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Sensor Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Archer

Sensor Modeling Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four ... Own the end-to-end development lifecycle for sensor models, encompassing architecture ...

Rivian

Staff Sensor Design Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$167K - $209K/yr

... under real-world operating conditions. Responsibilities - Lead the design, development ... sensor selection, evaluation, and bring-up, including root cause analysis on field failures or ...

Meta

Sensor Hardware Integration Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$144K - $204K/yr

Responsibilities Collaborate with cross functional teams and external partners to push the boundaries of technologies and deliver sensor solutions in battery operated products • Lead efforts to ...

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Sensor Operator information

What is a Sensor Operator?

A Sensor Operator is a specialized professional who operates and monitors sensor equipment, often on military aircraft such as drones or surveillance planes. Their main responsibility is to collect, analyze, and interpret data from various sensors, including radar, infrared, and video systems. Sensor Operators play a critical role in intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and targeting missions. They work closely with pilots and mission commanders to provide real-time information and ensure the success of missions. This role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sensor Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sensor Operator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of electronic and surveillance systems, often supported by specialized military or technical training. Familiarity with sensor platforms, data analysis software, GPS systems, and sometimes security clearance are typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills help operators relay critical information quickly and accurately. These abilities are vital for ensuring accurate data collection and mission success in high-stakes environments.

What Does a Sensor Operator Do?

A sensor operator is a fairly new position with the advent of unmanned aircraft and involves employing airborne sensors, either manually or with the help of a computer, to track and monitor various objects. The air force is one major employer for these types of defense positions. In this role, you assist with flight operations, debriefing, and planning missions. Your main task is to continually monitor these surveillance and weapon systems in a remote setting, ensuring each mission is successful. Other duties include detecting the correct targets using various forms of radar and video.

What is the difference between Sensor Operator vs Radar Technician?

AspectSensor OperatorRadar Technician
Required CredentialsTypically certifications in sensor systems or related fields, sometimes associate degreesCertifications in radar systems, electronics, or technical degrees
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, field sites, or industrial settingsMaintenance facilities, technical labs, or field service locations
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary, aerospace, security, industrial sectorsDefense, aerospace, transportation, and military sectors
Common Search & ComparisonSensor OperatorRadar Technician

Sensor Operators and Radar Technicians both work with radar and sensor systems, often in similar industries like defense and aerospace. Sensor Operators focus on monitoring and operating sensor equipment, while Radar Technicians specialize in maintaining and repairing radar systems. Both roles require technical certifications and are vital for system performance, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ.

How does a Sensor Operator typically collaborate with other team members during a mission?

Sensor Operators work closely with pilots, mission commanders, and intelligence analysts to ensure accurate data collection and mission success. During operations, they communicate real-time findings, relay critical information, and adjust sensor settings based on team feedback. This role requires strong teamwork, adaptability, and clear communication, as decisions made by the Sensor Operator often impact mission outcomes and safety. Effective collaboration is key to interpreting data correctly and responding quickly to evolving mission scenarios.
More about Sensor Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Sensor Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Sensor Operator jobs in California are:
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What job categories do people searching Sensor Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Sensor Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Sensor Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Sensor Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Sensor Operator jobs in CA? For Sensor Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Sensor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sensor Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Sensor Modeling Engineer

Sensor Modeling Engineer

Archer

San Jose, CA • On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.
Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.
What you'll do:
  • Architect and design physics-based sensor models across varying levels of fidelity for eVTOL aircraft
  • Own the end-to-end development lifecycle for sensor models, encompassing architecture, implementation, testing, and lab integration
  • Develop models spanning a variety of aviation-grade sensors, such as Inertial Measurement Units (IMU), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), air data systems, and radar altimeters
  • Implement all sensor models in Simulink, ensuring adherence to modeling standards and adopting best practices for model management
  • Analyze and interpret data from simulation, lab testing, and flight testing to identify model inaccuracies and characterize real-world sensor performance
  • Collaborate with state estimation, control law, and simulation engineers to ensure models enable effective simulation testing
  • Build tools and processes to improve maintainability and enhance simulation performance

What you need:
  • 3+ years of experience in the design, implementation, and testing of simulation models for physical systems
  • Bachelor's Degree. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field
  • Proficiency in Simulink for large scale modeling, simulation, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) integration
  • Deep technical experience with a variety of sensors used in aerospace
  • Demonstrated ability to think critically from high-level architecture down to low-level implementation details

Bonus Qualifications:
  • Experience with modeling physical systems, such as aerodynamics, actuation, or powertrain
  • Experience with Hardware-in-the-loop environments such as NI Veristand or dSpace
  • Experience designing, implementing, or verifying state estimation algorithms or control laws
  • Previous experience with flight control or state estimation sensors for aircraft such as eVTOLs, helicopters, or fixed-wing airplanes
  • Experience working with aerospace data buses and communication protocols
  • Experience working with regulation authorities
Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $140,000 - $180,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.
Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.
Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.

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