seeking a Substation System Operator to join our Grid Infrastructure ...

Showing results 41-60

Airborne Mission System Operator information

See salary details

$10

$32

$83

How much do airborne mission system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for airborne mission system operator in the United States is $32.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Airborne Mission System Operator?

Airborne Mission System Operators are specialized military personnel responsible for operating and managing advanced electronic systems on board aircraft. They monitor radar, sensor, and communication equipment to gather and interpret critical information during airborne missions. Their role is vital for intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and supporting mission objectives. They work closely with pilots and mission commanders to ensure the success and safety of each operation.

What are some typical challenges faced by an Airborne Mission System Operator during missions?

Airborne Mission System Operators often encounter challenges such as managing multiple complex systems simultaneously, maintaining situational awareness in dynamic environments, and making quick decisions under pressure. Missions can involve rapidly changing scenarios that require adaptability and precise communication with both the flight crew and ground teams. Additionally, Operators must regularly troubleshoot technical issues while ensuring mission objectives are met, making strong problem-solving skills and teamwork essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Airborne Mission System Operator, and why are they important?

To excel as an Airborne Mission System Operator, you need a solid understanding of avionics, radar systems, and airborne surveillance procedures, typically gained through military training and technical certifications. Familiarity with mission management software, communication systems, and data analysis tools is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong situational awareness are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate mission execution, effective information gathering, and safety in complex operational environments.

What is the difference between Airborne Mission System Operator vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectAirborne Mission System OperatorAir Traffic Controller
CredentialsMilitary or specialized certifications, security clearancesFAA certification, licensing
Work EnvironmentMilitary aircraft, command centers, remote operationsAirports, control towers, radar facilities
Industry UsageMilitary, defense, aerospaceCommercial and general aviation

While both roles involve high-stakes operations, Airborne Mission System Operators focus on managing onboard systems during missions, primarily in military settings. Air Traffic Controllers coordinate aircraft movements in civilian airspace. The roles differ in environment, certifications, and industry focus, but both require strong technical skills and attention to safety.

What cities are hiring for Airborne Mission System Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Airborne Mission System Operator job openings:

What states have the most Airborne Mission System Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Airborne Mission System Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Airborne Mission System Operator jobs?

For Airborne Mission System Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Airborne Mission System Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,988 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Staff Airborne Systems Operator

Melbourne, FL • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

$152K - $229K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

The Staff Airborne Systems Operator provides expertise in the area of Military and Civil Aircraft capabilities to support the Design, Development, Verification, and Validation of Cockpit Systems software and hardware. Conducts briefings, coordinates with engineers and customers to define an implementation, and analyze discrepancies. Act as engineering and customer liaison for Future Development Insertion for the System.

Attend Aircraft Systems Technical Interchange Meetings, Design Reviews, and Assessments. Support engineering with development of test plans, procedures, and test cards to support internal and external Hardware/Software lab based assessments. May conduct demonstrations with customers, government officials, or other personnel to exhibit system capabilities.

This job is in support of the Cockpit Systems IPT.The Cockpit Systems IPT work scope includes laying out the cockpit controls, panels, windscreen/transparencies, escape system, breathing gas system, and all data display and control hardware and software to both fly and execute the mission in compliance with all related requirements (military and civil requirements).Cockpit Systems interfaces with a majority of the other aircraft systems.Cockpit Systems is responsible for the human factors (HF) related design aspects as well as the human-machine interface (HMI) including the coordination and execution of the Cockpit Working Group (CWG).The SOW will be necessary to support IFC design and assessments which will result in delivered product to support the aircraft build and integration.

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelors of Science Degree, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) with 14 years of relevant military and pilot experience or Masters Degree in STEM with 12 years of relevant military and pilot experience OR 9 years and a PhD in STEM

Pilot experience on military aircraft (flying combat missions) or civilian commercial jet aircraft

Experience managing and developing system requirements and assessing design for compliance from a pilot/user perspective

Experience coordinating across internal Integrated Product Teams, suppliers, and government counterparts to analyze requirements and deliver solutions

Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Clearance as well as the ability to obtain Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs

Primary Level Salary Range: $152,900.00 - $229,300.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939