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Special Operations Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Endurion

$120 - $180/hr

Founded and led by former Special Operations Forces operators and mission experts, the organization is rooted in firsthand experience with complex operational environments and high-stakes missions.

Posted today

Endurion

Senior Air Operations Advisor

Tampa, FL · On-site

Founded and led by former Special Operations Forces operators and mission experts, the organization is rooted in firsthand experience with complex operational environments and high-stakes missions.

Endurion

Senior Air Operations Advisor

Tampa, FL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Founded and led by former Special Operations Forces operators and mission experts, the organization is rooted in firsthand experience with complex operational environments and high-stakes missions.

US Navy

Special Warfare Combat Crewman

Ligonier, IN

Enlisted • Active Overview Special Warfare Combat Crewmen are elite boat operators who insert and extract SEALs and other special operations forces, conduct high risk coastal and riverine missions ...

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Special Operations Operator information

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$7

$19

$28

How much do special operations operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for special operations operator in the United States is $19.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a special operations operator?

Special Operations Operators are highly trained military personnel who conduct specialized missions that go beyond the capabilities of conventional military forces. Their duties often include counterterrorism, reconnaissance, direct action, hostage rescue, and unconventional warfare. Operators are selected through a rigorous process and receive advanced training in areas such as weapons handling, survival, tactics, and languages. They frequently work in small, elite teams and are deployed in challenging and high-risk environments around the world.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a special operations operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Operations Operator, you need advanced physical fitness, tactical proficiency, and specialized military training, often acquired through rigorous selection programs like Navy SEALs or Army Special Forces. Expertise with weapons systems, communications technology, and survival equipment is essential, along with relevant military certifications. Exceptional teamwork, resilience, and decision-making under pressure are crucial soft skills for operating in high-stress, unpredictable environments. These competencies ensure mission success, personal safety, and effective coordination in demanding and often dangerous operations.

What are some common challenges special operations operators face during missions, and how are they supported to overcome them?

Special Operations Operators often encounter challenges such as operating in high-stress, unpredictable environments, coordinating with multiple agencies, and adapting quickly to changing mission parameters. They are supported through rigorous training, access to advanced equipment, and strong team cohesion that fosters trust and clear communication. Additionally, operators have access to mental health resources and regular debriefings to help manage stress and maintain peak performance.

What is the difference between Special Operations Operator vs Combat Medic?

AspectSpecial Operations OperatorCombat Medic
Required CredentialsMilitary training, special operations qualification, security clearanceMedical certifications, EMT or paramedic license, military medical training
Work EnvironmentHigh-risk, covert missions in diverse terrainsField medical support in combat zones or emergency settings
Employer & IndustryMilitary special forces unitsMilitary, emergency services, or civilian medical units

Special Operations Operators and Combat Medics both serve in military environments, but their roles differ significantly. Operators focus on covert, high-risk missions requiring specialized combat skills, while Combat Medics provide medical support and emergency care in combat zones. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in military special operations.

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Special Operations Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Operations Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,244 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Business Development Manager - Special Operations (SOCOM)

Saronic Technologies

Tampa, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.
Job Overview
Saronic is seeking a Business Development Manager to lead growth initiatives across the U.S. Special Operations community. This individual will be responsible for identifying, qualifying, capturing, and shaping opportunities that expand Saronic's presence within USSOCOM, SOF Components, and adjacent mission organizations.
The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of Special Operations missions, DoD acquisition processes, and autonomous maritime technologies. They will leverage an established network across government, industry, and end users to develop strategic partnerships, influence requirements, and drive opportunities from early customer engagement through contract award.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute the business development strategy for USSOCOM and related Special Operations organizations.
  • Build and maintain trusted relationships with key stakeholders across USSOCOM, TSOCs, SOF Components, Program Executive Offices, Program Managers, operational units, and acquisition organizations.
  • Identify, qualify, and mature new opportunities across autonomous maritime systems, unmanned surface vessels (USVs), maritime ISR, logistics, force protection, and expeditionary operations.
  • Develop and manage a qualified pipeline from early customer engagement through capture, proposal, negotiation, and award.
  • Influence customer requirements by maintaining regular engagement with operators, acquisition professionals, and mission planners.
  • Lead capture planning, competitive assessments, win strategies, and customer engagement activities for priority pursuits.
  • Partner with Engineering, Product Management, Government Affairs, and Program Management to align customer needs with Saronic's product roadmap.
  • Represent Saronic at SOF industry conferences, experimentation events, demonstrations, exercises, and customer engagements.
  • Identify strategic partnerships with prime contractors, technology companies, and mission partners to strengthen competitive positioning.
  • Monitor acquisition strategies, funding opportunities, congressional priorities, and emerging SOF capability gaps to inform business strategy.
  • Support proposal development, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations for strategic opportunities.
  • Maintain accurate opportunity forecasting, pipeline reporting, and CRM data.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of business development, capture, military, or government experience supporting the Department of Defense.
  • Demonstrated success winning and capturing DoD opportunities from identification through contract award.
  • Existing relationships across USSOCOM, SOF Components, Program Executive Offices, acquisition organizations, or the broader Special Operations enterprise.
  • Strong understanding of DoD and SOF acquisition processes, OTA agreements, FAR-based contracting, SBIR/STTR programs, and rapid acquisition pathways.
  • Knowledge of autonomous systems, unmanned maritime platforms, defense technology, or related capabilities.
  • Excellent executive communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment with minimal oversight.
  • Willingness to travel approximately 40-60%.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Former Special Operations military experience (e.g., SEAL, SWCC, MARSOC, Army Special Forces, Ranger Regiment, Air Force Special Warfare, or Coast Guard MSRT/MSST) or extensive experience supporting the SOF community.
  • Existing network across USSOCOM headquarters, SOF Components, TSOCs, PEO-SOF Warrior, SOFWERX, DIU, NavalX, DARPA, and other defense innovation organizations.
  • Experience with autonomous systems, unmanned surface vessels, maritime operations, ISR, C5ISR, or AI-enabled defense technologies.
  • Experience supporting demonstrations, exercises, experimentation campaigns, or operational user evaluations.

Physical Demands
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Occasional standing and walking within the office
  • Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
  • Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
  • Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
  • Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)

Benefits
Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents
Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match
Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company's success
Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline
Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office
Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees
If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require "U.S. Person" status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a "U.S. Person": (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

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