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Sensor Operator Jobs in Washington (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 ...

GRVTY

Software Engineer, Senior

Herndon, VA · On-site

$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 ...

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How much do sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for sensor operator in Washington is $17.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $17.55 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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Sensor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sensor Operator job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,379 per year, or $17 per hour.
Senior Engineer

Senior Engineer

Capstone Research Corporation

Arlington, VA • On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Senior Engineer

Capstone Research Corporation is seeking to expand our team. Capstone Research Corporation is headquartered in Huntsville Alabama. We are a customer-oriented engineering services company providing world class research and development support across the Department of Defense (DoD): Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Capstone offers 100% Company Provided Medical and Dental Insurance, Matching 401K, and Profit Sharing as part of our top-notch benefits package. Compensation for this position will be determined, but not limited to, factors such as responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, alignment with market data, and internal equity.

We have an immediate opening for a Senior Engineer to support advanced Joint Integrated Fires, Command and Control (C2), 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 leadership across system architecture, systems engineering, operational analysis, integration, and mission support activities associated with modern joint fires and multi-domain operational networks.

The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience supporting Joint Integrated Fires operations, sensor-to-shooter architectures, targeting workflows, engagement coordination, and multi-domain operational capabilities involving both conventional and asymmetric threats. This position supports efforts focused on improving operational effectiveness through integrated sensing, targeting, battle management, fires coordination, and rapid kill chain execution against evolving and advanced threats including unmanned systems, electronic warfare, distributed attacks, and low-signature targets. The position requires independent technical execution, strong analytical skills, and the ability to support multiple concurrent engineering and operational activities. This position is located in the Pentagon and/or Crystal City, VA.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical leadership supporting Joint Integrated Fires, Command and Control (C2), targeting, sensor integration, and mission systems engineering activities.
  • Support development of system architectures, operational concepts, requirements, interface definitions, and technical solutions for joint fires and multi-domain operational systems.
  • Support sensor-to-shooter integration efforts across tactical, operational, and strategic mission environments.
  • Analyze operational mission needs and develop engineering solutions supporting contested and asymmetric warfare environments.
  • Support integration and evaluation of sensor systems, operational data fusion, targeting workflows, track management, engagement coordination, and situational awareness capabilities.
  • Support development and assessment of kill chain optimization, targeting timelines, and engagement decision support capabilities.
  • Coordinate across engineering, intelligence, operational, fires, targeting, software development, and Government stakeholder organizations.
  • Support operational mission environments involving unmanned systems, electronic warfare, cyber-enabled threats, irregular warfare tactics, and distributed operational threats.
  • Support technical planning, mission analysis, operational assessments, system integration, verification, validation, and test activities.
  • Develop technical documentation, engineering analyses, operational briefings, and programmatic recommendations for Government leadership.
  • Participate in technical reviews, operational exercises, demonstrations, and mission-focused assessments supporting joint and coalition operations.
  • Support rapid capability development, prototype evaluation, and operational transition activities for emerging fires and battle management technologies.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline.
  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience supporting Department of War, DoD, Intelligence Community, or national security programs.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting Joint Integrated Fires, Command and Control (C2), targeting systems, fires coordination systems, or operational mission environments.
  • Experience supporting military operations involving asymmetric warfare, irregular threats, contested operational environments, or non-traditional threat vectors.
  • Experience supporting systems engineering activities including requirements analysis, system architecture development, interface definition, integration, verification, validation, and technical assessment.
  • Experience supporting sensor integration, operational data fusion, multi-sensor correlation, track management, targeting workflows, or situational awareness systems.
  • Experience supporting operational kill chains, engagement coordination, fires synchronization, force protection systems, or tactical decision support capabilities.
  • Experience supporting joint or multi-domain targeting operations involving air, land, maritime, space, or cyber mission environments.
  • Experience analyzing and supporting threats associated with unmanned systems, electronic warfare, cyber-enabled threats, or distributed attacks.
  • Ability to support technical planning, operational assessments, engineering analysis, and mission-focused activities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical documentation and brief Government leadership.
  • Active Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Operations Research, or related technical discipline.
  • Intelligence Community (IC) experience supporting national security missions, operational intelligence integration, or intelligence-driven mission systems.
  • Experience supporting integrated air and missile defense (IAMD), distributed battle management, tactical networks, or sensor-to-shooter architectures.
  • Experience supporting asymmetric warfare mission areas including counter-UAS, counter-network operations, counterterrorism, force protection, or hybrid warfare operations.
  • Experience integrating intelligence products, threat analysis, or operational intelligence feeds into mission systems or operational workflows.
  • Experience with Modeling & Simulation (M&S), mission analysis, digital engineering, or Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
  • Familiarity with tactical data links, distributed sensor architectures, electronic warfare systems, or advanced engagement coordination systems.
  • Prior military service or direct operational support experience is highly desired.