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Aerial Sensor Operator Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

... aerial systems * Establish and maintain partnerships with customer program offices, defense ... Real-time operating systems (RTOS) and bare-metal programming * Hardware-software co-design and ...

The Pennsylvania State University

... aerial systems * Establish and maintain partnerships with customer program offices, defense ... Real-time operating systems (RTOS) and bare-metal programming * Hardware-software co-design and ...

All JobsAerial Sensor Operator JobsAerial Sensor Operator Jobs in Pennsylvania

Aerial Sensor Operator information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$10

$23

$62

How much do aerial sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial sensor operator in Pennsylvania is $23.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $24.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerial sensor operator?

An Aerial Sensor Operator is responsible for managing and operating specialized imaging, mapping, or surveillance equipment aboard aircraft. They work in various industries, including defense, environmental monitoring, and aerial surveying. Their duties include calibrating sensors, collecting high-quality data, and ensuring accurate geospatial positioning. Operators must have technical expertise in sensor systems, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work in dynamic flight environments.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an aerial sensor operator?

Aerial Sensor Operators are typically responsible for setting up, calibrating, and operating sophisticated sensor equipment during aerial missions to capture high-quality data. Their daily duties often include planning flight paths with pilots, monitoring sensor performance in real-time, collecting and logging data, troubleshooting equipment issues, and conducting preliminary data analysis. They may also be involved in maintaining sensor equipment and ensuring all data is transmitted securely to ground teams. Collaboration with pilots, mission planners, and data analysts is a key part of the job, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills for successful mission outcomes.

How to become an aerial sensor operator?

To become an aerial sensor operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training in sensor systems, remote sensing, or related fields. Experience with aircraft operations, proficiency in operating sensor equipment, and obtaining relevant certifications or security clearances are often required. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with aviation safety protocols is beneficial.

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

Aerial Sensor Operators require a solid understanding of aerial imaging technologies, data analysis, and mapping, usually supported by relevant technical training or a degree in a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, various sensor payloads (such as LiDAR, multispectral, and infrared), and, in some cases, flight operation certifications like FAA Part 107 are typical requirements. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication are important soft skills. These qualifications ensure accurate data collection, smooth mission execution, and successful collaboration in high-stakes and dynamic aerial operations.

How much do aerial sensor operators make?

Aerial sensor operators typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the equipment used. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and working in high-demand environments such as defense or surveying projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Sensor Operator jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Aerial Sensor Operator jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What are popular job titles related to Aerial Sensor Operator jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Aerial Sensor Operator jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aerial Sensor Operator jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerial Sensor Operator jobs in Pennsylvania are:

Aerial Sensor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Sensor Operator job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,293 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Senior Autonomy Robotics Engineer

Near Earth Autonomy, Inc.

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

SENIOR AUTONOMY ROBOTICS ENGINEER
Near Earth Autonomy seeks a Senior Autonomy Robotics Engineer in Pittsburgh, PA to design, develop, refine, and test algorithms, methods, and systems for autonomous flight applications, and integrate and deploy them onto aircraft that range from small drones to helicopters; and exercise technical leadership, guiding projects through the complete lifecycle from design to production, supervising other engineers as needed, and providing subject matter expertise. Duties: implement mathematical models of mission plan execution, such as behavior trees and state machines for autonomous systems; design and implement robotics perception and state estimation algorithms for vehicle navigation and guidance; design and implement autonomous aerial vehicle controllers; perform software benchmarking and optimization in multi-threaded development environments; integrate sensors into flight systems, including lidar, cameras, GPS, and gimbals; software design and programming in C++ and Python; set up and manage continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines using GitLab or similar environments; develop systems in a Linux environment; field test aerial robotics systems; and lead teams and mentor new engineers. Occasional local telecommuting is permitted.
Requirements: Master's degree or foreign equivalent in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field. Five years of experience in aerospace, robotics, and/or autonomous flight domains. Experience must include: (i) robotics perception and state estimation algorithms for vehicle navigation and guidance; (ii) autonomous aerial vehicle controllers; (iii) sensor integration into flight systems, including lidar, cameras, GPS, and gimbals; (iv) software design and programming in C++ and Python; (v) continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines using GitLab or similar environments; (vi) development in the Linux environment; (vii) robotics hardware and software, including sensor data pipelines; (viii) software engineering practice and software development life cycle; and (ix) Robot Operating System (ROS). Travel required within U.S. about 6 times per year, about 3 days per trip for flight tests and demonstrations.
Apply online: https://nearearthautonomy.applytojob.com/

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