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Airborne Radar Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... We're building next-generation airborne radar systems that are rapidly deployable, adaptable across ...

Staff Radar Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$165K - $218K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... We're building next-generation airborne radar systems that are rapidly deployable, adaptable across ...

Radar Scientist

Golden, CO · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

We are building and operating a weather observation constellation powered by internally developed ... Experience with SDR-based radar systems (spaceborne or airborne radar is preferred) * L1/L1a ...

Radar Scientist

Golden, CO · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

We are building and operating a weather observation constellation powered by internally developed ... Experience with SDR-based radar systems (spaceborne or airborne radar is preferred) * L1/L1a ...

Senior FPGA Engineer

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... In this role, you will be the technical lead for FPGA development supporting our airborne radar ...

New

Senior FPGA Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... In this role, you will be the technical lead for FPGA development supporting our airborne radar ...

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... In this role, you will be the technical lead for FPGA development supporting our airborne radar ...

Payload Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Leidos is looking for a Payload Operator who currently possesses a TS/SCI and has the ability to ... airborne and shipborne signal emitters SECURITY CLEARANCE Required: TS/SCI w/ Polygraph OTHER ...

Chief Engineer, Radar

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$219K - $290K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... airborne radars or other RF sensors * Demonstrated understanding of radar system design * Deep ...

Payload Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Leidos is looking for a Payload Operator who currently possesses a TS/SCI and has the ability to ... airborne and shipborne signal emitters SECURITY CLEARANCE Required: TS/SCI w/ Polygraph OTHER ...

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Airborne Radar Operator information

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How much do airborne radar operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for airborne radar operator in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Airborne Radar Operator job?

An Airborne Radar Operator is responsible for monitoring and interpreting radar systems on aircraft to detect, track, and analyze objects, weather patterns, or potential threats. They work in military, law enforcement, or civilian aviation settings to support missions such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue operations. Their duties include operating radar equipment, analyzing radar data, and communicating findings to the flight crew or command centers. This role requires specialized training, strong situational awareness, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Airborne Radar Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airborne Radar Operator, you need a solid understanding of radar systems, spatial awareness, and typically a background in aviation or military training. Proficiency with advanced radar consoles, navigation software, and often security clearances or military certifications are required. Attention to detail, quick decision-making, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities are vital for ensuring accurate detection, communication, and mission success in high-pressure, dynamic airborne environments.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Airborne Radar Operators typically do not earn $300,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive, medical, legal, or specialized technical roles. High-paying jobs in the military or defense industry, including certain senior positions or contractors with advanced skills and security clearances, can reach or exceed this level. Achieving this salary often requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership responsibilities.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

An Airborne Radar Operator can earn around $10,000 per month through military service or specialized defense contractor roles, often requiring technical training, security clearances, and experience with radar systems. These positions typically do not require a college degree but do demand specialized skills and certifications. High-paying roles in this field are usually found in government or defense sectors with strict qualification standards.

What does a typical workday look like for an Airborne Radar Operator?

A typical workday for an Airborne Radar Operator involves operating radar and surveillance equipment onboard aircraft, monitoring airspace or ground activity, and communicating critical findings to pilots and mission teams. Operators analyze real-time radar data, coordinate with aircrew, and may participate in pre-flight briefings and post-mission debriefs. The role demands close collaboration with both flight and mission personnel, often during long or irregular hours, depending on operations. This environment is dynamic and requires adaptability as missions and assignments may frequently change on short notice.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Airborne Radar Operators typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized surgeons, or successful entrepreneurs. Highly experienced professionals in certain fields like investment banking or tech may reach this level, but it is uncommon for military or technical roles like radar operators. Achieving this income often requires advanced skills, certifications, and leadership positions.

How to become a radar operator?

To become an airborne radar operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in radar systems and aviation operations. Military roles often require basic security clearance and completion of technical training programs, while civilian positions may require certifications in radar technology and relevant experience with electronic systems.
More about Airborne Radar Operator jobs
What states have the most Airborne Radar Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Airborne Radar Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Airborne Radar Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Airborne Radar Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Airborne Radar Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Full Time, 84% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Staff Radar Engineer

$165K - $218K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Radar team at Anduril develops state-of-the-art airborne sensing capabilities for air-to-air surveillance, aerial threat detection, and intelligence gathering missions. Our software-defined radars provide persistent, all-weather detection and tracking of aerial targets and ground threats from airborne platforms, seamlessly integrating with Lattice OS to enable autonomous decision-making and multi-sensor fusion. We're building next-generation airborne radar systems that are rapidly deployable, adaptable across multiple aircraft platforms, and designed for modern air combat operations-from protecting airspace to enabling advanced airborne early warning and fire control capabilities.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Lead systems architecture and mode development for airborne radar systems across manned and unmanned platforms
  • Develop and implement advanced radar processing algorithms with focus on DSP, waveform design, and electronic protection techniques
  • Drive end-to-end radar system design from concept through operational deployment, ensuring operationally-focused solutions
  • Design and refine advanced airborne RF sensing modes and algorithms including SAR, ISAR, GMTI, and air-to-air tracking
  • Conduct rigorous system-level analysis and requirements decomposition for airborne radar subsystems
  • Provide technical leadership in software development for radar mode implementation and real-time processing
  • Engage directly with government customers and operational users to understand mission requirements and translate them into technical solutions
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define architectures and concepts of operations for airborne systems-of-systems
  • Create, communicate, and establish consensus for internal development roadmaps for airborne radar capabilities
  • Mentor and guide team members in radar theory, systems engineering, and operational best practices
  • Support programmatic and business leadership with technical expertise for strategic decision-making
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 12+ years of experience & a Bachelor's degree in mathematics, physics, engineering, or other technical field (advanced degree strongly preferred)
  • Proven experience in a Staff or Principal-level technical leadership role developing operational airborne defense radar systems
  • Deep expertise in airborne radar systems engineering, mode development, and software architecture
  • Strong background in algorithm development, digital signal processing, and electronic protection techniques
  • End-to-end radar systems experience spanning hardware, software, and operational deployment
  • Demonstrated ability to work directly with operational customers and translate mission needs into technical requirements
  • Operationally-focused mindset with experience fielding systems in real-world environments (not purely academic/research focused)
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience at Chief Systems Engineer or Technical Fellow level on major radar programs
  • Strong software development skills with proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and C++ for real-time radar systems
  • Expertise in digital beamforming, AESA technology, cognitive radar, or adaptive waveform techniques for airborne applications
  • Hands-on experience as a technical contributor in radar algorithm implementation and mode development
  • Direct experience supporting Air Force, Navy, Army, or Special Operations Command on airborne ISR or weapons systems programs
  • Track record of customer-facing technical leadership and program execution
  • Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility or willingness to obtain

US Salary Range
$165,000-$218,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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