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Tactical Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tactical Trainer

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Tactical Trainer - Trackless Mobile Infantry Target (TMIT) Camp Pendleton, CA The Tactical Trainer ... operating procedures. * Support safe and effective execution of training activities by providing ...

Tactical Trainer

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Tactical Trainer - Trackless Mobile Infantry Target (TMIT) Camp Pendleton, CA The Tactical Trainer ... operating procedures. * Support safe and effective execution of training activities by providing ...

MCPP - Engineer Equipment Mechanic

San Diego, CA · On-site

$25.25 - $34.75/hr

Must have valid state driver license and able to obtain and maintain a Tactical Operator License as necessary. * Ability to use technical manuals, specifications, and measuring instrumentation.

MCPP - Engineer Equipment Mechanic

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $34/hr

Must have valid state driver license and able to obtain and maintain a Tactical Operator License as necessary. * Ability to use technical manuals, specifications, and measuring instrumentation.

Forklift Operator FT

Modesto, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $21/hr

Position: Forklift Operator First Tactical Reports To: Inbound Manager FLSA Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt SUMMARY: This role is responsible for safely operating a forklift to move, stack, and ...

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MCPP - Engineer Equipment Mechanic

Twentynine Palms, CA · On-site

$23.75 - $32.75/hr

Must have valid state driver license and able to obtain and maintain a Tactical Operator License as necessary. * Ability to use technical manuals, specifications, and measuring instrumentation.

Mission Integration Lead

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Experience as a SOF ground, maritime, or airborne SIGINT/EW tactical operator * Curriculum development and/or instructor experience * Experience with tools like JIRA and Confluence * Professional ...

MCPP - Automotive Diesel Mechanic

Twentynine Palms, CA · On-site

$25 - $33/hr

Possess a valid State Motor Vehicle Operator License and able to obtain and maintain a Tactical Operator License as necessary. * Ability to comply with all established methods, safety standards ...

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Tactical Operator information

See California salary details

$14

$21

$28

How much do tactical operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for tactical operator in California is $21.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tactical operator?

Tactical Operators are specially trained law enforcement or military personnel who handle high-risk operations such as hostage rescues, counter-terrorism missions, and apprehending dangerous suspects. They often belong to specialized units like SWAT teams or military special forces. Tactical Operators undergo rigorous physical and tactical training to perform their duties effectively and safely. Their roles require quick decision-making, teamwork, and the ability to operate various weapons and equipment. These professionals are essential for ensuring public safety during situations that exceed the capabilities of regular police or military units.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tactical operator?

To thrive as a Tactical Operator, you need a background in law enforcement or military operations, advanced firearms proficiency, and specialized tactical training. Familiarity with surveillance technology, breaching tools, and communications systems, as well as certifications like SWAT or similar tactical unit training, are typically required. Strong teamwork, stress management, and decision-making skills set outstanding operators apart in high-risk scenarios. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring mission success and maintaining safety during dynamic and potentially dangerous operations.

What are some common challenges faced by tactical operators during high-stress operations?

Tactical Operators often encounter high-pressure situations that require quick decision-making and effective teamwork. Maintaining clear communication and coordination under stress is crucial, as even minor missteps can impact mission success. Operators must also balance physical endurance with mental resilience, adapting rapidly to evolving scenarios while ensuring their own safety and that of their team members. Continuous training and strong support systems help mitigate these challenges and enhance operational effectiveness.

What is the difference between Tactical Operator vs Security Guard?

AspectTactical OperatorSecurity Guard
CredentialsMilitary or law enforcement training, certifications in tactical operationsSecurity officer license, basic security training
Work EnvironmentHigh-risk areas, military or law enforcement settingsCommercial, residential, or event security
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, military contractorsPrivate security firms, businesses

While both roles involve security and safety, Tactical Operators are trained for high-risk, tactical situations often in military or law enforcement contexts. Security Guards typically focus on monitoring and protecting property in less hazardous environments. The key differences lie in training, environment, and scope of responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tactical Operator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Tactical Operator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Tactical Operator jobs in California?

For Tactical Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tactical Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Tactical Operator jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Tactical Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,404 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Mission Integration Lead

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,264 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

We are seeking an experienced EW Mission Integration Lead with prior training and experience in a relevant engineering field, to integrate EW families of systems into operational concepts of employment. The EW Mission Integration Lead will be a subject matter expert on Anduril EW families of systems to ensure that customers can take full advantage of Anduril EW systems.  Working with EW Operations Leads, Technical Operations Engineers, and engineering functional leadership, the EW Mission Integration Lead will work cross functionally to address customer training, product deployment planning, technical RF documentation, and troubleshooting directly with customers.  

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Serve in a customer-facing capacity, working directly with the Department of War to develop and deploy Anduril integrated hardware-software products to meet customer and operational needs. Support the delivery of contract deliverables such as training manuals, pre-deployment site surveys, and technical documentation..
  • Manage, unblock, and accelerate cross-team projects spanning multiple functional teams and cross-functional initiatives. Instill an efficient project management mindset and workflow across the teams.
  • Conduct radio frequency propagation analysis to build options for customers to execute.
  • Conduct pre-deployment site surveys with customers.
  • Work cross-functionally and across business lines to ensure planning and execution includes EW employment considerations.
  • Provide input to product and engineering teams to drive the development of product features and configurations that enhance or greatly improve the employment of Anduril EW products.
  • Support end-users in understanding and using our capabilities through the development of training content, integration into unit training schedules, and delivery of training.
  • Advise customers and other business lines on the appropriate employment of Anduril EW systems.
  • Remove obstacles to drive clarity and progress, identify gaps in communication or schedule, manage issue escalations and provide support to teams balancing competing priorities, and drive results proactively.
  • Demonstrate high ownership on all pieces of work; become a trusted partner to Anduril's engineers.
  • Conduct onsite and remote troubleshooting support with customers and other business lines.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Minimum of 10+ years experience as a RF engineer, SIGINT/EW systems operator, SIGINT/EW operations lead.
  • Experience with employing SIGINT/EW systems in military operations from the tactical to operational-level.
  • A strong familiarity with software defined radios and their architecture.
  • Experience translating and decomposing technical concepts into operational requirements and performance specifications.
  • Strong understanding of radio frequency propagation and how EW systems work.
  • Experience in project management and product deployment roles.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
  • Willing to travel up to 50%, including to hazard zones.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Client management experience
  • Ability to work within organizations with minimal structure and with minimal direction
  • Prior military or government acquisition and/or government contracting experience
  • Experience as a SOF ground, maritime, or airborne SIGINT/EW tactical operator
  • Curriculum development and/or instructor experience
  • Experience with tools like JIRA and Confluence
  • Professional certifications such as PMP

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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