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Radar Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MQ-9 Sensor Operator

Palmdale, CA ยท On-site

$78.94 - $83.73/hr

MQ-9 Sensor Operator JOB SUMMARY SDI is seeking MQ-9 LRE & MCE Qualified Instructor Sensor ... radar, electro-optical, low-light, and infrared full-motion video imagery, and other active or ...

Plasma Operator

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Plasma Operator Pay: $24 - $28/hr D.O.E. Location: Sacramento, CA Schedule: M - F 3p - 10p Full-Time, Temp-to-Hire Great Benefits Including: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K & More... Plasma Operator ...

Park Cat Operator

Mammoth Lakes, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $35.21/hr

Seasonal At Mammoth Mountain, you will live the dream! Work and play in the majestic mountains with a free season pass that opens the doors to adventure at all Alterra Resorts. Your whole family can ...

Park Cat Operator

Mammoth Lakes, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $35.21/hr

Seasonal At Mammoth Mountain, you will live the dream! Work and play in the majestic mountains with a free season pass that opens the doors to adventure at all Alterra Resorts. Your whole family can ...

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Radar Operator information

See California salary details

$11

$24

$34

How much do radar operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for radar 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 is a radar operator?

A Radar Operator is responsible for monitoring and interpreting radar systems to track aircraft, ships, weather patterns, or other moving objects. They analyze radar data to detect potential threats, navigate vehicles, or assist with air traffic control. Radar Operators typically work in military, aviation, or maritime industries, ensuring safety and efficient coordination. They must be skilled in operating radar equipment, identifying anomalies, and responding quickly to changing situations. Training and technical knowledge are essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Radar Operator, you need keen attention to detail, spatial awareness, and a solid understanding of radar principles, often supported by technical training or military experience. Familiarity with radar display consoles, tracking software, and communications equipment is typically required, with additional certifications such as a security clearance often beneficial. Strong situational awareness, calmness under pressure, and effective teamwork and communication skills set standout candidates apart. These competencies are crucial because Radar Operators must reliably detect, track, and report targets or hazards to ensure safety and mission success in high-stakes environments.

What are the typical work environments and schedules for radar operators?

Radar Operators commonly work in control rooms, monitoring stations, or command centers as part of aviation, maritime, defense, or weather monitoring teams. Work schedules may include rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays, especially in organizations that require 24/7 surveillance or monitoring. Collaborative work with other operators, supervisors, and field personnel is frequent, as clear communication is vital to share findings and respond to potential threats or anomalies quickly. Depending on the employer, there may also be opportunities for specialized training or advancement into supervisory or technical roles.

How do you become a radar operator?

To become a radar operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or technical education in radar systems, electronics, or related fields. Many positions require security clearances and on-the-job training to develop skills in operating radar equipment and interpreting data.

What do radar operators do?

Radar operators monitor and interpret radar signals to detect and track objects such as aircraft, ships, or weather formations. They use specialized equipment and must maintain focus in often high-pressure environments, typically working in shifts and requiring technical training or certification.

What are popular job titles related to Radar Operator jobs in California?

For Radar Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Radar Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Radar Operator jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Radar Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,203 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

MQ-9 Sensor Operator

Palmdale, CA โ€ข On-site

$78.94 - $83.73/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

MQ-9 Sensor Operator

JOB SUMMARY

SDI is seeking MQ-9 LRE & MCE Qualified Instructor Sensor Operators to provide UAS Aircrew Support Services. These positions will be in Gray Butte, CA. Sensor Operators will perform duties as flight test crew members employing airborne sensors.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES


Test Planning and Execution
  Review test plans, test cards, and other documentation for ground and flight test events and provide feedback to Flight Test Engineer (FTE) as required.
-Conduct operations and procedures in accordance with test plans. Assist pilot through all phases of employment to include test planning, flight operations, debriefings, and post-test analysis and reporting. Continually monitor aircraft and weapons systems status to ensure lethal and non-lethal application of airpower (if applicable). - Conduct tests and evaluate capabilities of new equipment and propriety of new procedures in accordance with established test cards, published flight manuals, checklists, technical orders, instructions, and other approved manuals as provided by the manufacturer.
 - Attend and participate in Test Plan Working Groups (TPWGs), Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs), Test Kickoff Meetings, Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), Safety Review Boards (SRBs), and Technical Review Boards (TRBs).
 - Conduct flight test missions IAW test cards of various onboard systems including, but not limited to: synthetic aperture radar, electro-optical, low-light, and infrared full-motion video imagery, and other active or passive acquisition and tracking systems.
 
Pre-flight Planning:
 -Perform pre-flight and in-flight mission planning activities. Must understand tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for planned test mission. Operate mission planning ancillary equipment to initialize information for download to airborne mission systems. Participate in post-flight debriefing to establish mission accomplishments and potential procedural development.
 
In-Flight/Post-Flight:
  Assist in air navigation, fire control planning, and determining effective weapons control and delivery tactics to achieve overall mission objectives (as required).
 - Receive and process target briefs for weapons delivery.
 - Use laser target marking systems to provide target identification and illumination for onboard weapons delivery and in support of other combat assets.
 - Conduct terminal weapons guidance.
 - Submit T.O. change requests and Deficiency Reports (DR) identified during ground and flight test operations
 
Certification and Currency:
  Ensure sensor operators follow procedures to obtain and maintain an Aircrew Qualification Certification.
 - Research and study target imagery, friendly and enemy orders of battle, and offensive and defensive capabilities from various sources. Assemble target information, locate forces, and determine hostile intentions and possible tactics.
 - Accurately track and accomplish currency requirements, including annual evaluations/training events, go/no-go Flight Crew Information File items, and safety briefings.
 - Knowledgeable of aviation flight operations as well as instructional procedures and techniques.
 - Ensures compliance with service guidance, company policy and procedures and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
 - Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
 - Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
 
Training:
  Provide academic instruction to include basic sensor operation, basic ISR and Launch & Recovery operations.
 - Provide support to develop and maintain aircrew training syllabus and training program as well as ground and flight operating procedures.
 - Conduct initial, qualification, upgrade, and continuation training for mission crew members.
 - Perform training, planning, standardization and evaluation, and other staff duty functions.
 
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES


 Must have active TS/SCI security clearance
 Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics; or Master’s Degree in any engineering field; or BS Degree in a physical science – receiving a minimum GPA of 3.0
 Current and qualified MQ-9 Instructor Sensor Operator requirements as follows:

 - Sensor Operator III: MCE + LRE + INST/MAQ
 - Sensor Operator IV: MCE + LRE + INST + SEFE/MAQ
 - Sensor Operator IV: MCE + LRE + INST + SEFE + MAQ

 Must possess/obtain FAA Class II Medical Certificate
 Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office products


OTHER INFORMATION
 
Travel may be required to other sites to support the contract effort.