ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Payload Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Payload Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Leidos is looking for a Payload Operator who currently possesses a TS/SCI and has the ability to obtain Polygraph clearance. Candidates who do not currently possess a TS/SCI clearance will not be ...

Leidos

Payload Operator

Chantilly, VA

$92K - $166K/yr

Leidos is looking for a Payload Operator who currently possesses a TS/SCI and has the ability to obtain Polygraph clearance. Candidates who do not currently possess a TS/SCI clearance will not be ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPayload Operator Jobs

Payload Operator information

See salary details

$12

$24

$35

How much do payload operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for payload operator in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Payload Operator position, and why are they important?

Success as a Payload Operator requires a solid understanding of mechanical operations, situational awareness, and strong attention to detail, typically supported by technical training or certifications related to payload systems. Familiarity with specialized control interfaces, monitoring software, and industry safety protocols is essential, and certifications such as a UAV license (for aerial payloads) may be required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication skills help operators handle dynamic environments and coordinate with other mission stakeholders. These competencies are vital for ensuring payloads are deployed safely, accurately, and efficiently in often high-stakes operational settings.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Payload Operator?

As a Payload Operator, your daily responsibilities often include monitoring and controlling payload equipment, ensuring correct operation according to mission requirements, and conducting routine checks on system performance. You may be required to work closely with engineers, technicians, and mission planners to troubleshoot issues and optimize payload deployment. Accurate reporting and documentation are also a significant part of the role, as well as maintaining compliance with safety and operational protocols. Depending on the sector (such as aerospace, maritime, or energy), you might operate within diverse environments like control rooms, field operations, or remote mission sites. This role offers a dynamic workday and the chance to directly contribute to successful missions and projects.

What is a Payload Operator job?

A Payload Operator is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and managing the operation of payload systems on various platforms, such as drones, satellites, or remotely operated vehicles. They ensure the correct functioning of sensors, cameras, communication equipment, or scientific instruments. Their role may involve data collection, system troubleshooting, and coordinating with mission teams to achieve operational objectives. Payload Operators often work in industries like aerospace, defense, and remote sensing, requiring technical expertise and situational awareness.

More about Payload Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Payload Operator jobs? The most popular types of Payload Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Payload Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Payload Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Payload Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Payload Operator jobs are:
Payload Operator jobs near you
Payload Operator

Payload Operator

Leidos

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 437 rated business services

Job description

Leidos is looking for a Payload Operator who currently possesses a TS/SCI and has the ability to obtain Polygraph clearance. Candidates who do not currently possess a TS/SCI clearance will not be considered. This is a hands-on, direct command and control of a high priority intelligence collection sensor. Candidate will perform as an integral part of a collaborative intelligence collection operations cell while being the team's collection sensor expert. Candidate will collaborate with internal & external ops cell SMEs to design and implement collection missions against high priority intelligence targets. Additionally, candidate will verify and transmit all system commands to the operational payload; possess a thorough understanding of how specific commanding actions effect the greater mission objectives.
EXPERIENCE Required: A BS and approximately 8 years of SIGINT/geolocation operations experience with 4 years of specific sensor operations supporting an intelligence collection management mission area. Desired: Approximately 6 years of direct payload operations experience with approximately 4-7 years experience supporting a legacy intelligence collection sensor. EDUCATION Required: Formal training in advanced signal analysis or processing or other associated technical field Desired: Bachelors degree in a technical field with emphasis in advanced signal analysis or processing. SKILLS Required: a) Proficient in command and control procedures via remote links, as well as, the end-to-end intelligence collection mission planning and execution cycle b) Ability to maintain a broad and up-to-date situational awareness of current mission operations; quickly gain understanding of current mission target environments and associated dynamics; familiar with intelligence collection methods and infrastructure Desired: a) Ability to quickly identify and characterize previously unidentified intelligence problems and then configure and operate the collection sensor to successfully collect against the new problems. b) Extensive knowledge of known and emerging land-based, airborne and shipborne signal emitters
SECURITY CLEARANCE Required: TS/SCI w/ Polygraph OTHER Position Location: Northern VA area; Travel Required: Other special: Non standard shift work will be required; willingness and ability to obtain a TS/SCI with additional Polygraph is necessary.
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
May 4, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

What Leidos employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Leidos logo

About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Leidos Jobs

Apply