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Sensor Operator Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

Translates customer needs, use cases, and specifications into practical quantum sensor architectures, requirements, error budgets, trade studies, operating concepts, and development plans * Leads or ...

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Level III Machine Operator

Lakewood, CO ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Also troubleshoot the assembly of parts, mechanical and pneumatic machine operations and sensor reliability. Preferred Qualifications Minimum 3-5 years experience as Lead Machine operator. Prior ...

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Lead Machine Operator

Lakewood, CO ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Also troubleshoot the assembly of parts, mechanical and pneumatic machine operations and sensor reliability. Preferred Qualifications Minimum 3-5 years experience as Lead Machine operator. Prior ...

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Senior Software Engineer, Rust

Broomfield, CO ยท On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

... sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years. ABOUT THE TEAM At ... Operating in small, innovative teams, we push the boundaries of what's possible to deliver advanced ...

... sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years. ABOUT THE TEAM At ... Operating in small, innovative teams, we push the boundaries of what's possible to deliver advanced ...

Senior Software Engineer, Rust

Broomfield, CO ยท On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

... sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years. ABOUT THE TEAM At ... Operating in small, innovative teams, we push the boundaries of what's possible to deliver advanced ...

... sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years. ABOUT THE TEAM At ... Operating in small, innovative teams, we push the boundaries of what's possible to deliver advanced ...

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Sensor Operator information

See Denver, CO salary details

$5

$15

$16

How much do sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for sensor operator in Denver, CO is $15.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $16.49 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.
What are popular job titles related to Sensor Operator jobs in Denver, CO? For Sensor Operator jobs in Denver, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sensor Operator jobs in Denver, CO look for? The top searched job categories for Sensor Operator jobs in Denver, CO are:
What cities near Denver, CO are hiring for Sensor Operator jobs? Cities near Denver, CO with the most Sensor Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Sensor Operator job openings in Denver, CO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,240 per year, or $16 per hour.

Staff Quantum Sensor Physicist

Infleqtion

Boulder, CO โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Infleqtion is a global quantum technology company solving the world's most challenging problems. The company harnesses neutral atom quantum technology to build and integrate quantum computers, sensors, and networks. From fundamental physics to leading edge commercial products, Infleqtion enables "quantum everywhere" through our ecosystem of devices and platforms. We are recruiting for a Staff Quantum Sensor Physicist to help translate customer needs into practical architectures and devices for deployable atom-based inertial and gravitational sensors.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities outlined below include essential functions of the role. Depending on business needs, this role may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

  • Participates in and/or leads research and development projects involving atom interferometry, atom-based inertial and gravitational sensing, cold-atom systems, laser systems, vacuum systems, controls, and quantum sensing systems
  • Translates customer needs, use cases, and specifications into practical quantum sensor architectures, requirements, error budgets, trade studies, operating concepts, and development plans
  • Leads or supports development from concept and architecture phases all the way through test, operation, and eventual deployment
  • Develops and maintains physics models, simulations, calculations, and error budgets to guide architecture decisions, performance estimates, and identification of technical risks
  • Evaluates sensor concepts against real-world and deployed-system constraints including sensitivity, bandwidth, dynamic range, SWaP-C, environmental robustness, manufacturability, reliability, cost, schedule, and technical risk
  • Works with electrical, mechanical, software, firmware, vacuum, laser, and controls engineering teams to develop requirements, guide design trades, and convert physics concepts into buildable and operable instrument designs
  • Participates in proposal development and customer technical discussions, including practical work scope, risks, system concepts, and deployment consideration.
  • Communicates project findings and progress to both internal stakeholders and external customers

Requirements

  • PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, quantum sensing, precision measurement, or related field
  • Practical experience with atom-based inertial and/or gravitational sensors, atom interferometry, or closely related AMO or precision-measurement hardware
  • Strong practical judgment in balancing physics performance against constraints such as reliability, operability, integration complexity, usability, cost, schedule, SWaP-C, environmental robustness, and technical risk
  • Experience designing, building, integrating, testing, operating, and debugging complex hardware and software systems
  • Experience developing models, simulations, calculations, and/or error budgets to inform instrument designs
  • Ability to work effectively with engineering teams on optical, mechanical, electrical, software, firmware, vacuum, laser, controls, packaging, and instrument-operation challenges
  • Professional-level communication skills, including the ability to share technical information clearly with technical and non-technical staff, leadership, and customers
  • Ability to travel domestically and potentially internationally up to 10%
  • Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship
Additional Preferred Qualifications:
  • Direct experience with atom interferometry, cold-atom gravimetry, gravity gradiometry, quantum inertial sensing, Bose Einstein condensates, or optical lattices
  • Experience building, testing, operating, or deploying practical AMO/quantum systems, including fieldable sensors, transportable instruments, or robust laboratory prototypes
  • Experience with cold or ultracold atoms, Bose-Einstein condensates, MOTs, optical lattices, or related technologies
  • Demonstrated ability to translate customer needs or performance goals into implementable system architectures, requirements, engineering trades, and test approaches
  • Experience writing proposals, leading technical work, serving as a Principal Investigator (PI) or technical lead, and/or working directly with customers
  • 2+ years of post-PhD experience in a postdoctoral role, quantum-related industry, precision measurement, or related hardware development environment

NOTE

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations for quantum computing technology. Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

WORKING CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment and around technical equipment including computers and lasers. We ask that candidates be able to efficiently use automated office equipment such as laptops, copiers, and printers; able to effectively engage in communications (via phone, computer, or in-person). Any required Personal Protective Equipment will be provided and must be properly used in accordance with company requirements.

TRAVEL

Up to 10% travel may be required.

Notice to Recruitment Agencies:

Infleqtion does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Infleqtion is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Benefits

The targeted salary range for this role is $166,000 to $256,000 on an annualized basis plus eligibility to participate in our annual incentive plan.

In addition to your base compensation, we offer a generous Total Rewards program which includes:

  • 100% company paid Employee coverage for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short/Long Term Disability insurance programs
  • Employer funded Health Savings Account
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) Matching Programs
  • Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Flexible Healthcare Savings Account
  • Paid FMLA Leave
  • Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
  • Employer Assistance Program
  • Student Loan Repayment

Equal Opportunity

Here you have freedom to embrace your whole self: who you love, your gender identity and expression, skin color, age, appearance, disability, neurodiversity, DNA, military/veteran status, citizenship, and other factors that make up who you are. Your uniqueness is valued, welcomed, and appreciated here. We are dedicated to providing a positive workplace and base all employment decisions on your qualifications, performance, merits, as well as business needs. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information

If this opportunity interests you and you fit the job description, please submit an application. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability, please feel free to contact us at hr@coldquanta.com.