ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Uav Sensor Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

World View

Senior Systems Engineer, UAV Open Architecture

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operating picture. The result is actionable intelligence that enables defense, government, and ... Understanding of SOSA (Sensor Open Systems Architecture) systems * Experience in aerospace, defense ...

New

Anduril Industries

UAV Operator, Bolt

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years. About The Team The ...

Arxlight

Senior Backend Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

... operators receive, interpret, and act on information in high-stakes environments ... What You'll Do * Design and build Linux server-based systems, including sensor and hardware ...

New

Freedom Flight Works

Senior Electrical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$114K - $148K/yr

  • Medical

Expertise in embedded systems, microcontrollers, and real-time operating systems. * In-depth ... Extensive experience with UAV flight control systems, autopilot integration, and sensor fusion.

Freedom Flight Works

Senior Electrical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$114K - $148K/yr

  • Medical

Expertise in embedded systems, microcontrollers, and real-time operating systems. * In-depth ... Extensive experience with UAV flight control systems, autopilot integration, and sensor fusion.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUav Sensor Operator JobsUav Sensor Operator Jobs in California

Uav Sensor Operator information

See California salary details

$23K

$65.9K

$163K

How much do uav sensor operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for uav sensor operator in California is $65,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,783.00 and $97,433.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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

The most popular types of Uav Sensor Operator jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

Uav Sensor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Uav Sensor 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 $65,851 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

UAV Systems Specialist IV

General Atomics

San Diego, CA • On-site

$98K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Field Bulletin Sustainment/Closure Supervisor in our Engineering Field Support Department located in San Diego, California.
Under general supervision and with limited review, this position reports to the Bulletins Manager within the Engineering Field Support Department. The Supervisor will support customers across all platforms and help lead a team of bulletin engineers responsible for managing General Atomics-released bulletins throughout their full lifecycle. This includes overseeing sustainment activities, monitoring compliance status, tracking progress, and ensuring timely closure of bulletin actions. The role also provides day-to-day guidance to the team to help maintain consistency, accountability, and effective support for both internal and external customers.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Work with internal and external customer stakeholders to determine customer's bulletin compliance status thru:
    • Monitor customer maintenance databases (NALCOMIS, REMIS, RAMCO, COTLS, etc) to verify customer bulletin actions are completed
    • Establish/hold customer bulletin status meetings to determine customer intent/compliance
    • Review Depot SAP repair data to verify rework actions on equipment have been completed per the bulletin
    • Attending the Tech Pubs STIB Meetings and reviewing technical publication releases to verify flight/maintenance manuals are updated with the required bulletin data
    • Attending the SWIT review meetings and assessing new software releases to verify software bulletin directed updates have been incorporated
  • Perform data analysis using various databases and Microsoft Excel
  • Read and understand engineering drawings, bill of materials, specifications, technical documents, and technical publications
  • Obtain stakeholder concurrence and approval for Field Bulletin revisions and closures
  • Review Field Bulletins and prior to stakeholder review and signature approval
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information
  • Perform other duties as assigned
  • Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company; Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; four or more years of experience with a bachelors degree or two or more years of experience with a masters degree; May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education
  • Strong technical writing skills - must be able to convey complex technical issues in a clear, concise manner
  • Ability to develop teams that can work together or independently
  • Must be able to effectively work with multi-disciplined technical and non-technical staff
  • Strong familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel is required
  • Working knowledge of SharePoint is highly desired
  • Must have thorough database research experience
  • Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems
  • Must have excellent communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in more than one engineering area
  • Able to work extended hours as required
  • Experience working on aircraft and/or GCSs is highly desired
  • Experience as an UAV pilot or sensor operator is highly desired

What General Atomics employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

General Atomics logo

About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

View All General Atomics Jobs

Apply