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Uav Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Systems Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$146K - $194K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... Layout system design plans and interfaces for new UAV products and platforms * Manage tactical ...

Systems Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$146K - $194K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... Layout system design plans and interfaces for new UAV products and platforms * Manage tactical ...

Chief Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$191K - $253K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... Conduct hands-on UAV testing with occasional travel REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS * 7-10 years of ...

Flight Test Technician

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Work as an onboard operator for SAR/GMTI, EO/IR, and SIGINT/EW sensor suites, following test cards ... USMC: 26-series (SIGINT), 63/64-series (Avionics), 02-series (Intel), or 7314 (UAV Operator)

Create and maintain dynamic flight models for various UAV platforms to simulate and validate ... Familiarity with embedded systems and real-time operating systems Bonus Points For: * Hands-on ...

Senior Thermal Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

... operating thresholds for test and field use. * Define and execute prototype builds and thermal tests, including CAD support, sensor selection, DAQ setup, data post-processing, and results ...

Senior Thermal Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

... operating thresholds for test and field use. * Define and execute prototype builds and thermal tests, including CAD support, sensor selection, DAQ setup, data post-processing, and results ...

Showing results 41-60

UAV Sensor Operator information

See salary details

$23.5K

$67.2K

$166.5K

How much do uav sensor operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for uav sensor operator in the United States is $67,248.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $99,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a UAV sensor operator?

As a UAV Sensor Operator, your typical day includes setting up and calibrating sensor equipment, conducting pre-flight checks, and monitoring UAV flight paths. You will actively manage and interpret data streams from various sensors such as electro-optical, infrared, or LiDAR, ensuring that mission objectives are met. Collaboration with UAV pilots, mission planners, and intelligence analysts is common, and you may be required to summarize findings in detailed reports. The role frequently involves adapting to changing mission requirements and maintaining a high level of vigilance throughout each flight operation.

What is a UAV sensor operator?

A UAV Sensor Operator is responsible for operating and managing sensors on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to gather intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data. They monitor camera feeds, radar, and other sensors to identify targets, assess terrain, and support mission objectives. This role requires strong situational awareness, technical proficiency, and the ability to work as part of a team in military, law enforcement, or commercial applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the UAV sensor operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a UAV Sensor Operator, you need a background in remote sensing, imagery analysis, and UAV operations, often supported by military experience or specialized technical training. Familiarity with ground control stations, mission planning software, and relevant certifications such as Part 107 (for civilian operations) are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, safe UAV operation, and reliable collaboration within mission teams.

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Cities with the most Uav Sensor Operator job openings:

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Infographic showing various Uav Sensor Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,248 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Systems Engineer

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$146K - $194K/yr

Other

Re-posted 11 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 75,399 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Tactical Recon & Strike team at Anduril develops aerial small drones (Group 1-3) and all equipment to test, deploy and operate. The team is responsible for taking products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt and Altius from concepts to operational systems. We work in close coordination with specialist teams to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for software engineers, hardware engineers, roboticists, and front-end mobile developers who are excited about creating a powerful robotics platform that can be tasked and viewed in real-time through a variety of interfaces.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Work within a team of multidisciplinary engineers and specialists throughout the life of UAV design and integration efforts
  • Conceptualize system architecture for upgrades and enhancements to existing vehicle systems
  • Conceptual designs of small drones including sizing, system performance and initial prototyping
  • Layout system design plans and interfaces for new UAV products and platforms
  • Manage tactical engineering efforts, interfacing between different engineering and test disciplines
  • Draft and develop test plans for critical subsystems, and support vehicle level acceptance testing
  • Develop interface controls for partners and customers to use for hardware, software, and electrical integration of complex and unique payloads with the Anduril UAVs
  • Achieve maximum uptime by leading vehicle data analysis efforts to identify performance trends and develop predictive failure models
  • Support build and benchtop testing of new vehicle systems
  • Conduct hands-on UAV testing with occasional travel
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • A passion for systems development, integration, and testing
  • 7-10 years of industry experience including but not limited to systems engineering
  • Familiarity with concepts of systems engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software development, and control theory
  • Hands-on build and prototyping of complex robotic or aircraft systems
  • Knowledge of electronics troubleshooting and ability to use basic test equipment
  • Extremely organized and detail-oriented
  • Excellent verbal & written communication skills
  • A sincere commitment to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture
  • Ability to travel as required for test planning and execution
  • Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience developing electromechanical system models to inform design, operation, and troubleshooting of complex subsystems
  • Hands on manufacturing or flight testing experience
  • Experience in design engineering
  • Experience in software engineering
  • Understanding of aerodynamics, avionics and flight systems

US Salary Range
$146,000-$194,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

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.


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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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