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Doppler Weather Radar Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Computer Scientist Intern

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

The TDWR (Terminal Doppler Weather Radar), and the WSR-88D (Weather Surveillance Radar 1988 Doppler), along with several other weather sensors/platforms, such as the AWOS (Automated Weather Observing ...

Computer Scientist Intern

Oklahoma City, OK

$13 - $17.25/hr

The TDWR (Terminal Doppler Weather Radar), and the WSR-88D (Weather Surveillance Radar 1988 Doppler), along with several other weather sensors/platforms, such as the AWOS (Automated Weather Observing ...

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Doppler Weather Radar information

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$5

$34

$41

How much do doppler weather radar jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for doppler weather radar in the United States is $34.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $40.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Doppler Weather Radar?

A Doppler Weather Radar is a specialized radar system used to detect and monitor weather conditions, particularly precipitation, storms, and wind patterns. It works by sending out radio waves and measuring how they bounce back after hitting precipitation particles in the atmosphere. The Doppler effect allows the radar to determine the motion and speed of rain, snow, or storms, which helps meteorologists track severe weather events, forecast rainfall, and issue warnings for tornadoes or flash floods. These radars are essential tools for improving weather prediction and public safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Doppler Weather Radar technician?

To thrive as a Weather Radar Technician, you need a solid background in electronics, radar technology, and meteorology, typically supported by an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in electronics, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with Doppler radar systems, diagnostic tools, and relevant certifications like FCC licenses are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for diagnosing issues and coordinating with meteorologists or engineers. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate radar operation, timely maintenance, and reliable weather data essential for public safety and forecasting.

What are some typical challenges faced by Doppler Weather Radar technicians during severe weather events?

Doppler Weather Radar technicians often encounter challenges such as maintaining equipment reliability during high-usage periods, troubleshooting technical issues under tight time constraints, and ensuring accurate data transmission for forecasters. During severe weather, quick response times and effective collaboration with meteorologists are essential to keep the radar functioning optimally. Technicians must also be prepared to work irregular hours and handle high-pressure situations to support public safety and accurate forecasting.

What is the difference between Doppler Weather Radar vs Meteorologist?

AspectDoppler Weather RadarMeteorologist
Primary RoleOperates and maintains weather radar systems to detect atmospheric conditionsAnalyzes weather data, forecasts, and studies atmospheric phenomena
Required CredentialsTechnical training or certification in radar technology or meteorologyBachelor's or higher in meteorology, atmospheric science, or related field
Work EnvironmentWeather stations, radar facilities, field operationsResearch centers, TV stations, government agencies, outdoor fieldwork
Industry UsageUsed by weather agencies, aviation, military for weather monitoringEmployed by media, government, research institutions for weather forecasting

While Doppler Weather Radar focuses on operating radar systems to detect atmospheric conditions, meteorologists interpret this data to forecast weather. Both roles are essential in weather prediction but differ in responsibilities and required education.

Infographic showing various Doppler Weather Radar job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,187 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Radar Meteorologist

Lexington, MA • On-site

MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

The Air Traffic Control & Weather Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory has a long history of developing innovative and impactful technologies that enable safe, efficient, and secure transportation. We work in a wide range of mission areas, including weather sensing and forecasting, air traffic control decision support and aviation cyber security. Our group brings together experts across multiple disciplines - systems analysis, meteorology, mathematics, computer science, aerospace engineering, human factors, flight operations, and others - to address the nation's transportation problems. We develop advanced prototype systems and work closely with the US government, users, industry and academia to integrate and transfer them into real-world operations. Our technologies have been recognized nationally through numerous R&D100 awards, and we are proud to serve the country through our research. We offer a collegial work environment, value teamwork and diversity, and allow for flexible work arrangements.

Job Description

We are seeking a meteorologist with a background in weather radar analysis and algorithm development who can contribute to a variety of research initiatives and national infrastructure needs. Expertise in radar meteorology is central to this role, with a particular focus on wind-based hazardous weather for aviation such as microbursts and windshear, as well as icing, en-route convection, and turbulence. Additionally, experience analyzing and understanding the broader-scale dynamics of severe convective storms, especially tornadoes, is important for this position. Candidates should have the ability to think broadly about how weather radar systems and networks contribute to operational missions and have the interest to work on the development of both real-time, operational systems, as well as more research-based trade studies and analysis. Key project opportunities involve working on NOAA, FAA, and DoW programs that include application of large-scale data to AI-based weather radar algorithms with supercomputing resources, analysis of performance metrics of algorithms under development, analysis and design of radar specifications, development of novel aviation and non-aviation algorithms for hazardous weather, monitoring of operational algorithms and troubleshooting false alarms/missed detections, and other projects as needed. Our weather radar team often provides both high-level and technical trade studies, reports, presentations, and publications (conferences, journals, etc.) for government sponsors, and we take great pride in serving as independent subject matter experts for the U.S. government.

Requirements
  • M.S. in Meteorology or related field of study, or B.S. in a related field of study with 5+ years of relevant work experience
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Python and Linux environments
  • Strong foundation in weather radar concepts and radar data analysis
  • Experience with high-performance supercomputing environments
  • Strong analytical skills and demonstrated experience with very large datasets
  • Coursework or work experience in severe convective storms and mesoscale meteorology
  • Demonstrated proficiency in technical writing through journal publications, conference papers, and/or reports
  • Outstanding oral presentation skills as demonstrated by conference presentations, etc.
Desired
  • Experience, and ideally proficiency, in MATLAB
  • Experience with aviation weather radars (e.g., Terminal Doppler Weather Radar and/or Airport Surveillance Radar Weather Systems Processor)
  • Experience with neural networks and other AI techniques
  • Experience with phased array systems for meteorological targets

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $116,400 - $140,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $116,400 - $182,200

 

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including-but not limited to-the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
  • MIT-funded pension
  • Matching 401K
  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
  • Mentorship programs
  • A range of work-life balance options
  • ... and much more!  

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

 

Requisition ID: 43173