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Payload Operator information

See California salary details

$11

$24

$34

How much do payload operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for payload operator in California is $24.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $29.66 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Payload Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Payload Operator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Payload Operator jobs in California? For Payload Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Payload Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Payload Operator jobs in California are:
Payload Operator jobs near you

Airborne Systems Operator (ASO)

Aethon Aerial Solutions

Livermore, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

This is a Field positionPosition Summary

The Airborne Systems Operator plays a key role in the Field Operations workflow capturing data and imagery for company and customer requirements. Accomplishing operations, system installation, preflight / postflight inspections, maintenance, and limited repair effort for airborne sensor systems and GPS instruments on airborne platforms. This is a field-based position that will work remotely when not accomplishing company or customer requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Operating airborne sensor platforms in Electric Utility environment
  • Record and update flight logs and daily reports
  • Monitor the quality of collected data
  • Routine maintenance and troubleshooting of in-flight equipment
  • Pre-flight / Post-flight, check navigation trajectories to ensure data coverage
  • Participate in the quality management system, by working to document processes and procedures, plus offering recommendations on improvement opportunities
  • Troubleshoot & make limited system repairs
  • Follow & help improve best practices for troubleshooting of integrated systems.
  • Integration, tuning and testing of optical devices.
  • Operation of proprietary software to debug, tune, and test complex electromechanical systems.
  • Work to deadlines to meet delivery dates for both internal and external customers.
  • Interact with other departments to resolve problems and provide continuous improvement to reflect operational results and goals.
  • Field Support for system installation/calibration, customer training and program/process development.
  • Continually improve the companies process for system specification, configuration control and documentation.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
  • Familiar with troubleshooting techniques and ability to read technical drawings, data sheets and schematics.
  • Strong and professional customer relations skills.
  • Ability to work within a Microsoft Office environment including knowledge of Windows, Excel, and Word.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to work to company deadlines to meet customer delivery dates.
  • Work in teams to continuously improve operations and processes.
  • DISIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • One year of Helicopter Crewmember experience (Flight Engineer, Flight Mechanic, Crew Chief)
  • 2 Years of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) experience (Group 2, 2/3, 3) with Remote Pilot License (Part 107)
  • Prior Airborne Payload Operator experience
  • Installation and maintenance of sensors (Ex. LiDAR, GPS and Specialized Camera Sensors)
  • Associates or bachelor’s degree in electronics, aircraft systems, remote sensing, unmanned systems, mechanical technology or equivalent
  • Physical Demands and Work Environment

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

    This role is a field position that requires flying in the back of a helicopter in all weather conditions for extended hours. System installation, troubleshooting, repair, and removal is primarily accomplished in active flight line environmental conditions. There are long periods of standing, sitting, and working in and around aircraft with all associated hazards that come with this environment. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be required during administration of certain tasks as well as being able to individually lift 70lbs.

Aethon is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.

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