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Sensor Operator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

TurbineOne

Solutions Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$71 - $93.75/hr

... or sensor integration. • Strong ability to explain technical systems clearly to operators and acquisition teams. • Experience running demos, pilots, or technical evaluations. • Comfortable ...

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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 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.
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Sensor Operator jobs near you
NIST PREP Mechanical Engineer in 3D Sensor Testing

NIST PREP Mechanical Engineer in 3D Sensor Testing

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position Description:The Intelligent Systems Division at NIST is investigating the performance of 3D vision systems for various manufacturing and automation applications. The research will focus on conducting experiments and analyzing data to understand these systems' performance. This will support the development of performance metrics for these systems for various industrial applications.
Duties:The duties will be tailored to fit the applicant's qualifications, and the applicant will be trained on the use of certain systems needed for the following possible duties:
  • Conduct experiments to realize several existing and novel test methods for 3D vision systems.
  • Research the effects of various physical properties of an object and sensor settings on the test metrics.
  • Program collaborative robot arms for conducting various automation tasks.
  • Use metrology systems (e.g., laser trackers, CMMs, etc.) for establishing reference measurements.
  • Use analysis software (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Spatial Analyzer, Polyworks, Excel, etc.) to interpret results and produce visualizations.
  • Write reports and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
  • Work with commercial bin-picking systems.
  • Assist in the development of demonstrations for trade shows and conferences.
  • Write reports and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
  • Work schedule: On-campus (Gaithersburg, MD), Full-time (40hrs/week)

Qualifications:Not all the qualifications below are required.
  • Education: Engineering majors with bachelor's/master's degree, or in final or penultimate years of bachelor's/master's degree.
  • Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks
  • Experience using MATLAB and Python.
  • Programming experience in one or more of the following computer languages: C++, Java
  • Experience using 3D printers.
  • Basic understanding of robot control theory (DH parameters, kinematics, etc.)
  • Basic understanding of 3D sensors such as LiDAR or RGBD cameras
  • Basic understanding of the Unix/Linux operating systems
  • Working knowledge of 3D point cloud data processing techniques using Point Cloud Library (PCL - http://pointclouds.org), CloudCompare, or other similar tools

What is PREP?This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and thus requires that such institutions be the recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration. A candidate hired for this position will be through the university that is associated with the NIST PREP program and will be an employee of that University.
Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0003381

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