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Sensor Operator Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Prattwhitney

Tomahawk Flight Test, P5

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$132.40 - $251.60/hr

Experience supporting field tests or operating systems deployed in the field. * Telemetry Analysis ... Experience with RF spectral and temporal effects for sensor backgrounds and mitigation.

Pronto

Field Service Technician

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$27.88 - $35.10/hr

... operating in the field. We are on a mission to make mining operations safer, smarter, and more ... sensor and actuator installation * Able to read and work from wiring diagrams, schematics, and ...

ATOMS Careers page

Field Service Technician

Tucson, AZ

$27.88 - $35.10/hr

... operating in the field. We are on a mission to make mining operations safer, smarter, and more ... sensor and actuator installation * Able to read and work from wiring diagrams, schematics, and ...

ATOMS Careers page

Field Service Technician

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$27.88 - $35.10/hr

... operating in the field. We are on a mission to make mining operations safer, smarter, and more ... sensor and actuator installation * Able to read and work from wiring diagrams, schematics, and ...

NovAtel Inc.

Process Owner, Finance

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$140 - $180/hr

Hexagon is a global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software, and autonomous ... Strong understanding of ERP-enabled operating models, enterprise data structures, controls ...

Armorlube LLC

Facilities & Maintenance Technican

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18.25 - $25.25/hr

... operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions for all facility systems. · Maintain accurate ... precision sensor circuits and vacuum systems. Qualifications: Education and Experience: · ...

Armorlube LLC

Facilities & Maintenance Technican

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18.25 - $25.25/hr

... operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions for all facility systems. · Maintain accurate ... precision sensor circuits and vacuum systems. Qualifications: Education and Experience: · ...

Tiberius Aerospace Inc.

Senior Test Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$125 - $175/hr

Define instrumentation requirements, measurement methods, sensor placement, and data collection ... Validate system performance against engineering requirements, operating conditions, and mission ...

Hexagon

System Administrator

Tucson, AZ

Hexagon is a global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software, and autonomous ... Develop and maintain infrastructure documentation, system configurations, and standard operating ...

New

Tiberius Aerospace Inc.

Senior Test Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Define instrumentation requirements, measurement methods, sensor placement, and data collection ... Validate system performance against engineering requirements, operating conditions, and mission ...

Raytheon

Principal Real-time Software Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$125K - $168K/yr

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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All JobsSensor Operator JobsSensor Operator Jobs in Tucson, AZ

Sensor Operator information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$5

$14

$15

How much do sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 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.
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Sensor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sensor Operator job openings in Tucson, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,369 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Tomahawk Flight Test, P5

Prattwhitney

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$132.40 - $251.60/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Pratt & Whitney rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Location: Tucson, Arizona (US-AZ-TUCSON-9020) – 9020 S Rita Rd, BLDG 9020

Role Type: Onsite (U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or U.S. Immigration Status); Active DoD Secret Clearance required on day one.

Responsibilities
  • Perform integration, verification, and testing to ensure the system under test meets design, specifications, and/or requirements.
  • Collect, review, and assess data; prepare detailed analytical reports of results.
  • Identify, trace, and correct faults in mechanical or electronic systems, including failure reporting, analysis, and corrective action.
  • Create and modify documentation for formal testing reviews such as Test Readiness Review (TRR), Consent to Ship (CTS), and Test Data Review (TDR) packages.
  • Support field testing for land and shipboard environments.
  • Generate Change Requests (CR), Corrective Notices (CN), or Variants (VARs); compile and submit data packages to board (ERB/CCB).
  • Monitor and manage upcoming tasks; assign resources using MS Project.
  • Collaborate with CAM, IPT, TA, CE; attend weekly meetings to provide status updates and identify needs.
Qualifications You Must Have
  • Typically a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience OR a Master’s degree with a minimum of eight (8) years.
  • Hardware Systems Integration experience, preferably on shipboard platforms.
  • Experience supporting field tests or operating systems deployed in the field.
  • Telemetry Analysis experience.
  • Maintenance and repair of weapons platforms, including troubleshooting, fault isolation, and resolution.
  • Use of Earned Value Management systems.
Additional Preferred Qualifications
  • Technical leadership, including white‑paper authoring, RFI responses, and proposal drafting.
  • Experience with RF spectral and temporal effects for sensor backgrounds and mitigation.
  • Integration of RF/EO sensor output and real‑time representation of RF/EO scenes.
  • Test Systems design experience across electrical, electronics, mechanical, software, and computer engineering disciplines.
  • Experience with CAMEO.
Benefits
  • Competitive salary range: 132,400USD – 251,600USD.
  • Relocation assistance available.
  • Health, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, 401(k) match.
  • Flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, parental leave, paid time off, holidays.
  • Short‑term and long‑term incentive compensation programs, subject to performance and agreement.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About Pratt & Whitney

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Pratt & Whitney has a long history of leadership and innovation in the field of aviation propulsion. Our story begins in the 1920s and has flourished throughout the decades. We have continuously transformed and reinvented our businesses to offer superior products and services to our customers. In 1925, the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was founded by Frederick B. Rentschler, pioneer of the air-cooled radial engine design which enabled unprecedented power-to-weight ratio. Its first engine, the R-1340 Wasp engine, transformed military and commercial aviation and is still in use today. In 1928, the Canadian division of the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was established. In 1944, Pratt & Whitney began its gas turbine and jet propulsion initiative. The company constructed a wind tunnel, laboratory and engineering center to support our allies’ efforts in World War II. In 1945, wartime production included more than 300,000 Pratt & Whitney engines, touted by service members as extremely dependable – a legacy that continues today. From there, Pratt & Whitney continued to design and innovate more powerful, agile, and reliable engines becoming a leader in the aerospace industry. Today, Pratt & Whitney has more than 85,000 engines in service and more than 16,000 customers worldwide.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

East Hartford, CT, US

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