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Sensor Operator Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Hexagon is a global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software, and autonomous ... are operating as intended. * Drive gap remediation: identify control deficiencies, assign ...

Facilities & Maintenance Technician

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$18.25 - $25.25/hr

Create, update, and maintain maintenance procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work ... precision sensor circuits and vacuum systems. Qualifications: Education and Experience: ยท ...

Our precision software and firmware integrate operating systems, device drivers, networking, and control software to bring together sensor, guidance, and flight control processing features to ...

Our precision software and firmware integrate operating systems, device drivers, networking, and control software to bring together sensor, guidance, and flight control processing features to ...

Our precision software and firmware integrate operating systems, device drivers, networking, and control software to bring together sensor, guidance, and flight control processing features to ...

Our precision software and firmware integrate operating systems, device drivers, networking, and control software to bring together sensor, guidance, and flight control processing features to ...

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Sensor Operator information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$5

$14

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How much do sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for sensor operator in Tucson, AZ is $14.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $15.05 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 Tucson, AZ? For Sensor Operator jobs in Tucson, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sensor Operator jobs in Tucson, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Sensor Operator jobs in Tucson, AZ are:
What cities near Tucson, AZ are hiring for Sensor Operator jobs? Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most Sensor Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Sensor Operator job openings in Tucson, AZ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $30,369 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Instrumentation Process Control Coordinator I

Pimacounty

Tucson, AZ โ€ข On-site

$28.55 - $34.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Description SummaryDepartment - Regional Wastewater ReclamationJob Description

REVISED

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Job Type: Classified

Job Classification: 5475 - Instrumentation Process Control Coordinator I

Salary Grade: 12

Pay Range

Hiring Range: $28.55 - $34.25 Per Hour

Pay Range: $28.55 - $39.96 Per Hour

Range Explanation:

  • Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

  • Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.

The first review of applications will be on06/26/2026.

Join our team as an Instrumentation & Process Control Coordinator I and play a key role in keeping our wastewater treatment facilities operating safely, efficiently, and reliably. In this hands-on position, you will install, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation, PLCs, analyzers, and process control equipment that are critical to plant operations. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys solving technical challenges, working with advanced automation systems, and making a direct impact on environmental stewardship and public health.

Essential Functions:

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department's needs and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

  • Installs, calibrates, maintains, and repairs electronic instruments, sensors, flow meters, pressure transducers, and other field devices;

  • Maintains and troubleshoots PLCs, HMI's, and automated process control systems to ensure seamless operation;

  • Conducts diagnostics and data analysis to identify trends, optimize performance, and troubleshoot system inefficiencies;

  • Maintains communication networks, including radio and wireless systems, for remote process monitoring and control;

  • Develops and executes preventative and predictive maintenance programs for process control equipment and instrumentation;

  • Ensures compliance with safety protocols, operational standards, and regulatory requirements;

  • Maintains detailed records of maintenance activities, configurations, and system modifications;

  • Collaborates with engineers, operators, and technicians to support system upgrades and process improvements.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university in electronics technology, instrumentation, and process control, or a related field as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment, AND two years of experience in the installation, calibration, and maintenance of field instrumentation equipment and/or process control loops.

(Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)

OR:

One year of experience with Pima County in an Instrumentation Process Control Specialist or closely related position, as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment, performing repair, maintenance, installation, operation, or calibration of electronic instrumentation or industrial /laboratory process controls and instrumentation, and working knowledge of PLC operation, networking, and troubleshooting.

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.
Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):

  • Minimum one (1) year experience with industrial instrumentation and process control, preferably in wastewater treatment, industrial automation, or a similar environment.

  • Minimum one (1) year experience installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electronic instrumentation, sensors, transmitters, and automated control systems.

  • Experience with/knowledge of flowmeters, pressure meters, chemical analyzers, liquid level sensors, motor-operated valves, and/or turbidity meters.

  • Experience with/knowledge of sensor calibration, process optimization, and regulatory compliance.

  • Minimum one (1) year experience reading panel drawings, electrical schematics, and P&ID drawings.

  • Minimum one (1) year experience with radio frequency or microwave telemetry networks.

Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information:

Licenses and Certificates:Valid driver license is required at time of application.ValidAZdriver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant's suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services' review and approval of the candidate's driving record.

Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County.Some positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems. Some positions require on-call rotations. Some positions may carry the risk of exposure to infectious disease, asbestos, or wastewater and sewage products, therefore special medical screening prior to or during employment may be necessary to assure employee health and safety. This position will require apost-job offer physicaland/or drug screen.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: All positions require sufficient body flexibility, mobility, stamina, and balance to allow for standing, walking, sitting, grasping and manipulation of objects, frequent bending, stooping, reaching, climbing stairs, and ladders. All positions require regular or occasional crawling, kneeling, squatting, lifting/carrying objects up to fifty pounds, pushing and pulling of objects up to seventy-five pounds, and the ability to properly don and doff fall protection to enter and work in confined spaces. Essential to this position is corrected or sufficient vision; the ability to see, read, and interpret written information, manuals, gauges, etc., including distinguishing various colors. Also essential to this position is corrected or sufficient hearing; the ability to hear and comprehend voice communications in-person, over a radio, and phone, and to hear operating equipment. Frequently required to lift, push or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Working Conditions: All positions require the operation of machinery, powered industrial equipment, and motor vehicles. All positions require outdoor work, including during inclement and hot weather, and exposure to waterborne pathogens/agents, hazardous materials and gases, water hazards and wet/slippery surfaces, odors, fumes, humidity, dirt, dust, traffic hazards, venomous pests, uneven surfaces, and electric arc flash potential. Action Activity - bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching, squatting, stooping; Motion Activity - grasping and fine movement; Hearing Activity - in noisy areas, on a radio, behind themselves, equipment alarms; Speaking Activity - in person, on the phone; Vision - operate a motor vehicle, distinguish colors, depth perception, peripheral vision.

EEO Information:Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.