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Missile Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Air and Missile Defense Exercise Planner

El Paso, TX · On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

Air and Missile Defense Exercise Planner Program Summary KBR's Missile, Aviation, and Ground ... Develop, refine, and maintain standard operating procedures and best practices that support 32d ...

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Missile Operator information

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How much do missile operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for missile operator in the United States is $21.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a missile operator?

Missile Operators are specialized military personnel responsible for the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of missile systems. They ensure that missiles are correctly armed, targeted, and launched according to mission requirements and strict safety protocols. Their duties also include conducting system checks, participating in training exercises, and responding to emergency situations. Missile Operators play a critical role in national defense, often working in highly secure environments and collaborating closely with other defense teams.

What are some common challenges faced by missile operators during training and live operations?

Missile Operators often encounter challenges such as mastering complex systems quickly, staying focused under pressure, and effectively communicating with other team members during high-stakes scenarios. The role requires constant vigilance, precision, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations. Training environments are rigorous to simulate real-world stress and ensure operators can respond accurately and efficiently, both in simulation and live operations. Collaboration with support teams and adherence to strict safety protocols are also essential to mission success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a missile operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Missile Operator, you need a solid background in electronics, mechanical systems, and military procedures, often supported by specialized military training and security clearance. Familiarity with missile guidance systems, radar, targeting software, and command-and-control platforms is typically required. Strong attention to detail, composure under pressure, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the safe, precise, and reliable operation of missile systems in high-stakes defense environments.

What is the difference between Missile Operator vs Radar Technician?

AspectMissile OperatorRadar Technician
CredentialsMilitary training, security clearanceTechnical certifications, electronics training
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, missile silosRadar stations, defense facilities
Industry UsageDefense, militaryDefense, aerospace

Both Missile Operators and Radar Technicians work in defense environments, often requiring security clearances and specialized training. Missile Operators focus on launching and controlling missile systems, while Radar Technicians maintain and repair radar equipment. Understanding these roles helps clarify career paths within military and defense sectors.

More about Missile Operator jobs
Infographic showing various Missile Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,993 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Air and Missile Defense Exercise Planner

KBR, Inc.

Fort Bliss, TX • On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

141st of 452 rated engineering


Job description

Title:
Air and Missile Defense Exercise Planner
Program Summary
KBR's Missile, Aviation, and Ground Systems (MAGS) division delivers mission engineering solutions for critical U.S. Army programs, specializing in aviation and ground systems, integrated air and missile defense, and threat and target systems. As a trusted partner of the U.S. Department of War, MAGS provides innovative, technology-driven solutions to enhance national security. With a global presence and a strong ethical framework, KBR ensures secure, effective, and mission-ready capabilities worldwide.
Job Summary
KBR seeks a skilled AMD exercise planner to support the development, planning, and execution of Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) Large Scale Combat Operation (LSCO) exercises. This position entails developing effective, robust, reliable, and dynamic exercise-related products that provide Army Air Defense commanders, staff, and units the capability to train in an operationally relevant, live, virtual, and constructive environment that stimulates multi-domain operations from battery to theater level.
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the lead AMD contractor planner and liaison for warfighter exercise (WFX) planning and execution in support of 32d AAMDC.
  • Provide AMD analytical support to plan, prepare, rehearse, conduct, and assess LSCO exercises; table-top exercises, Mission Rehearsal Exercises, Culminating Training Events, Joint Kill Chain Exercises, Warfighter Exercises, and unit sustainment training events.
  • Support and enable the integration of AMD into Warfighter Exercise (WFX) design and structure in accordance with command guidance.
  • Coordinates and assists 32d AAMDC Action Officers as required in the various Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC) events, including exercise planning, scenario development, and scripting.
  • Direct and oversee the tasking, receipt, tracking, and closure of all internal and external tasks and correspondence in support of assigned LSCO exercises.
  • Plan, organize, and prepare exercise products to facilitate joint air and missile defense operations within LSCO exercise environment.
  • Attend all WFX exercise planning events and prioritize team efforts in support of the exercise development process.
  • Maintain oversight of all supported events and provides recommendations for manning, integration of simulations and simulators, and overall exercise design and training environment.
  • Provide technical and tactical expertise in implementing the 32d AAMDC Commander's training guidance by helping to develop strategies and supporting the JELC through planning, preparing, executing, and assessing training exercises.
  • Provides Knowledge Management expertise and develops procedures to capture and archive lessons learned, best practices, and pertinent data developed throughout the JELC, including exercise design and execution documents and support information.
  • Develop, refine, and maintain standard operating procedures and best practices that support 32d AAMDC LSCO exercises.
  • Maintain familiarity with current and developing U.S./NATO/potential capabilities/tactics.
  • Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) in doctrine, exercise control activities, Master Scenario Event List (MSEL) development/execution, and the design/construct development for identified training events, exercises, and CTEs.
  • Performs other tasks in support of the Joint Training Program, such as developing plans, knowledge management, doctrine review, conference support, and related administrative assignments.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Must be eligible for a SECRET Security clearance, requiring US Citizenship
  • Requires a Bachelor's degree, STEM degree preferred
  • 7+ years of experience in ADA operations with at least 4 years at BN or BDE Level, 14A.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 2+ years of exercise design and JELC experience preferred.
  • Knowledgeable in JELC, exercise design, and training management.
  • Knowledgeable in the Joint Planning processes, operations process, Air Battle Management, and Air Operations Center activities.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

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At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998