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Instructor Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MQ-9 Sensor Operator

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$78.94 - $83.73/hr

MQ-9 Sensor Operator JOB SUMMARY SDI is seeking MQ-9 LRE & MCE Qualified Instructor Sensor Operators to provide UAS Aircrew Support Services. These positions will be in Gray Butte, CA. Sensor ...

MQ-9 SENSOR OPERATOR

Havelock, NC · Remote

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

Valid Military Form 8 in MQ-1/9 * 1,000 hours in MQ-1/9 * LRE qualification in MQ-1/9 * MQ-1/9 Instructor/Evaluator Sensor Operator with valid and current form 8 * PMATS/MJAT simulation experience

The Mission Sensor Operator (MSO) will operate Company owned sensors in support of our customer to ... Instructor) or JTAC-SEE (Evaluator). * Must have extensive experience building Close Air Support ...

Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) supporting a manned ISR program that will be based CONUS. Leidos ... instructor/evaluator experience in a combat environment is desired • Previous KUSS, PRC-117 ...

Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) supporting a manned ISR program that will be based CONUS. Leidos ... instructor/evaluator experience in a combat environment is desired • Previous KUSS, PRC-117 ...

The primary purpose of the RPA SENSOR OPERATOR (INSTRUCTOR) (ACCELERATED HIRE), GS-2101-11, is to perform duties as a mission crew member on Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). RPA Sensor Operators ...

Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) supporting a manned ISR program that will be based CONUS. Leidos ... instructor/evaluator experience in a combat environment is desired • Previous KUSS, PRC-117 ...

Must be a qualified MH-60R Contract Instructor (Pilot, ATO, or Sensor Operator). * Must have been a NATOPS qualified- MH-60R Pilot, or H60 Airborne Tactical Officer, or USW- capable- H-60 Sensor ...

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Instructor Sensor Operator information

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How much do instructor sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for instructor sensor operator in the United States is $32.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $34.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Instructor Sensor Operators?

Instructor Sensor Operators are experienced professionals who train and mentor other sensor operators in the use and interpretation of airborne sensor equipment—such as radar, infrared, and video systems—typically on military or surveillance aircraft. They are responsible for teaching new operators how to collect, analyze, and report sensor data accurately during missions. In addition to instruction, they may also help develop training materials, evaluate student performance, and ensure adherence to operational procedures and safety standards. Their expertise is essential for preparing effective sensor operators and enhancing mission success.

What are some common challenges faced by Instructor Sensor Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Instructor Sensor Operators often face the challenge of adapting training to students with varying levels of experience and learning styles. Balancing real-time mission demands with instructional responsibilities can also be demanding, requiring strong multitasking and communication skills. To address these challenges, effective time management, continual professional development, and fostering a collaborative team environment are essential. Leveraging simulation technologies and debriefing sessions can further enhance training effectiveness and help instructors tailor their approach to individual student needs.

What is the difference between Instructor Sensor Operator vs Sensor Technician?

AspectInstructor Sensor OperatorSensor Technician
CredentialsCertifications in sensor operation, safety, and trainingTechnical certifications in sensor maintenance and repair
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, control rooms, and field sitesLaboratories, maintenance workshops, and field locations
Employer & IndustryMilitary, aerospace, and industrial training programsManufacturers, service providers, and industrial plants
Job FocusTeaching sensor operation and safety proceduresMaintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing sensors

While both roles involve sensors, Instructor Sensor Operators focus on training and instructing others in sensor operation, whereas Sensor Technicians specialize in maintaining and repairing sensors. The roles often overlap in industry settings but differ primarily in their core responsibilities and required certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Instructor Sensor Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instructor Sensor Operator, you need expertise in sensor operations, mission planning, and surveillance techniques, typically supported by relevant military training and qualifications. Familiarity with advanced sensor systems, imagery analysis software, and classified intelligence databases is crucial. Strong communication, teaching ability, and situational awareness are key soft skills for effectively training and mentoring new operators. These skills and qualities ensure accurate mission execution, effective instruction, and operational security in high-stakes environments.
More about Instructor Sensor Operator jobs
What job categories do people searching Instructor Sensor Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Instructor Sensor Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Instructor Sensor Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,678 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

