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Sensor Operator Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

GNC Engineer, Missile Defense

Denver, CO ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operating across multiple flight regimes and environmental conditions. * Develop and maintain navigation and state estimation algorithms, including sensor fusion frameworks (e.g., EKF, UKF, particle ...

Principal GNC Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$180K - $305K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design, test, and validate GNC flight software for spacecraft operating in LEO, GEO, and cislunar environments * Develop advanced attitude and orbit determination algorithms, including sensor fusion ...

Sr. GNC Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$140K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design, test, and validate GNC flight software for spacecraft operating in LEO, GEO, and cislunar environments * Develop advanced attitude and orbit determination algorithms, including sensor fusion ...

Staff GNC Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$165K - $290K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design, test, and validate GNC flight software for spacecraft operating in LEO, GEO, and cislunar environments * Develop advanced attitude and orbit determination algorithms, including sensor fusion ...

Principal GNC Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$180K - $305K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design, test, and validate GNC flight software for spacecraft operating in LEO, GEO, and cislunar environments * Develop advanced attitude and orbit determination algorithms, including sensor fusion ...

Sr. GNC Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$140K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design, test, and validate GNC flight software for spacecraft operating in LEO, GEO, and cislunar environments * Develop advanced attitude and orbit determination algorithms, including sensor fusion ...

Staff GNC Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$165K - $290K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design, test, and validate GNC flight software for spacecraft operating in LEO, GEO, and cislunar environments * Develop advanced attitude and orbit determination algorithms, including sensor fusion ...

Showing results 41-60

Sensor Operator information

See Denver, CO salary details

$5

$15

$16

How much do sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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 do you 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 the ability to operate specialized equipment, often gained through on-the-job training or military experience.

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.

What skills are needed to work with sensor operators?

Sensor operators need strong technical skills, including knowledge of sensor systems, data analysis, and troubleshooting. Attention to detail, the ability to monitor multiple data streams, and familiarity with relevant tools and software are essential. Good communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment are also important.

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 August 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.

GNC Engineer with Security Clearance

True Anomaly. Inc.

Denver, CO โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it. OUR MISSION True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors - enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground. OUR VALUES * Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity. * What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results. * It's the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together. RESPONSIBILITIES * Own all aspects of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) system development for missile systems, including architecture definition, algorithm design, verification, hardware integration, flight test support, and operational deployment. * Design, test, and validate GNC flight software and embedded algorithms for missiles operating across multiple flight regimes and environmental conditions. * Develop and maintain navigation and state estimation algorithms, including sensor fusion frameworks (e.g., EKF, UKF, particle filters) integrating IMU, GPS/INS, seeker data, and other sensor modalities to provide high-rate, high-accuracy state estimates throughout the engagement timeline. * Develop guidance laws (proportional navigation, augmented PN, optimal guidance) and autopilot designs; implement them in flight software; verify performance and robustness through high-fidelity 6-DOF simulation, Monte Carlo analysis, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and flight test correlation. * Design, implement, and maintain high-fidelity simulation environments capturing aerodynamics, propulsion, atmospheric effects, target dynamics, sensor models, and actuator dynamics for SIL, HIL, and mission analysis across the full flight envelope. * Utilize frequency-domain and time-domain control analysis techniques to ensure stability margins. * Develop terminal guidance algorithms for intercept of maneuvering targets, including target tracking, aimpoint selection, miss distance prediction, time-to-go estimation, and endgame steering logic. QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or related field * 5+ years of relevant GNC engineering experience in the aerospace and defense industry, preferably with tactical missile systems, interceptors, or guided munitions * Coursework or project experience in flight dynamics, aerodynamics, control systems, and state estimation * Strong understanding of physics, rigid body dynamics, intercept geometry, proportional navigation, and real-time software development principles * Experience with C++ and/or Python for algorithm development, numerical methods, real-time control, or simulation * Familiarity with missile GNC concepts including guidance laws, autopilot design, sensor fusion, inertial navigation, seeker operation, and aerodynamic/thrust vector control * Exposure to filtering and estimation methods (e.g., Kalman filters, complementary filters, INS/GPS integration) through internships, coursework, or projects * Ability to build, test, and debug flight software, real-time control systems, and simulation tools * Strong analytical skills with emphasis on dynamics, controls, and numerical methods; ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary engineering environment * Demonstrated ability to take ownership of complex technical problems and drive solutions from concept through flight test * Ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI US government security clearance PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE * Master's degree or PhD in aerospace engineering, control systems, or equivalent discipline * Experience with terminal guidance algorithms, proportional navigation variants, optimal guidance theory, or modern guidance techniques * Experience developing autopilot designs for agile missiles including gain scheduling, adaptive control, or nonlinear control methods * Experience with INS/GPS integration, sensor calibration, alignment algorithms, and error budget analysis * Experience with aerodynamic modeling, CFD correlation to flight data, or aeroservoelastic analysis * Experience developing and executing hardware-in-the-loop test campaigns with flight representative GNC hardware * Flight test experience including test planning, instrumentation selection, telemetry analysis, and flight data reconstruction * Experience with intercept kinematics, target tracking, miss distance analysis, and covariance propagation * Experience performing line-of-sight stability analysis including jitter, noise rejection, and seeker tracking performance * Hands-on experience with GNC hardware integration, sensor characterization, and actuator calibration * Familiarity with missile-specific tools and standards (e.g., MISSILE DATCOM, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760) * Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph COMPENSATION * Base Salary: $115,000 - $290,000 * Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS * Work Location-This is an onsite position, Successful candidates will be located near Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA * Work environment-the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job. * Physical demands-the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving. This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.