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Missile Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Staff Missile Test Engineer

Indian Head, MD · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Providing software and simulation expertise for operating and maintaining a FGT platform; and ... Engineering knowledge and experience in real-time software development, missile/flight simulation ...

Air and Missile Defense Exercise Planner

Fort Bliss, TX · On-site

$49K - $67K/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 ...

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 ...

Missile Material Handler Asc

Silverdale, WA · On-site

$22.80 - $37.60/hr

Through formal classroom training and through on-the-job training provided by Missile Material ... operating bridge cranes, and material handling equipment; handling and processing of hazardous ...

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Missile Operator information

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How much do missile operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 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 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 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 Missile Operators?

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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,993 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Principal Missile Defense Architecture Engineer/Analyst with Security Clearance

Principal Missile Defense Architecture Engineer/Analyst with Security Clearance

Nou Systems Inc

Huntsville, AL

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Principal Missile Defense Architecture Engineer/Analyst nou Systems, Inc. (nSI) is now officially a 100% ESOP company! We value teamwork and collaboration, and this transition allows us to take that commitment to a new level. nSI empowers our customers by supplying products, services, and expertise with powerful, data driven insights that transform defense systems and improve capabilities. We are pleased to announce the opening for a Principal Missile Defense Architecture Analyst, who will join our Architecture Engineering team in our Engineering Services Division in Huntsville, Alabama and become part of our rapidly growing technology company operating in missile defense, cybersecurity, test range modernization, biotechnology, and space control marketspaces. Qualified candidates will be part of an exceptional team supporting the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) mission to develop and deploy a layered Missile Defense System to defend the United States, its deployed forces, allies, and friends from missile attacks in all phases of flight. Responsibilities: The Principal Missile Defense Architecture Analyst will be providing technical support to the Missile Defense Agency on the MDA Technical, Engineering, Advisory and Management Support (TEAMS)-Next Specialized Engineering Analyses (SEA) contract. The unique, highly qualified SEA Team is critical to ensuring the MDA can rapidly develop and deploy missile defense capabilities to defeat advanced missile threats by aggressively pursuing advanced concepts and technologies for leap-ahead capability in directed energy, hypersonic missile defense, radiation hardened electronics, space-based sensors, and Israeli defense systems. The SEA Team provides comprehensive Missile Defense System test analyses, future Missile Defense System architecture modeling and design, advanced technology analyses, and specialized engineering support to improve the evelopment, testing, and fielding of technical capabilities that are also cybersecure and tamper-proof. This position will support the office of the MDA Chief Architect and join a team developing and employing Benchmark, a performance modeling tool used for concept exploration and evaluation. This team increases the capability of the Missile Defense Agency to envision and define a future architecture that will enable our nation to stay ahead of adversary's threat developments to ensure the safety of our nation and its allies globally. Duties include: * Maintain awareness of performance assessments of the Missile Defense System at the full system level and among contributing weapon systems and update records on any present or future capability gaps that will drive future development efforts
* Contribute to architecture planning, requirements definition, and development activities at the enterprise level supporting strategic and regional architectures
* Develop analysis scripts using MATLAB and/or Python to build new capabilities within the Benchmark M&S environment to support trade study analyses for future concepts Basic Qualifications: * This position is open only to US citizens.
* You must have 12+ years working on missile defense-related or other complex, large DoD program/project or industry equivalent.
* You must have a Master's degree at minimum from an accredited college or University.
* In lieu of Master's degree, a Bachelor's degree and twenty plus (20+) years of full-time relevant experience in related areas may be considered.
* Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills and critical thinking abilities.
* Must be capable of working independently and within teams to solve complex problems.
* You must possess or have the ability to obtain an active Secret clearance. Preferred Qualifications: * Master's degree in a STEM field such as engineering, physics, or math.
* Experience producing analysis tools using Matlab and/or Python or a similar scripting language.
* Familiarity with one or more elements of the Missile Defense System. nou (pronounced 'new') Systems: Since its founding in 2012, nou Systems has built a reputation for excellence in innovative engineering, prototype development, and technical and professional services in multiple markets, including missile defense, cybersecurity, test range modernization, and space control. Our diverse and highly skilled team delivers state-of-the-art products from concepts and prototypes to fully developed and integrated solutions. We offer significant advancement and personal career development opportunities within our dynamic high-tech company. Benefits of working at nSI nou Systems, Inc. offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and diverse benefits that reflect our company culture of service, excellence, and a supportive work environment. Benefits may vary based on status, but most of our positions include the following: * Competitive Wages*
* Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
* Medical plan with Health Savings Account eligibility
* Company-funded Life, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
* Personal Time Off, Vacation, and Paid Holidays
* 401(k) Retirement Plan
* Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
* Flexible Spending Accounts
* Norton LifeLock
* Tuition Reimbursement
* Personal Development, Technical Learning Opportunities, & Lunch-n-Learns
* Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
*Final compensation for this position is determined by a variety of factors, such as a candidate's relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and geographic location. nSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer Employment opportunities at nSI are based upon a candidate's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job and are free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit www.nou-systems.com/workingatnou . U.S. citizenship is required for most positions.