MQ-9 Sensor Operator

System Dynamics Intl

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$78.94 - $83.73/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

MQ-9 Sensor Operator

JOB SUMMARY

SDI is seeking MQ-9 LRE & MCE Qualified Instructor Sensor Operators to provide UAS Aircrew Support Services. These positions will be in Gray Butte, CA. Sensor Operators will perform duties as flight test crew members employing airborne sensors.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES


Test Planning and Execution
Review test plans, test cards, and other documentation for ground and flight test events and provide feedback to Flight Test Engineer (FTE) as required.
-Conduct operations and procedures in accordance with test plans. Assist pilot through all phases of employment to include test planning, flight operations, debriefings, and post-test analysis and reporting. Continually monitor aircraft and weapons systems status to ensure lethal and non-lethal application of airpower (if applicable). - Conduct tests and evaluate capabilities of new equipment and propriety of new procedures in accordance with established test cards, published flight manuals, checklists, technical orders, instructions, and other approved manuals as provided by the manufacturer.
- Attend and participate in Test Plan Working Groups (TPWGs), Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs), Test Kickoff Meetings, Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), Safety Review Boards (SRBs), and Technical Review Boards (TRBs).
- Conduct flight test missions IAW test cards of various onboard systems including, but not limited to: synthetic aperture radar, electro-optical, low-light, and infrared full-motion video imagery, and other active or passive acquisition and tracking systems.
Pre-flight Planning:
-Perform pre-flight and in-flight mission planning activities. Must understand tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for planned test mission. Operate mission planning ancillary equipment to initialize information for download to airborne mission systems. Participate in post-flight debriefing to establish mission accomplishments and potential procedural development.
In-Flight/Post-Flight:
Assist in air navigation, fire control planning, and determining effective weapons control and delivery tactics to achieve overall mission objectives (as required).
- Receive and process target briefs for weapons delivery.
- Use laser target marking systems to provide target identification and illumination for onboard weapons delivery and in support of other combat assets.
- Conduct terminal weapons guidance.
- Submit T.O. change requests and Deficiency Reports (DR) identified during ground and flight test operations
Certification and Currency:
Ensure sensor operators follow procedures to obtain and maintain an Aircrew Qualification Certification.
- Research and study target imagery, friendly and enemy orders of battle, and offensive and defensive capabilities from various sources. Assemble target information, locate forces, and determine hostile intentions and possible tactics.
- Accurately track and accomplish currency requirements, including annual evaluations/training events, go/no-go Flight Crew Information File items, and safety briefings.
- Knowledgeable of aviation flight operations as well as instructional procedures and techniques.
- Ensures compliance with service guidance, company policy and procedures and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
- Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
- Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
Training:
Provide academic instruction to include basic sensor operation, basic ISR and Launch & Recovery operations.
- Provide support to develop and maintain aircrew training syllabus and training program as well as ground and flight operating procedures.
- Conduct initial, qualification, upgrade, and continuation training for mission crew members.
- Perform training, planning, standardization and evaluation, and other staff duty functions.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES


Must have active TS/SCI security clearance
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics; or Master’s Degree in any engineering field; or BS Degree in a physical science – receiving a minimum GPA of 3.0
Current and qualified MQ-9 Instructor Sensor Operator requirements as follows:

- Sensor Operator III: MCE + LRE + INST/MAQ
- Sensor Operator IV: MCE + LRE + INST + SEFE/MAQ
- Sensor Operator IV: MCE + LRE + INST + SEFE + MAQ

Must possess/obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate
Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office products


OTHER INFORMATION
Travel may be required to other sites to support the contract effort.