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Sensor Operator Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

Gills Point S Tire & Auto

Mechanic 2

Miles City, MT · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... assess sensor readings, and diagnose common vehicle issues. Heating & Air Conditioning ... operating safely and efficiently. * Physical Stamina and Dexterity: often work in physically ...

Gills Point S Tire & Auto

Mechanic 2

Big Timber, MT · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

... assess sensor readings, and diagnose common vehicle issues. Heating & Air Conditioning ... operating safely and efficiently. * Physical Stamina and Dexterity: often work in physically ...

Gills Point S Tire & Auto

Mechanic 2

Big Timber, MT · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

... assess sensor readings, and diagnose common vehicle issues. Heating & Air Conditioning ... operating safely and efficiently. * Physical Stamina and Dexterity: often work in physically ...

All JobsSensor Operator JobsSensor Operator Jobs in Montana

Sensor Operator information

See Montana salary details

$4

$14

$15

How much do sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for sensor operator in Montana is $14.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $14.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.
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What are popular job titles related to Sensor Operator jobs in MT? For Sensor Operator jobs in MT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Sensor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sensor Operator job openings in Montana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,517 per year, or $14.2 per hour.
Senior Product Manager - Sensor Software Platform

Senior Product Manager - Sensor Software Platform

Bridger Photonics, Inc.

Bozeman, MT • On-site

$129K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

About Bridger Photonics, Inc.
Bridger Photonics is transforming methane emissions detection for the oil & gas industry. Our Gas Mapping LiDAR pinpoints leaks with precision, delivering actionable data that helps customers reduce emissions, improve safety, and streamline operations.
Our mission: Enable clean, safe, and efficient energy systems through cutting-edge airborne sensing and data science. Join a growing team of engineers, scientists, and innovators committed to impact.
About the role
As a Senior Product Manager focused on our Sensor software platform, you will lead development of our end-to-end sensor platform. This platform includes the software that operates our Gas Mapping Lidar sensors, enables in-field data review and decision-making, and manages the flow of data from collection through cloud processing.
This platform operates in real-world, often low-connectivity environments and is central to scaling our expansion into drone-based deployments. You will own a critical portion of the roadmap, driving an edge-to-cloud system that is reliable, scalable, and aligned with our long-term architecture.
This is a hands-on, execution-focused role at the intersection of hardware, software, and data systems.
What you'll do
  • Own product strategy and roadmap for core components of the sensor platform
  • Drive development of IoT-enabled, edge-to-cloud systems, including edge processing, data pipelines, and cloud integration
  • Translate field and operational requirements (e.g., limited connectivity, in-field validation) into scalable product solutions
  • Partner closely with engineering to make informed tradeoffs across hardware, firmware, and software systems
  • Define and evolve data flows from edge systems through processing pipelines to enable in-field and downstream decision-making
  • Lead prioritization across competing initiatives, balancing near-term deployment needs with long-term architectural goals
  • Deliver high-quality products on aggressive timelines with clear accountability for outcomes
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, deployment teams, and leadership to ensure successful execution in the field

Qualifications
  • 5-7 years of product management experience, ideally in high-growth or early-stage technology companies
  • Proven experience building and scaling IoT or edge-connected systems (hardware + software integration)
  • Strong technical fluency-comfortable working closely with engineers on system architecture, APIs, and data flows
  • Experience supporting software deployment at scale, particularly in distributed or low-connectivity environments
  • Demonstrated ability to own and drive complex roadmaps end-to-end
  • Strong execution skills with a track record of delivering under ambiguity and time pressure
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership skills
  • High degree of ownership and accountability for outcomes

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with drone systems, robotics, or industrial sensing platforms
  • Familiarity with event-driven or streaming data architectures
  • Experience designing systems with offline-first behavior and eventual consistency
  • Experience with time-series or high-volume sensor data pipelines
  • Familiarity with device fleet management and over-the-air (OTA) updates
  • Exposure to AI/ML applied at the edge
  • Experience with messaging and distributed systems technologies such as NATS, Kafka, or similar
  • Direct experience building for or operating in the oil & gas industry

Additional Information
  • Full-time, salaried. Compensation is competitive. Comprehensive health, dental, vision, 401k with match, and meaningful PTO.
  • Bozeman-based is preferred. Remote is open for the right candidate, with the expectation of regular travel to Bozeman (roughly quarterly).
  • Bridger does not sponsor work visas. US work authorization required.
  • Bridger Photonics is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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