1

Mission Payload Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UAS OPERATOR

Boise, ID · On-site +1

$61K - $80K/yr

Builds and displays the mission required payload plan. -Performs preflight inspections. Ensures that proper preflight checks are verified in accordance with operator manuals and checklists. Ensures ...

Develop deep empathy for mission operators, payload operators, mission planners, and other users by conducting research, shadowing workflows, analyzing operational data, and synthesizing feedback ...

New

Develop deep empathy for mission operators, payload operators, mission planners, and other users by conducting research, shadowing workflows, analyzing operational data, and synthesizing feedback ...

Payload Lead

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied ... Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ...

... operators, climate researchers, civil and defense agencies. At Sceye, we aim high, and we want you ... As part of our mission-driven team, you'll contribute to building breakthrough technologies that ...

... operators, climate researchers, civil and defense agencies. At Sceye, we aim high, and we want you ... As part of our mission-driven team, you'll contribute to building breakthrough technologies that ...

... operators, climate researchers, civil and defense agencies. At Sceye, we aim high, and we want you ... As part of our mission-driven team, you'll contribute to building breakthrough technologies that ...

$140K - $185K/yr

... operators, climate researchers, civil and defense agencies. At Sceye, we aim high, and we want you ... As part of our mission-driven team, you'll contribute to building breakthrough technologies that ...

... payloads across thousands of nautical miles of contested seas. As a Mission Operations Operator ... you'll translate operational requirements into executable mission plans, lead field operations, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Mission Payload Operator information

See salary details

$644

$4.4K

$7.7K

How much do mission payload operator jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average weekly pay for mission payload operator in the United States is $4,395.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $2,403.85 and $6,538.46 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mission payload operator?

A Mission Payload Operator is a professional responsible for controlling and managing the payload systems of spacecraft, drones, or other aerial platforms during missions. Their duties include operating sensors, cameras, scientific instruments, or communication devices to collect data and ensure mission objectives are met. They often work closely with mission planners and technical teams to monitor payload performance and troubleshoot issues in real time. Mission Payload Operators are essential in fields such as defense, aerospace, remote sensing, and scientific research.

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

To thrive as a Mission Payload Operator, you need a solid background in aerospace, engineering, or a technical field, often supported by relevant degrees or military experience. Familiarity with satellite control software, telemetry systems, and specialized mission planning tools is typically required, along with certifications such as Security Clearance. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for success. These competencies ensure the safe, accurate, and efficient operation of mission payloads in high-stakes environments.

What are some common challenges mission payload operators face when working with diverse payload systems and teams?

Mission Payload Operators often encounter the challenge of adapting to various payload types and rapidly evolving technologies. Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, scientists, and mission planners—requires strong communication and problem-solving skills. Additionally, operators must maintain high attention to detail and situational awareness, especially when troubleshooting anomalies in real-time during critical mission phases. Staying up to date with standard operating procedures and system upgrades is essential for success in this dynamic role.

What states have the most Mission Payload Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Mission Payload Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Mission Payload Operator jobs?

For Mission Payload Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Mission Payload Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $228,575 per year, or $109.9 per hour.

Sensor Payload Operator/Technician

Arlington, VA

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

TSC has immediate openings for Sensor Payload Operators and Technicians to conduct maritime surveillance missions on manned aircraft for civil fisheries enforcement across locations in the Western and Central Pacific. Missions are executed in accordance with air tasking orders, with TSC providing mission differences training. These roles involve daily extended overwater surveillance at various altitudes, including low-level overwater maneuvers, using a civilian-registered King Air aircraft.

As a Sensor Payload Operator or Technician, you will be responsible for locating, identifying, and reporting intelligence on maritime targets. You will be expected to leverage pre-mission reporting and mission planning in conjunction with all available platform sensors including AIS, Radar, and EO/IR gimbal to accomplish surveillance missions. Preference will be given to candidates with technical expertise and hands-on experience in the testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of airborne sensor payload systems. This position requires rotational assignments of three months or longer, subject to mutual agreement. TSC offers meals and lodging allowance.

Responsibilities:

  • Operate aircraft sensor payloads during surveillance missions, including detecting, locating, and identifying maritime targets, and support real-time communication with the crew and ground personnel to ensure mission success.
  • Prepare detailed written reports on mission observations, complete post-mission equipment performance reports, and maintain clear communication with crew and ground personnel.
  • Conduct maintenance and troubleshooting of airborne sensor payload systems in accordance with TSC Maintenance SOP and Manufacturer/OEM guidelines, assisting ISR Systems Engineers as needed.
  • Actively participate in both aviation and non-aviation roles within the deployed team, including delivering program capability briefings to local officials and supporting integration activities for sensor systems.
  • Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

  • Four (4) or more years of relevant military training/qualification and operational experience.
  • Operational experience working with new technology, and controlling a family of systems to include AIS, Radar, and EO/IR Gimbals simultaneously.
  • Valid US Passport through deployment periods
  • Ability to maintain the physical conditioning necessary to perform mission-critical tasks, including lifting, prolonged standing, or endurance activities as applicable. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required by law.
  • Ability to travel with reasonable notice for assignments lasting up to three months
  • Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to effectively perform job duties and ensure clear communication in for purposes of safety protocols, team coordination, reporting, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain good working relationships with the tasking authority, local officials, customer on-site representatives, and crew members
  • Experience in combined overland and overwater surveillance and international operations
  • Technical knowledge and practical experience in Operational and/or Developmental Test, troubleshooting and maintenance of airborne sensor payload systems
  • Ability to provide strong professional references as requested

TSC Benefits:

TSC offers a stable work environment, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefit package; including Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) participation, 401k Plan, Flexible Work Schedules, Tuition Reimbursement, Co-Sponsored Health Plan, Paid Leave and much more. TSC is a growing organization with unlimited opportunity!

Applying to TSC:

Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Employment at TSC is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check, verification of Security Clearance, and a drug screening.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.