1

Sensor Operator Jobs in Memphis, TN (NOW HIRING)

Sensor Operator information

See Memphis, TN salary details

$5

$14

$15

How much do sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for sensor operator in Memphis, TN is $14.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $15.38 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.

What are popular job titles related to Sensor Operator jobs in Memphis, TN?

For Sensor Operator jobs in Memphis, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sensor Operator jobs in Memphis, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Sensor Operator jobs in Memphis, TN are:

Infographic showing various Sensor Operator job openings in Memphis, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,021 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Data Analyst - Physical Infrastructure

SpaceXAI

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are seeking a Data Analyst to join SpaceXAI's Infrastructure team responsible for building and operating world-class datacenters and power generation facilities. In this role, you will analyze power and cooling performance data, develop forecasts for utility consumption and costs, build and maintain business analytics dashboards, and deliver data-driven insights to optimize our rapidly expanding physical infrastructure for AI supercomputing.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Collect, clean, integrate, and analyze high-volume power, cooling, and energy usage data from datacenter facilities and power plants
  • Build and refine forecasting models for electricity, water, and other utility consumption to support budgeting, planning, and procurement
  • Design, develop, and maintain interactive business intelligence dashboards and reports (using tools such as Seeq, Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or similar)
  • Identify trends, anomalies, inefficiencies, and optimization opportunities in power distribution and cooling systems
  • Partner with mechanical, electrical, and facilities engineering teams to translate analytical findings into engineering and operational improvements
  • Support infrastructure expansion planning through scenario analysis, capacity modeling, and cost projections
  • Automate data collection pipelines and reporting processes to enable real-time visibility and decision making
  • Present clear, actionable insights and recommendations to cross-functional teams and leadership
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 4+ years of professional experience in data analysis, business intelligence, or analytics engineering
  • Strong SQL skills and proficiency in Python (pandas, scikit-learn, or similar) or R for data analysis and modeling
  • Hands-on experience building dashboards and visualizations with Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or equivalent
  • Solid foundation in statistics, time-series analysis, and forecasting techniques
  • Experience working with large datasets and building scalable reporting solutions
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Background in energy, utilities, datacenters, critical infrastructure, or industrial facilities
  • Familiarity with SCADA systems, building management systems (BMS), or IoT sensor data
  • Experience with cloud data platforms (Snowflake, BigQuery, AWS/GCP/Azure data services)
  • Knowledge of power systems, HVAC/cooling efficiency metrics (PUE, WUE, etc.), or energy modeling
  • Advanced degree in Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, Operations Research, or related quantitative field

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


SpaceX logo

About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US