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Radar Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

This team is responsible for the design, the builds, and operating of solid state, data-fusion-based radar and perception systems and fully integrated solutions designed for the aerospace and defense ...

This team is responsible for the design, the builds, and operating of solid state, data-fusion-based radar and perception systems and fully integrated solutions designed for the aerospace and defense ...

This team is responsible for the design, the builds, and operating of solid state, data-fusion-based radar and perception systems and fully integrated solutions designed for the aerospace and defense ...

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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 Jun 14, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Radar Operator position, and why are they important?

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.

What is a Radar Operator job?

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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Radar operators typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or successful entrepreneurs. High-paying jobs often require advanced skills, extensive experience, or ownership of a business. Most radar operators earn a median salary well below this threshold, with top earners in related fields earning significantly less than $500,000 per year.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Radar operators typically do not earn $10,000 a month without specialized training or experience. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include roles such as commercial pilots, real estate brokers, or sales managers, which rely on skills, certifications, or performance rather than formal education. These positions may require licensing, extensive experience, or specific technical knowledge.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

Radar operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are more common in specialized fields like executive consulting, high-level sales, or certain medical professions. Most radar operators earn a salary aligned with government or military pay scales, which are generally lower. Achieving $2000 daily income usually requires advanced skills, certifications, or roles with significant responsibility and experience.

How to become a radar operator?

To become a radar operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in radar systems and navigation. Many positions require security clearances and technical skills in operating radar equipment, often gained through military training or technical programs. Certification or experience with specific radar systems can enhance job prospects.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,432 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
Radar Payload Systems Engineer

Radar Payload Systems Engineer

KBR

Chantilly, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

94th of 352 rated engineering


Job description

Title:

Radar Payload Systems Engineer

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.

Why Join Us?

  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.

  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.

  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Position Summary:

KBR National Security Solutions is seeking a motivated and talented Senior Radar Payload Systems Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, Virginia. The selected candidate for this position will contribute to the design, development, implementation, integration, testing and delivery of radar hardware, software, and systems solutions for Government contracts.

Responsibilities

  • Radar Hardware Development: Define and document the RF front-end electronics and architecture of an advanced space-based SAR radar system, including the antenna arrays, receivers, and digital electronics.

  • Engineering Tasks: Perform engineering tasks to develop systems capable of meeting operational requirements within imposed constraints.

  • Acquisition Modeling Support: Perform rigorous link-budget modeling and analysis and conduct trade studies for hardware components to ensure mission success.

  • Algorithm Development. Support algorithm and analytical development using a variety of scientific programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, etc.) to process synthetic aperture radar data (SAR) and Moving Target Indicator (MTI).

  • Test Data Assessments: Analyze and assess integration and test data at the component, subsystem, payload, and space vehicle segments to identify and resolve issues with hardware design and manufacturing.

  • V&V Processes: Assess the verification and validation of system vendor testing at all levels to ensure the radar system meets its requirements.

  • Vendor Performance Monitoring: Monitor the system provider's performance in designing, documenting, and verifying all interfaces within the system.

  • Functional Analyses: Perform functional analyses to ensure systems meet performance criteria.

  • Operations and Procedures: Formulate, recommend, and direct operations and procedures to resolve engineering and/or technical problems.

  • Conduct Studies: Conduct special studies and investigations related to projects.

  • Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance and instruction related to design problems.

  • Project Requirements Analysis: Analyze project requirements and provide information and instruction for designing, operating, maintaining, and modifying systems.

  • Solutions Integration: Ensure that solutions can be integrated into viable, complete systems.

  • General: Perform all other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

  • Location: On-Site

  • Travel Requirements: Moderate (20% to 50%) travel to contractor facilities, test sites, or launch locations.

  • Working Hours: Flexible. Standard Government work hour support and surge support during integration and launch phases.

Required Qualifications:

  • Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance (with current polygraph).

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering, applied physics, or a related STEM technical discipline. Specific contract requirements regarding education and experience will prevail.

  • Relevant Radar Hardware Experience: Demonstrated 8+ years of experience supporting radar space system hardware development, integration, and test.

  • Remote Sensing Knowledge: Knowledge of remote sensing technologies including active and passive sensor systems which operate in the RF regime, and the concepts, signal and image processing algorithms and software architectures that enable these systems.

  • Prototyping Experience: Engineering software (prototyping) experience in MATLAB and/or Python.

  • Established Client Relationship Skills: Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain trusted client relationships.

  • Government Contracting Understanding: Knowledge of U.S. Government contracting and federal acquisition regulations, spacecraft lifecycle milestones and review processes, and success in operating within this environment.

  • System Test: Hands-on experience with radar payload systems, interfaces, and Assembly, Integration and Test (AI&T) activities.

  • Business Management Tools Proficiency: Ability to work with standard business management tools and financial systems, MS Office, and project management software.

  • Work-style Flexibility: Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently.

  • Communication Skills: Strong oral and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate technical issues clearly to senior Government leadership.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Education: Master's or Ph.D. degree in a related STEM technical discipline. Radar focus in this degree is highly preferred.

  • Relevant Radar Hardware Experience: Demonstrated 10+ years of experience supporting radar space system hardware development, integration, and test is preferred.

  • Breadth of Experience: Experience working across multiple satellite programs or production lines is preferred.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998