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Sensor Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Amentum

BAS Operator/Control Tech

Lorton, VA · On-site

$49.12/hr

Amentum is looking for a BAS Operator/Controls Technician to join our team in Springfield, VA to ... sensor calibration, and software back-up. * Controls technician should work to ensure overall ...

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

C/C++ Software Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$96.80K - $161.50K/yr

... operating areas. The engineer will work on advanced radar tracking, sensor fusion, data correlation, and real-time operational displays that directly support homeland security and law enforcement ...

Forterra

Navigation Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

$180K - $300K/yr

... optimization, sensor calibration, and error modeling * * Ensure localization solutions are robust, scalable, and performant across diverse vehicle platforms and operating environments * Team ...

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

C/C++ Software Engineer

Mclean, VA

$96.80K - $161.50K/yr

... operating areas. The engineer will work on advanced radar tracking, sensor fusion, data correlation, and real-time operational displays that directly support homeland security and law enforcement ...

TurbineOne

Solutions Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$71 - $93.75/hr

... or sensor integration. • Strong ability to explain technical systems clearly to operators and acquisition teams. • Experience running demos, pilots, or technical evaluations. • Comfortable ...

Astrion

Senior RF Seeker Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Designing and documenting the RF sensor concept of operations, including the modes of operation and their corresponding timelines, the operating frequencies, pulse repetition frequencies, scan ...

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Sensor Operator information

See Washington salary details

$5

$18

How much do sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 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 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 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.

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 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 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.

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What cities in Washington are hiring for Sensor Operator jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Sensor Operator job openings:
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Sensor Operator jobs near you

BAS Operator/Control Tech

Amentum

Lorton, VA • On-site

$49.12/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Amentum is looking for a BAS Operator/Controls Technician to join our team in Springfield, VA to support our mission critical customer. Must be a US Citizen. And have and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Must be a U.S. Citizen and possess an active Top Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • A Controls Technician performs maintenance and repair of building controls and automations systems.
  • This type of work involves most of the following: diagnosing control system concerns

and ensuring occupancy comfort; troubleshooting local controllers, communication wiring,
programs, and schedules; ensuring proper set-points, schedules, and sequences of operation are
correctly programmed; performing preventative maintenance tasks such as point to point check-
out, sensor calibration, and software back-up.
  • Controls technician should work to ensure overall occupancy comfort is achieved while keeping focused on energy management.
  • An experienced controls technician should be comfortable interacting with the building occupants in person as well as over the phone, and should be able to recognize and identify opportunities to conserve building energy as it relates to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Additional Qualifications:
  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Formal or informal education or training which ensures the ability to read and write at a

level necessary for successful job performance.
  • Minimum 5 years' experience in building controls and automation
  • Certification as a building automation system operator (Siemens APOGEE; BACnet; or
  • MD Stationary Engineer license level 1 or DC Stationary Engineer license level 3
  • Ability to lift up to 45 lbs.
  • Computer Skills: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.) as well as knowledge using

a laptop and stationary computer to operate the building automation system
  • Ability to use control technician hand tools and measuring and testing instruments

Compensation Details:
US $49.12 per hour
Original Posting:
05/07/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.

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