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Ship Radar Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

All radars are operated from the Consolidated Operations Control Center in Chesapeake, Virginia ... The ROTHR mission is primarily to track and report the movement of aircraft and ships carrying ...

Radar Operator-3

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$28.91/hr

All radars are operated from the Consolidated Operations Control Center in Chesapeake, Virginia ... The ROTHR mission is primarily to track and report the movement of aircraft and ships carrying ...

$89K - $120K/yr

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License with Ship Radar Endorsement * FCC GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License * Anschutz Navigation and Radar System Certifications * Tactical Radio and ...

New

$89K - $120K/yr

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License with Ship Radar Endorsement * FCC GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License * Anschutz Navigation and Radar System Certifications * Tactical Radio and ...

New

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Ship Radar Operator information

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$12

$24

$35

How much do ship radar operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship radar operator in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Ship Radar Operator vs Ship Navigation Officer?

AspectShip Radar OperatorShip Navigation Officer
CredentialsCertifications in radar operation, maritime safetyMaritime navigation certifications, officer licenses
Work EnvironmentBridge, radar room, maritime vesselsBridge, navigation stations, ships
Industry UsageMaritime shipping, naval vesselsCommercial shipping, cruise ships, naval ships
Primary FocusOperating and monitoring radar systemsPlanning routes, navigation, safety oversight

The Ship Radar Operator primarily focuses on operating radar systems to monitor surroundings and ensure safety. In contrast, the Ship Navigation Officer is responsible for planning routes, navigation, and overall vessel safety. While both roles work on ships and require maritime certifications, the Radar Operator specializes in radar technology, whereas the Navigation Officer oversees navigation and safety procedures.

What are Ship Radar Operators?

Ship Radar Operators are professionals responsible for monitoring and interpreting radar systems on board ships to ensure safe navigation and avoid collisions. They track the position, speed, and movement of nearby vessels, landmasses, and obstacles, especially in poor visibility conditions. Their role is critical for maritime safety, as they provide timely information to the ship's captain and crew. Ship Radar Operators often work in collaboration with navigators and other bridge personnel to make informed navigational decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ship Radar Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ship Radar Operator, you need a solid understanding of maritime navigation, radar principles, and safety protocols, often supported by relevant maritime certifications. Familiarity with radar systems, Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA), and electronic chart systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication skills help operators interpret data accurately and relay information clearly to the bridge team. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring navigational safety, preventing collisions, and maintaining efficient ship operations.

What are some common challenges Ship Radar Operators face while monitoring maritime traffic?

Ship Radar Operators often encounter challenges such as adverse weather conditions, high traffic density, and equipment malfunctions. These factors can make it difficult to accurately interpret radar data and maintain constant vigilance. Operators must remain alert to quickly identify potential hazards, communicate effectively with the bridge team, and adapt to rapidly changing situations on the water. Continuous training and strong teamwork are essential to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring safe navigation.
Infographic showing various Ship Radar Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Radar Operator-3

$28.91/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Raytheon rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 515 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-06-01

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-VA-CHESAPEAKE-002-CUST ~ 2 Relay Rd ~ BLDG 344 (External Site)

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.

For over 30 years, Raytheon operates and maintains the Navy’s three Relocatable Over The Horizon Radars (ROTHR). Each radar consists of a remote transmit and receive site. All radars are operated from the Consolidated Operations Control Center in Chesapeake, Virginia. Each radar is capable of covering over four million square miles across the Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Central, and South America with all systems manned and operated 24 hours a day. The ROTHR mission is primarily to track and report the movement of aircraft and ships carrying illicit narcotics from South America toward Central America and the United States. This is a service contract position.

The non-negotiable US Gov't contract rate for this position is $28.91 with $5.75 for Health and Welfare.

What You Will Do

•     Perform the operation of ROTHR RADAR system, primarily PC-based platforms to monitor and track surface and air contacts.

•     Perform ionosphere propagation assessment by manually modeling the ionosphere's layers using PC-based resources.

•     Perform frequency selection by interpreting the ionospheric model and assigning the proper RADAR parameters for detection and tracking capability of the designated target type.

•     Monitor and modify RADAR resources as necessary to meet tasking parameters. Monitor and assist ROTHR tracking software in validating and reporting aircraft and surface contacts within the RADAR coverage area. Interpret RADAR returns to identify take-offs and landings of aircraft.

•     Monitor and copy external communications information relayed over HF radio links. Interact with Agile Client terminal for pertinent track data.

•     Receive technical guidance and tasking from supervisor or higher-level operator.

Qualifications You Must Have

•     Typically requires HS diploma (or equivalent, e.g. G.E.D in the US) or vocational/technical education in related discipline with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience

•     Three years RADAR Operations / technical school.

•     Experience with Windows 10.

•     Active and transferable U.S. government issued DoD Secret security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance and to obtain any required Export Authorization.

Qualifications We Prefer

•     Four years minimum radar experience.

•     Previous experience monitoring radar tracking displays and HF radio transmissions.

•     Previous air defense, air controller, or OS experience.

What We Offer

  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
  • No relocation is provided for this position.

Learn More and Apply Now!

Please consider the following role type as you apply for this role: Onsite.

This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm

This position is located in Chesapeake, Virginia at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Northwest Annex.

Effective applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to the military installation.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

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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