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Sensor Operator Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Modern Intelligence

Senior Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

... sensor feeds - the way sensor data is processed today. At Modern you will be working ... operating systems, media software, etc) * Experience interfacing Python with other languages ...

Velaura

Robotics & Autonomy Systems Architect

Austin, TX · On-site

$200K - $500K/yr

Understand how autonomy stacks process sensor data and translate those requirements into system ... You will work alongside experienced leaders, architects, engineers, and operators who have ...

L3HHCM20

Field Service Technician C

Austin, TX · On-site

Objective is to become proficient in troubleshooting, repair and servicing of Wescam MX sensor ... Provide Wescam Training to customers on MX operations and operator-level maintenance procedures

TerraFirma

Robotics Engineer - Perception

Austin, TX · On-site

... 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 ...

AEM

Field Engineer I

Georgetown, TX · On-site

... various sensor inputs. * Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions and resolve to root cause ... Ensure defined standard operating practices and procedures are implemented and followed. * Assist ...

AEM

Field Engineer I

Georgetown, TX · On-site

... various sensor inputs. * Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions and resolve to root cause ... Ensure defined standard operating practices and procedures are implemented and followed. * Assist ...

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Sensor Operator information

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How much do sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 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 much do sensor operators make?

Sensor operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. Advanced skills, certifications, and working in specialized environments can lead to higher salaries.

How to become a sensor operator?

To become a sensor operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or certification in sensor systems, electronics, or related fields. Relevant skills include attention to detail, technical proficiency, and experience with monitoring equipment or software; some roles may require security clearances or specialized certifications. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with safety protocols and operational procedures is important.
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Sensor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sensor Operator job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,013 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer

Modern Intelligence

Austin, TX • On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Modern Intelligence is building the foundational AI for defense. Over the next decade, the US military and our allies will 10x the number of sensors we field to see the battlefield but cannot 10x the number of service members manually watching sensor feeds – the way sensor data is processed today. 

At Modern you will be working alongsideengineers, researchers, and businessmen, people who have backgrounds in the Army, the Navy, Biotech, Google, Raytheon, Anduril, the NSA, and more. 
We have raised more than $12M from investors such as Bedrock, Vine, Contrary, Air Street, Caffeinated, Champion Hill, Swell, Myelin and others.

One of our products, Cutlass, is an automated targeting AI that detects, remembers, and shares targets in real time by watching any sensor on any network – Delivering modular, insightful knowledge of where adversaries are on any drone, ship, vehicle, satellite, or command center. Our AI research helps Cutlass learn targets with little data, little compute, and the most intuitive, humane knowledge. Cutlass has been tested in multiple DOD exercises and is currently being used in live DOD missions.

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to lead the Cutlass software team. We are looking for someone who is an outstanding and productive coder, butalso has strong design and leadership skills. They should be able to take high level requirements from their leaders, refine them, put together a design document, get their document appropriately reviewed, plan, and then lead the execution of those plans with minimal oversight from theirleaders.They should be able to provide an effective interface between their team, other teams, and their leaders both on the technical side as well as on the business side. 

As the Cutlass Software Lead you will work alongside our Director of Engineering, the Machine Learning Lead, and the Data Science Lead to set the direction for Cutlass as a whole. You will have tremendous influence over our tech stack and architecture, but also the future engineering culture at Modern, as well as the future of Modern as a company.

We are gathering the most ambitious AI researchers, software engineers, and mission leaders in defense because we believe defense is the future of defense, and defense is the future of AI.

This role requires someone who is capable of getting a DoD security clearance; someone who can work onsite to help establish the engineering culture at the company; as well as someone who is able to travel both domestically and internationally multiple times a quarter. 
Requirements
  • Has led a team of 3+ junior engineers on projects that have spanned multiple quarters. 
  • Experience coaching/mentoring junior engineers on topics such as code quality, version control best practices, testing, and other general software engineering skills (as well as be an expert on these topics themselves) 
  • Experience writing and reviewing design documents 
  • Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills. 
  • Must be capable of getting a security clearance 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Python 
  • Experience with Docker or other OCI software 
  • Experience with time sensitive software (this might be expressed as working on embedded devices, safety critical systems, operating systems, media software, etc) 
  • Experience interfacing Python with other languages (language bindings, SWIG, Boost Python, etc) 
  • Experience with a compiled programming language - preferably either C, C++, or Rust
Nice to Have
  • Experience with machine learning 
  • Experience with ffmpeg or video transcoding 
  • Experience with optics or applied math 
  • Experience with Nuitka  or other Python compilation 
  • Experience with Multiprocess Python  
  • Experience with TypeScript  
  • Experience with Node.js  
  • Experience with LLVM  
  • Security Clearance 
Equity 
Full medical, dental, and vision benefits 
Discretionary PTO 
Paid Parental Leave 
If you're passionate about leveraging your software engineering skills to develop life-saving technologies, push the boundaries of AI research, and work alongside the best in the field, we want you. Help us build the future of defense—apply now and make a tangible difference in the world! 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.