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Sensor Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Torc Robotics

Senior Autonomy Data Engineer

Blacksburg, VA · On-site +1

$93K - $126K/yr

Moving large scale sensor data reliably from vehicles operating in demanding environments and making it quickly available for model training is a difficult and high-impact problem to solve. You will ...

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$5

$14

$15

How much do sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A sensor operator typically does not earn $10,000 a month without specialized training or experience. High-paying roles in fields like sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship can reach that level without a degree, but most technical jobs, including sensor operation, require relevant skills or certifications. Achieving such income often involves advanced skills, experience, or working in high-demand industries.

What jobs pay $6,000 a month?

Sensor operators and similar technical roles can earn around $6,000 per month, especially with experience, certifications, and working in specialized environments such as manufacturing, security, or industrial settings. Salaries vary based on location, industry, and level of expertise, with higher pay often associated with overtime or shift work.

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.

What do sensor operators do?

Sensor operators monitor and interpret data from various sensors and surveillance equipment to detect and track objects or activities. They often work in security, military, or industrial environments, using specialized tools and maintaining certifications to ensure accurate and timely responses.

How much does a sensor operator make?

Sensor operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often require technical skills and certifications related to sensor systems and data analysis, and may work in environments such as manufacturing, security, or military operations.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,146 per year, or $15 per hour.
TEMPORARY ASSEMBLY OPERATOR I 1st Shift

TEMPORARY ASSEMBLY OPERATOR I 1st Shift

TE Connectivity

Hampton, VA • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

TE Connectivity rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

5/26/26
At TE, you will unleash your potential working with people from diverse backgrounds and industries to create a safer, sustainable and more connected world.
Job Description:
Job Overview
TE Connectivity's Assembly Operator II is responsible for assembling and testing electronic and mechanical components in accordance with standardized work instructions, manufacturing drawings, and operating procedures. This role requires strong attention to detail, good hand-eye coordination, and a continuous improvement mindset.
What TE Connectivity Offers
Our commitment to our associates includes offering total rewards benefit programs that are comprehensive, competitive, and meet the changing needs of our team members.
• The opportunity to build lifesaving products for our customers
• Competitive base pay based on experience; with a 2nd premium pay.
• Annual pay increases based on company & individual performance
• Employee referral program
• 401(k) retirement savings with generous company match
• Tuition reimbursement to support your development and education goals
• 10 weeks of paid maternal and paternal time off and ease back to work
• Competitive paid time off
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits for team members and their families with benefits starting day one, company funded health savings accounts and company paid short-term and long-term disability.
Job Requirements
Essential duties include but may not be limited to the following:
      • Must be able to train on First shift 6am-2:30pm M-F
      • Assemble components following standardized work instructions and top/sub-level assembly drawings.
      • Test electronic and mechanical parts and assemblies with a focus on precision and quality.
      • Read and interpret manufacturing drawings, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Operator Method Sheets (OMS).
      • Maintain cleanliness and organization in work areas according to 5S standards.
      • Actively contributes to a culture of continuous improvement.
      • Adhere to all safety protocols, company policies, and work direction.
      • Operate microscopes and use small hand tools to complete fine-detailed assembly tasks.
      • Solder small parts and wires as needed (manufacturing soldering experience required).
      • Perform other duties as assigned by the Team Leader.
      • Work on varied and semi-routine tasks; overtime may be required based on production needs.

Required Qualifications
  • 1 year minimum role in manufacturing preferably pertaining to soldering and assembly components.
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • A degree or certification as a Mechatronics/electronics technician
  • Using microscope
  • Ability to Read and comprehend manufacturing drawings and S.O.Ps./ OMS
  • Comply with applicable quality assurance standards
  • Requires good hand eye coordination for testing of electronics/mechanical parts assembly's
  • Prior experience with soldering and working with small parts is a plus

Physical demands
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
      • While performing duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to find, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
      • Frequently required to stand and stoop, kneel, or crouch, however, the employee shall be mostly standing.
      • Regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds unassisted, occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds assisted. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision for detailed work.

Preferred qualifications
Minimum 1 year of experience in a manufacturing or assembly environment preferred.
Competencies
Values: Integrity, Accountability, Inclusion, Innovation, Teamwork
ABOUT TE CONNECTIVITY
TE Connectivity plc (NYSE: TEL) is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. As a trusted innovation partner, our broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions enable the distribution of power, signal and data to advance next-generation transportation, energy networks, automated factories, data centers enabling artificial intelligence, and more.
Our more than 90,000 employees, including 10,000 engineers, work alongside customers in approximately 130 countries. In a world that is racing ahead, TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS. Learn more at www.te.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, WeChat, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
COMPENSATION
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience: $21 (subject to change dependent on physical location)
• Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. TE Connectivity reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualification of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.
• Total Compensation = Base Salary + Incentive(s) + Benefits
BENEFITS
• A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), disability, life insurance, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off and voluntary benefits.
EOE, Including Disability/Vets
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING RECRUITMENT FRAUD
TE Connectivity has become aware of fraudulent recruitment activities being conducted by individuals or organizations falsely claiming to represent TE Connectivity. Please be advised that TE Connectivity never requests payment or fees from job applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings are posted exclusively on our official careers website at te.com/careers, and all email communications from our recruitment team will come only from actual email addresses ending in @te.com. If you receive any suspicious communications, we strongly advise you not to engage or provide any personal information, and to report the incident to your local authorities.
Job Locations:
1000 LUCAS WAY
HAMPTON, Virginia 23666
United States
Posting City: HAMPTON
Job Country: United States
Travel Required: None
Requisition ID: 152896
Workplace Type: Onsite
External Careers Page:

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