ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Isr Sensor Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

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 ... sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years. ABOUT THE TEAM The ...

Anduril Industries

Staff Radar Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA

$165K - $218K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years. ABOUT THE TEAM The ...

Anduril Industries

Flight Test Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$112K - $149K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years. The Test and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsIsr Sensor Operator JobsIsr Sensor Operator Jobs in California

Isr Sensor Operator information

See California salary details

$5

$15

$16

How much do isr sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for isr sensor operator in California is $15.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $16.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an ISR Sensor Operator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and typically a background in military or intelligence operations, often supported by relevant security clearances. Familiarity with ISR platforms, sensor systems, imagery exploitation tools, and geospatial analysis software is essential. Excellent communication, teamwork, and decision-making abilities help you collaborate effectively and respond quickly to dynamic situations. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing accurate, timely intelligence that supports mission success and operational safety.

What is the difference between Isr Sensor Operator vs Radar Sensor Operator?

AspectIsr Sensor OperatorRadar Sensor Operator
Required CertificationsMilitary or specialized ISR certifications, security clearancesMilitary or civilian radar operation certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, surveillance sites, intelligence operationsAirports, military bases, surveillance facilities
Industry UsageDefense, intelligence, surveillanceDefense, aviation, maritime security

Both roles involve operating sensor equipment, but Isr Sensor Operators focus on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, often requiring security clearances and specialized training. Radar Sensor Operators primarily operate radar systems for detection and tracking in military or civilian contexts. While their work environments and certifications overlap, their specific functions and mission focus differ.

What are some typical challenges faced by ISR Sensor Operators in their daily operations?

ISR Sensor Operators often face challenges such as managing high workloads during mission-critical periods, maintaining focus during long surveillance shifts, and adapting quickly to rapidly changing mission objectives. They must also coordinate closely with pilots and intelligence analysts to ensure accurate data collection and timely reporting. Effective communication, attention to detail, and the ability to operate sophisticated sensor equipment under pressure are essential to succeed in this role.

What are ISR Sensor Operators?

ISR Sensor Operators are specialized professionals responsible for operating intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors on aircraft, drones, or other platforms. They collect, analyze, and interpret data to support military and intelligence missions, helping identify targets, monitor activities, and gather crucial information. These operators work closely with mission teams to provide real-time situational awareness and actionable intelligence. Their role is critical in ensuring mission success and the safety of personnel.
What are popular job titles related to Isr Sensor Operator jobs in California? For Isr Sensor Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Isr Sensor Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Isr Sensor Operator jobs in California are:
Isr Sensor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Isr Sensor Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 79% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,194 per year, or $16 per hour.
Senior Staff Systems Engineer (R4738)

Senior Staff Systems Engineer (R4738)

Shield AI

San Diego, CA

$110K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:
As a Senior Staff Systems Engineer on Shield AI’s next gen UAS program, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and integrating cutting-edge autonomous aircraft systems for national defense. You will lead the technical execution of system architecture, ensuring seamless integration of avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensor payloads, and mission-critical systems.
 
This position requires a deep understanding of aerospace systems engineering, autonomy, and complex system integration. You will work cross-functionally with teams in hardware, software, autonomy, flight operations, and manufacturing to develop a scalable, mission-ready platform capable of operating in contested environments.
 
Your expertise will be critical in defining system requirements and architectures through model-based systems engineering, conducting trade studies, ensuring compliance with military and aviation standards, and supporting the aircraft through flight testing and operational deployment.
What You'll Do:
  • Perform System Architecture & Design: Develop and refine the system architecture for the next gen UAS, ensuring seamless integration of avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensor payloads, and mission systems.
  • Define and document system-level behavior, including modes, states, transitions, and fault responses
  • Support safety analyses (FHA, FMEA, FTA) by defining behavior under fault conditions
  • Define and Manage System Requirements: Establish top-level requirements, decompose them into subsystems, and maintain traceability across the development lifecycle.
  • Autonomy & AI Integration: Work closely with autonomy and software teams to integrate AI-driven flight control, decision-making, and mission execution capabilities.
  • Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Utilize SysML, DOORS, or other MBSE tools to create digital system models, conduct trade studies, and optimize system performance.
  • Risk Management & Trade Studies: Conduct trade studies to evaluate design alternatives, assess technical risks, and ensure the best engineering solutions for mission effectiveness.
  • Stakeholder & Customer Engagement: Work closely with DoD stakeholders, industry partners, and government agencies to align system capabilities with operational requirements.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with hardware, autonomy, software, propulsion, and flight operations teams to drive seamless system integration and rapid development cycles.
Required Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of experience in systems engineering for aerospace, defense, or autonomous aircraft systems.
  • Demonstrated experience defining system behavior logic and operational modes
  • Deep expertise in system architecture, avionics integration, and autonomy-driven flight systems.
  • Proficiency in MBSE, DOORS, SysML, CAMEO, or similar system modeling tools for complex systems design and analysis.
  • Experience with Group 4 or Group 5 UAS, military aircraft, or autonomous airborne platforms.
  • Strong background in flight testing, system integration, and performance validation.
  • Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, MIL-STDs, FAA airworthiness certification, and airborne system safety standards.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive complex projects to successful completion.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile development environment with shifting priorities.
  • Worked on developmental program from clean sheet to first flight
  • Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience developing AI-driven autonomy for unmanned aircraft.
  • Expertise in ISR, EW, and advanced sensor integration for airborne platforms.
  • Familiarity with modular open system architectures (MOSA) and Government Reference Architectures (GRA) for defense applications.
  • Prior experience working with defense primes, DoD stakeholders, or government R&D programs.
  • Active Secret or Top Secret clearance (or ability to obtain one).
#LI-JM2
#LE

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
###
 
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.