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Radar Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MQ-9 Sensor Operator

Palmdale, CA · 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 ...

... operators and allied defense organizations. If you're looking to work on mission-critical ... The ideal candidate has experience developing software for radar, sensor, defense, aerospace, or ...

... operators and allied defense organizations. If you're looking to work on mission-critical ... The ideal candidate has experience developing software for radar, sensor, defense, aerospace, or ...

... operators and allied defense organizations. If you're looking to work on mission-critical ... The ideal candidate has experience developing software for radar, sensor, defense, aerospace, or ...

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Radar Sensor Operator information

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How much do radar sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for radar sensor operator in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a radar sensor operator?

Radar Sensor Operators are professionals who use radar equipment to detect, track, and identify objects such as aircraft, ships, or weather formations. They interpret radar data to provide critical information for navigation, surveillance, and safety operations. These operators often work in military, aviation, maritime, or meteorological settings, and require strong attention to detail and technical skills. Their work helps ensure situational awareness and supports decision-making in various missions.

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

To thrive as a Radar Sensor Operator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of electronics or radar technology, often supported by specialized military or technical training. Familiarity with radar systems, data interpretation software, and communication equipment is typically required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for handling fast-paced and high-pressure situations. These skills ensure accurate detection, tracking, and reporting of targets, which is vital for mission success and operational safety.

What are the most common challenges faced by radar sensor operators in maintaining situational awareness during operations?

Radar Sensor Operators often face challenges such as interpreting complex data in real-time, filtering out false positives, and adjusting to rapidly changing weather or terrain conditions that can affect radar performance. Maintaining situational awareness requires strong attention to detail, quick decision-making, and effective communication with other team members, such as pilots or mission commanders. Continuous training and familiarity with both the technical systems and operational protocols are key to managing these challenges and ensuring mission success.

What is the difference between Radar Sensor Operator vs Radar Technician?

AspectRadar Sensor OperatorRadar Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles may need security clearancesUsually requires technical certifications or associate degrees in electronics or related fields
Work EnvironmentOperational settings such as military bases, airports, or maritime environmentsMaintenance and repair facilities, technical labs, or field service locations
Industry UsageMilitary, aviation, maritime, and security sectorsDefense contractors, government agencies, and private sector companies
Job FocusOperating radar sensors to monitor and detect objects or threatsMaintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing radar systems

The main difference is that Radar Sensor Operators focus on operating radar systems in real-time environments, while Radar Technicians specialize in maintaining and repairing these systems. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Radar Sensor Operator jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Radar Sensor Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

MQ-9 Sensor Operator

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$78.94 - $83.73/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 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.