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Sensor Operator Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

... operators * Develop real-time pipelines for processing, sharing, and fusing data from multiple sensor sources * Train Machine Learning (ML) models on existing and custom datasets and support ...

... operators * Develop real-time pipelines for processing, sharing, and fusing data from multiple sensor sources * Train Machine Learning (ML) models on existing and custom datasets and support ...

Lead Robotics Data Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

... sensor systems before each capture session • Implement and refine human teleoperation setups as the program matures • Convert Austin pilot protocols into operator-ready SOPs for the Juárez ...

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Sensor Operator information

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How much do sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for sensor operator in Austin, TX is $15.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $15.87 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.
What are popular job titles related to Sensor Operator jobs in Austin, TX? For Sensor Operator jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sensor Operator jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Sensor Operator jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Sensor Operator jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Sensor Operator job openings:

NSW Software Engineering Lead

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • On-site

$104K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

133rd of 541 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Posting Title:
NSW Software Engineering Lead
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Hiring Department:
Applied Research Laboratories
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
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FLSA Status:
Exempt from FLSA
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Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue
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Location:
PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS
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Job Details:
Purpose
In the Advanced Technology Laboratory's (ATL) Special Warfare Division, we deliver the Navy's most advanced undersea sensing and communications technologies. The Software Engineering Lead role is a position that will lead software development and support critical integration tasking on new undersea systems using sensor technologies alongside embedded computers running Linux-based operating systems.
Responsibilities
  • Software Development Lead: Work closely with project leadership to identify requirements, plan software development and integration related tasking. Lead software tasking for all software engineering phases and provide regular status to project leadership
  • Contribute to software design and development tasking. Support the delivery of high-quality software by prioritizing testing and incorporating testing methodologies throughout the software development lifecycle. Provide technical guidance, conduct code reviews, and ensure best practices are followed. Document and improve process, as needed
  • Software Integration Support: Lead software integration activities by working closely with hardware-focused systems engineers to integrate the system's software and hardware components. Troubleshoot and debug issues identified during integration activities. Support of travel activities associated with system acceptance testing in the field. Troubleshoot and debug issues that are identified during system acceptance testing in the field
  • Mentor Junior Engineers. Provide technical mentorship and supervision of junior software engineers.
  • Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering or other related discipline.
  • At least three years of demonstrated experience with C++, Python, and/or shell scripting
  • Thorough understanding of object-oriented programming concepts, data structures/design patterns/algorithm performance analysis.
  • Thorough understanding of the software development lifecycle, testing methodologies, and utilizing common application debugging and performance profiling tools.
  • Ability to scope, organize, and translate high level project requirements into achievable technical tasks.
  • Excellent communication skills and readiness to work with team leads and principal investigators to ensure technical execution matches design goals.
  • Experience overseeing a software team
  • Demonstrated ability to document and present technical information to stakeholders.
  • Must have a professional demeanor, be punctual, ability to work under pressure and have the ability to work with little or no supervision.

US Citizen. Selected applicant is subject to government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at level appropriate to project requirements of the position.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with high-frequency SONAR or other underwater sensor systems
  • Experience with CMake and other software development tools in the Linux environment
  • Possess working-level understanding of Linux operating systems and administration
  • Experience integrating custom software applications with industrial embedded computational hardware
  • Prior military or defense system development experience
  • Eligibility for immediate access to classified information.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0.

General Notes
An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.
Please mark "yes" on the application question that asks if additional materials are required. Failure to attach all additional materials listed below may result in a delay in application processing.
Visit our website (www.arlut.utexas.edu) for additional information about Applied Research Laboratories.
UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays
Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.
Salary Range
$104,000-$174,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications.
Working Conditions
  • Standard office conditions
  • Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
  • Use of manual dexterity
  • Some weekend, evening and holiday work
  • Possible interstate/intrastate travel

Required Materials
  • Resume/CV
  • 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
  • Letter of interest
  • Unofficial college transcript

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
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E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:
  • E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

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