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Sensor Operator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Amentum is looking for a BAS Operator/Controls Technician to join our team in Springfield, VA to ... sensor calibration, and software back-up. * Controls technician should work to ensure overall ...

Amentum is looking for a BAS Operator/Controls Technician to join our team in Springfield, VA to ... sensor calibration, and software back-up. * Controls technician should work to ensure overall ...

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Sensor Operator information

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 the most commonly searched types of Sensor Operator jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Sensor Operator jobs in Reston, VA are:
Infographic showing various Sensor Operator job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Senior Software Engineer, Robotics Tracking and Fusion

Senior Software Engineer, Robotics Tracking and Fusion

Anduril Industries

Washington, DC

$138K - $182K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

At Anduril, our Software Engineers specialize in solving complex, real-world problems through cutting-edge algorithms and intelligent software integrations. Operating in small, innovative teams, we push the boundaries of what's possible to deliver advanced technologies with mission-critical applications. Our commitment doesn't end with academic research or proof-of-concept experiments; we measure our success by the real-world impact of our deployed solutions. Inspired by Arthur C. Clarke's vision - "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic" - we aim to achieve groundbreaking results in target tracking, state estimation, and situational awareness. We are currently seeking highly talented technologists to join our mission and redefine the future of defense technology.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:
  • Define and influence the direction of a small team, leveraging your subject-matter expertise in target tracking and state estimation.
  • Prototype and deploy state-of-the-art algorithms for tracking, multi-sensor data fusion, and state estimation in agile, iterative development environments.
  • Develop high-performance software for real-time systems, ranging from tactical implementations to simulation environments and decision support tools.
  • Design and implement robust filters, estimators, and probabilistic reasoning systems that enable actionable insights from noisy, ambiguous, or incomplete sensor data.
  • Analyze system performance using high-fidelity simulations, innovative modeling tools, and rigorous statistical techniques to validate the benefits of our technology.
  • Drive customer success by customizing algorithms and software for mission-critical use cases, including real-time tracking and sensor fusion.
  • Integrate tracking and estimation technologies into the broader software development lifecycle, from requirements definition through testing and optimization.
  • Translate technical progress into clear, actionable insights for diverse stakeholders, including colleagues and end-users.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Proficiency in algorithm design, software development, and statistical modeling with programming expertise in C/C++, Python, and Matlab.
  • Strong knowledge of target tracking techniques, such as Kalman filters, particle filters, and multi-target tracking algorithms (e.g., JPDA, MHT, or PHD filters).
  • Experience in state estimation, including Bayesian filtering, sensor fusion, and recursive estimation techniques.
  • Solid understanding of applied mathematics, including linear algebra, optimization, probability, and stochastic processes.
  • Knowledge of signal processing techniques for interpreting diverse sensor data (e.g., radar, lidar, EO/IR).
  • Familiarity with big data pipelines, NoSQL databases, and the efficient handling of large-scale sensor data.
  • Background in machine learning as applied to target tracking and recognition, including clustering, classification, and anomaly detection techniques.
  • Ability to engineer robust systems for estimation theory, adaptive filtering, controls, and complex signal environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to work across development lifecycles, from prototyping to optimizing production systems.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

We request transcripts as part of the early application process to understand your academic background and how your coursework supports the skills deemed critical for the role. Transcripts help us assess your technical and analytical abilities, complementing our interview process in which we also evaluate practical experience and cultural fit. If you choose not to share your transcripts, you will need to provide detailed information regarding your academic performance in relevant courses, including projects and coursework specifics, to ensure we evaluate your academic accomplishments properly. If you do provide academic transcripts, feel free to redact non-technical information (e.g., student ID, dates, non-technical coursework, etc.). Unofficial transcripts obtained online acceptable for this assessment.


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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