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Radar Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

All radars are operated from the Consolidated Operations Control Center in Chesapeake, Virginia. Each radar is capable of covering over four million square miles across the Caribbean, Eastern Pacific ...

Radar Operator-3

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$28.91/hr

All radars are operated from the Consolidated Operations Control Center in Chesapeake, Virginia. Each radar is capable of covering over four million square miles across the Caribbean, Eastern Pacific ...

All radars are operated from the Consolidated Operations Control Center in Chesapeake, Virginia. Each radar is capable of covering over four million square miles across the Caribbean, Eastern Pacific ...

Team Leadership -- Train, mentor, and evaluate radar operators; assign duties and maintain staffing coverage for all shifts. * System Monitoring & Troubleshooting -- Oversee diagnostics, identify ...

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$45K - $90K/yr

The Uncrewed Systems Operator must have experience operating hydrographic survey or oceanographic ... and RADAR. • Experience with data acquisition using Multibeam Sonars, Side Scan Sonars, and ...

Bull Operator Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Provide an energetic, outgoing, fun personality while maintaining professionalism. * Perform varied duties to ensure all aspects of ...

Title: Radar Payload Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... Analyze project requirements and provide information and instruction for designing, operating ...

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Radar Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$24

$35

How much do radar operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for radar operator in Virginia is $24.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $29.81 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Radar Operator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Radar Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Radar Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,432 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

$28.91/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


RTX rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-08-13

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-VA-CHESAPEAKE-002-CUST ~ 2 Relay Rd ~ BLDG 344 (External Site)

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.   

What You Will Do

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.

For over 30 years, Raytheon operates and maintains the Navy’s three Relocatable Over The Horizon Radars (ROTHR). Each radar consists of a remote transmit and receive site. All radars are operated from the Consolidated Operations Control Center in Chesapeake, Virginia. Each radar is capable of covering over four million square miles across the Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Central, and South America with all systems manned and operated 24 hours a day. The ROTHR mission is primarily to track and report the movement of aircraft and ships carrying illicit narcotics from South America toward Central America and the United States.

This position is on a service contract with a set (non-negotiable) hourly rate of $28.91/hour. In addition, a Health & Welfare benefit is paid at $5.75/hour.

What You Will Learn

  • Perform the operation of ROTHR RADAR system, primarily PC-based platforms to monitor and track surface and air contacts.
  • Perform ionosphere propagation assessment by manually modeling the ionosphere's layers using PC-based resources.
  •  Perform frequency selection by interpreting the ionospheric model and assigning the proper RADAR parameters for detection and tracking capability of the designated target type.
  • Monitor and modify RADAR resources as necessary to meet tasking parameters. Monitor and assist ROTHR tracking software in validating and reporting aircraft and surface contacts within the RADAR coverage area. Interpret RADAR returns to identify take-offs and landings of aircraft.
  • Monitor and copy external communications information relayed over HF radio links. Interact with Agile Client terminal for pertinent track data.
  •  Receive technical guidance and tasking from supervisor or higher-level operator.

Qualifications You Must Have

  •  High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Three years RADAR Operations / technical school.
  • Four years of applicable experience.
  •   Experience with Windows 10.
  •  Active and transferable U.S. government issued DoD Secret security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance and to obtain any required Export Authorization.

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Four years minimum radar experience.
  • Previous experience monitoring radar tracking displays and HF radio transmissions.
  • Previous air defense, air controller, or OS experience.

What We Offer 

  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation. 

  • Not eligible for Relocation

Learn More & Apply Now

  • This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm
  • This position is located in Chesapeake, Virginia at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Northwest Annex. Effective applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to the military installation.
  • Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:  ONSITE: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About RTX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing, it services, aerospace product and parts manufacturing and engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Waltham, MA, US

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