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Radar Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Chicago, IL

... radar equipment. As an OS, your intel gives ships and aircraft a strategic advantage, and helps weapons operators neutralize any threat to American forces. RESPONSIBILITIES Operations Specialists ...

U.S. Navy

OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Hammond, IN

... radar equipment. As an OS, your intel gives ships and aircraft a strategic advantage, and helps weapons operators neutralize any threat to American forces. RESPONSIBILITIES Operations Specialists ...

Saic

MDW Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40 - $80/hr

... Pilot Operators (RPO), and may participate in curriculum design and development. The selected candidate must demonstrate the knowledge and skills applicable for obtaining radar and/or non-radar ...

SAIC

ORD Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

... Operators (RPO) as well as participate in curriculum design and development. The selected candidate must demonstrate the knowledge and skills applicable for obtaining radar and/or non-radar ...

SAIC

MDW Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL

$40K - $80K/yr

... Pilot Operators (RPO), and may participate in curriculum design and development. The selected candidate must demonstrate the knowledge and skills applicable for obtaining radar and/or non-radar ...

IBA

Service Engineer Intern

Warrenville, IL · On-site

... in operating and maintaining the Proton Therapy System (PTS). Interns will assist with ... Radars, High Voltage Equipment, Power Supplies, Proton Therapy Systems, etc. * Knowledge of local ...

IBA Worldwide

Service Engineer Intern

Warrenville, IL · On-site

... in operating and maintaining the Proton Therapy System (PTS). Interns will assist with ... Radars, High Voltage Equipment, Power Supplies, Proton Therapy Systems, etc. * Knowledge of local ...

SAIC

ORD Air Traffic Control Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

... Operators (RPO) as well as participate in curriculum design and development. The selected candidate must demonstrate the knowledge and skills applicable for obtaining radar and/or non-radar ...

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All JobsRadar Operator JobsRadar Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Radar Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$25

$36

How much do radar operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for radar operator in Chicago, IL is $25.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.06 and $30.96 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 the most commonly searched types of Radar Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Radar Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Radar Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Radar Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Radar Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Radar Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Radar Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,402 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

U.S. Navy

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Do you have what it takes to lead in the heart of Naval combat? As an Operations Specialist, you will serve as a supervisor and leader in the top−secret Combat Information Center. From the ocean surface, to outer space, you have a complete picture of all assets in the area. Day and night, your team tracks potential enemy targets and records their movement using complex radar equipment. As an OS, your intel gives ships and aircraft a strategic advantage, and helps weapons operators neutralize any threat to American forces.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations Specialists function as plotters, radio−telephone and Command and Control sound−powered telephone talkers and maintain Combat Information Center (CIC) displays of strategic and tactical information. On any given day, Operations Specialists:

  • Serve as watch supervisors and section leaders
  • Track, classify and evaluate potential contacts using the latest radar equipment
  • Interpret and evaluate presentations and tactical situations and make recommendations to supervisors during watch conditions
  • Apply a thorough knowledge of doctrine and procedures applicable to CIC operations contained in U.S. Navy Instructions and Allied or U.S. Navy
  • Provide to the command technical information and assistance related to Anti−Surface Warfare, Anti− Air Warfare, Anti−Submarine Warfare, Amphibious Warfare, Mine Warfare, Naval Gunfire Support, search and rescue operations and other matters pertaining to the Operations Specialist's area

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Potential to earn a bonus upon enlistment
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • Paid training
  • College credit

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

  • Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
  • Post−9/11 GI Bill, up to 100% tuition
  • Professional credentials and certifications
  • College credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. citizen
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older

Applicants must also meet eligibility requirements for a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance. Normal color perception, sight, speech and hearing are required.

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Cryptologic Technicians perform a variety of duties worldwide, at numerous overseas and stateside shore commands, aboard surface ships, aircraft and submarines and with Naval Special Warfare. They generally divide time between assignments ashore and afloat.

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

The role above is an Active Duty opportunity in the Navy, however there are part-time roles available as an Operations Specialist. Serving part−time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Cryptologic Technicians in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes

What United States Navy employees say

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Benefits

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About US Navy

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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