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Military Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The role focuses on building and managing relationships across military operators, acquisition offices, congressional stakeholders, contracting channels, and other influential actors who shape ...

Growth Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

The role focuses on building and managing relationships across military operators, acquisition offices, congressional stakeholders, contracting channels, and other influential actors who shape ...

NC2/NC3 Systems Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$146K - $183K/yr

If you've spent years working inside NC2/NC3 systems - as a military operator, acquisition professional, or defense contractor - and want to continue shaping the nuclear enterprise from the outside ...

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Military Operator information

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$12

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$29

How much do military operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for military operator in the United States is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a military operator?

Military operators are trained personnel who carry out specialized missions and tasks within the armed forces. Their roles can range from operating advanced equipment and vehicles to conducting reconnaissance, combat, and support operations. Military operators often belong to elite units, such as special operations forces, and require extensive training to perform high-risk assignments. Their responsibilities may also include intelligence gathering, mission planning, and ensuring the success and safety of their teams during complex operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a military operator?

To thrive as a Military Operator, you need strong physical fitness, situational awareness, tactical skills, and typically a high school diploma with specialized military training. Familiarity with advanced weaponry, communication systems, navigation tools, and sometimes security clearances are essential. Exceptional teamwork, discipline, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm under pressure distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for carrying out missions effectively and ensuring the safety and success of the team in high-risk environments.

What are some common challenges military operators face when adapting to new missions or environments?

Military Operators often encounter rapidly changing environments, requiring them to quickly learn new protocols, equipment, and cultural nuances. Adapting to unfamiliar terrains, climates, or operational demands can test both physical and mental endurance. Teamwork and clear communication are critical, as missions typically involve close coordination with other units and allied forces. Continuous training and flexibility help operators stay prepared for these challenges, ensuring mission success while maintaining personal well-being.

What is the difference between Military Operator vs Military Technician?

AspectMilitary OperatorMilitary Technician
Required CredentialsBasic military training, specialized operational certificationsTechnical certifications, specialized technical training
Work EnvironmentField operations, combat zones, tactical settingsMaintenance facilities, technical labs, repair sites
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary branches, defense industryMilitary branches, defense contractors

Military Operators focus on executing operational tasks in the field, often requiring tactical skills and basic certifications. Military Technicians specialize in maintaining and repairing equipment, needing technical certifications and working primarily in maintenance environments. Both roles are essential in the military but differ in their focus and work settings.

What is the easiest military operator job to get?

The easiest military operator jobs to obtain typically require less specialized training and have lower entry barriers, such as basic communication or support roles. These positions often involve minimal prior experience and may require passing standard physical and aptitude tests, making them accessible for new recruits. However, all military roles require meeting specific enlistment criteria and completing basic training.
More about Military Operator jobs
Infographic showing various Military Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,306 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Growth Director

Reaxiomatic

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Role Overview
The Growth Director is responsible for developing and executing the company's business development and government engagement strategy within the U.S. Department of War ecosystem. The role focuses on building and managing relationships across military operators, acquisition offices, congressional stakeholders, contracting channels, and other influential actors who shape defense programs.

This position requires translating evolving product development realities into credible external narratives while ensuring external stakeholders do not inadvertently slow internal engineering progress. The Growth Director must navigate the realities of defense acquisition while identifying paths that allow a startup organization to move faster than the traditional system typically permits.

Required Qualifications

  • Demonstrated experience coordinating and driving complex efforts that involve multiple organizations, stakeholders, or teams, including situations where formal authority over those groups is limited.
  • Working understanding of the Department of War acquisition environment, including practical experience navigating program offices, contracting pathways, and related bureaucratic processes.
  • Evidence of successfully accelerating progress through or around slow acquisition structures while maintaining credibility with government stakeholders.
  • An established professional network within at least one U.S. military service branch.
  • Ability to engage senior decision makers across operational, acquisition, and policy communities and translate their priorities into actionable company strategy.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience as a military operator, particularly within Special Operations Forces or other operational units closely tied to capability development.
  • Direct experience working for or with a defense technology startup entering the Department of War market.
  • Firsthand experience selling or fielding new capabilities into the defense ecosystem as a non-traditional supplier.

Reporting Structure and Scope

This role reports to the Founder and CEO and is based onsite in San Diego. The position begins as an individual contributor with no direct reports, though the role will manage external consultants, advisors, and subcontracted support as needed.

The Growth Director owns the prioritization and execution approach for government engagement and business development activities. This includes shaping how the company engages with military operators, program offices, congressional stakeholders, and other influential actors.

The role requires close coordination with engineering leadership to maintain alignment between technical development timelines and external expectations. A core responsibility is protecting the internal development process from unnecessary bureaucratic friction while ensuring that key stakeholders remain informed and appropriately engaged.

Success in the role requires strong personal agency, accountability for outcomes, and the judgment to escalate issues through senior chains of command when necessary in order to resolve blocking constraints or misaligned requirements.