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Sensor Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cadre

Technical SIGINT Operator

Mclean, VA · On-site

Key Role: Serve as a technical SIGINT operator delivering direct, mission-critical collection ... sensor tasking • Strong knowledge of SIGINT collection equipment and associated tooling (e.g ...

Collins Aerospace

Provides real-time SIGINT and networks assistance to pilot, maintainers, operators and users * Documents issues with SIGINT End-to-End process/systems * Monitors SIGINT sensor and networks; takes ...

Capstone Research Corporation

Senior Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

We have an immediate opening for a Senior Engineer to support advanced Command and Control (C2), sensor integration, and mission systems efforts for Department of War programs operating in complex ...

Capstone Research Corporation

Senior Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

... sensor integration, and mission systems efforts for Department of War programs operating in complex, contested, and asymmetric warfare environments. The selected candidate will provide technical ...

Capstone Research Corporation

Senior Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

We have an immediate opening for a Senior Engineer to support advanced Command and Control (C2), sensor integration, and mission systems efforts for Department of War programs operating in complex ...

Capstone Research Corporation

Senior Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

... sensor integration, and mission systems efforts for Department of War programs operating in complex, contested, and asymmetric warfare environments. The selected candidate will provide technical ...

GRVTY

Software Engineer, Senior

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$126K - $166K/yr

You will work directly with scientists, sensor domain experts, and intelligence analysts ... Comfortable operating in both Windows and Linux environments, including secure or classified ...

GRVTY

Software Engineer, Senior

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$126K - $166K/yr

You will work directly with scientists, sensor domain experts, and intelligence analysts ... Comfortable operating in both Windows and Linux environments, including secure or classified ...

Capstone Research Corporation

Senior Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

... sensor integration, and mission systems efforts for Department of War programs operating in complex, contested, and asymmetric warfare environments. The selected candidate will provide technical ...

Capstone Research Corporation

Senior Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

We have an immediate opening for a Senior Engineer to support advanced Command and Control (C2), sensor integration, and mission systems efforts for Department of War programs operating in complex ...

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All JobsSensor Operator JobsSensor Operator Jobs in Virginia

Sensor Operator information

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$5

$14

$15

How much do sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for sensor operator in Virginia is $14.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $15.43 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.
More about Sensor Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Sensor Operator jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Sensor Operator jobs in Virginia are:
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What job categories do people searching Sensor Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Sensor Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Sensor Operator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Sensor Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Sensor Operator jobs in VA? For Sensor Operator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Sensor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sensor Operator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,146 per year, or $15 per hour.
Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Scientist

Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Scientist

Core4ce

Springfield, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description


This position requires senior-level knowledge of Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) applications. The ideal candidate will have direct experience in the tasking, processing, exploitation, and dissemination (TPED) of OPIR data, as well as a working familiarity with the broader OPIR analysis and research community, including its organizations, mission requirements, and operational workflows. The candidate must possess strong knowledge of OPIR data systems, sensor operating modes, and processing methodologies, along with a high-level understanding of system architectures and analytic toolchains. In this role, you will serve as a lead technical advisor supporting the design, development, and fielding of OPIR-focused software capabilities. You will review technical deliverables and ensure that proposed architectures and solutions meet the operational demands of OPIR sensing, data processing, analysis, and visualization. This role is critical to ensuring that OPIR capabilities are delivered in a manner that is technically sound, operationally relevant, and aligned with the evolving needs of national security missions.
Responsibilities:
  • Provide senior level expertise to guide the architecture, design, and implementation of OPIR-relevant software systems and applications.
  • Assess system design documents, user interface prototypes, and software artifacts to ensure suitability for operational OPIR missions.
  • Participate in sprint reviews, technical interchange meetings (TIMs), and formal design reviews with a focus on OPIR system integration and analytic effectiveness.
  • Support government stakeholders by validating contractor performance against OPIR-specific technical and operational objectives.
  • Ensure that software capabilities align with current and emerging requirements from the OPIR mission and analytic communities.
  • Implement machine learning models and experience with Python for automated data processing
  • Build and deploy web-based applications to support mission critical intelligence workflows
  • Apply materials science familiarity to analyze and characterize weapon system components and signatures
  • Brief leadership and stakeholders on technical findings and analytical assessments
  • Design optimize and manage databases for intelligence data storage retrieval and analysis
  • Conduct instrumentation analysis to validate sensor performance and measurement accuracy
  • Leverage weapon systems knowledge to support threat assessment and technical intelligence analysis

This position is designed to be flexible, with responsibilities evolving to meet business needs and enable individual growth.
Requirements:
  • TS/SCI (will need to obtain a CI Poly)
  • Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
  • 13 years of experience and a MA/MS degree; or 15 years of relevant work experience and a BA/BS degree
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience with OPIR data systems, processing pipelines, and exploitation workflows
  • 10-15 years of experience in software/system engineering with direct involvement in DoD or IC mission systems

Why Work for Us?
Core4ce is a team of innovators, self-starters, and critical thinkers-driven by a shared mission to strengthen national security and advance warfighting outcomes.
We offer:
  • 401(k) with 100% company match on the first 6% deferred, with immediate vesting
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage-employee portion paid 100% by Core4ce
  • Unlimited access to training and certifications, with no pre-set cap on eligible professional development
  • Tuition assistance for job-related degrees and courses
  • Paid parental leave, PTO that grows with tenure, and generous holiday schedules
  • Got a big idea? At Core4ce, The Forge gives every employee the chance to propose bold innovations and help bring them to life with internal backing.

Join us to build a career that matters-supported by a company that invests in you.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, veteran status, age, genetic information, or other legally protected status.
*Core4ce provides the listed pay range for this position as a general guideline only and not as a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final offers may take into account a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, job responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, market data alignment, any applicable collective bargaining agreement, and other legal requirements.

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