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Airborne Isr Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role is responsible for ensuring pilots, Airborne Sensor Operators, and other assigned flight crew members are properly selected, trained, qualified, current, and competent to safely execute ISR ...

These include airborne ISR, electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refueling, special ... Our operating model is built around three interlocking pillars. The Support Groups provide a global ...

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Airborne Isr Operator information

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$24K

$51.5K

$84K

How much do airborne isr operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for airborne isr operator in the United States is $51,470.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $59,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Airborne ISR Operator?

An Airborne ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) Operator is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating real-time intelligence using airborne sensor systems. They operate onboard military aircraft or drones to gather information critical for mission success, including tracking targets, monitoring threats, and supporting combat operations. Their duties often involve working with radar, cameras, and communication equipment to relay intelligence to commanders and ground forces. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Airborne ISR Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airborne ISR Operator, you need a solid background in surveillance operations, situational awareness, and data analysis, typically complemented by military training or specialized certifications. Familiarity with electro-optical/infrared sensors, radar systems, and real-time intelligence platforms such as FMV (Full Motion Video) is essential. Strong teamwork, keen attention to detail, and effective communication help operators excel in mission-driven environments. These skills ensure accurate intelligence gathering, timely decision-making, and seamless coordination during complex aerial operations.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Airborne ISR Operator?

As an Airborne ISR Operator, your daily duties include operating advanced surveillance sensors and equipment onboard aircraft, analyzing live data streams, and relaying critical intelligence to mission commanders and ground teams. You will participate in mission briefings, review target objectives, and often collaborate closely with pilots, mission planners, and analysts to achieve operational goals. Depending on the assignment, you may work irregular hours and be required to adapt quickly to changing mission parameters. The role emphasizes accuracy and teamwork to ensure vital information is delivered efficiently and securely.

More about Airborne Isr Operator jobs
What job categories do people searching Airborne Isr Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Airborne Isr Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Airborne Isr Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,470 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST with Security Clearance

Department of the Air Force

Offutt Air Force Base, NE โ€ข On-site

$89K - $112K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Duties Duty 1 - Performs airborne ISR operations. Provides expertise in executing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) duties in airborne Crypto-Linguist execution. Duty 2 - Plans and carries out the activities of the ISR Flight. Has overall responsibility to the NCOIC for executing and sustaining intelligence for ISR functions/operations in support of the U.S. Air Force, DoD, and National level Agencies in the areas of foreign intelligence, foreign counterintelligence, counterterrorism, anti-terrorism, combat operations, and peacekeeping/peace building operations worldwide. Duty 3 - Serves as an AFRC ISR senior operator, interfacing with AFRC and AF Operations Centers, to maintain command/control/oversight and tasking of Air Force Reserve Forces within the ISR Group as well as Reg AF ISR units, missions, and operations. Duty 4 - Serves as an aircrew on a wide variety of aircraft to operate, evaluate, and manage airborne ISR information and related ground processing systems. Requirements Conditions of employment * U.S. Citizenship Required. * All new DCIPS employees are required to complete a two-year DCIPS trial period. * If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/. * This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program. * Must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guide. * Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays. * Shift work and emergency overtime may be required. * Employee must maintain current certifications. * Disclosure of Political Appointments. * Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. * Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume. * Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position. * Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position. * Leave accrual may be authorized upon request. * Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period. * Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. * Performs other related duties as assigned. * The incumbent must be eligible for Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Access. * The incumbent may be required to fly in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments (TDY). * As necessary, to meet special or essential unscheduled activities, may be required to work an uncommon tour of duty with brief advance notice. Qualifications *********THIS IS AN AIR RESERVE TECHNICIAN (ART) POSITION*********** ARTs are part of the regular career civil service and enjoy all the benefits granted to Federal employees in the competitive civil service. In addition, ARTs are required to maintain their active membership in the Air Force (AF) Reserve unit where assigned. ARTs receive on average one weekend of military training per month. They are eligible for 15 days active duty tour each year for which military leave is granted with full civilian pay. Air Reserve units and members are subject to immediate call to active duty in mobilization to meet a national emergency. 1A8X2- TSgt (E6) This is a GG-11 position in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). The GG-11 duties for the "Professional" work category are at the "Full Performance" work level and are equivalent to those at the GS-11 level. The selectee's salary will be set within the grade equivalent to a GS/GG grade based on the selectee's qualifications in relation to the job. In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions. EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position. Examples of creditable experience include: knowledge (as would be acquired through a pertinent baccalaureate educational program or equivalent in work experience) of the principles, concepts, and methodology of the intelligence career field such that it permits independent performance of recurring assignments that are somewhat complex; a practical knowledge of a wide range of analytical principles, concepts, and practices relevant to the intelligence career field typically gained through work experience. The incumbent must have knowledge of: force protection; classified materials handling; Aerospace Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace (AIPB), Predictive Battlespace Awareness (PBA) analysis; mobility/deployment preparations, requirements and materials such as Combat Mission folders; AFRC intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR)computer systems/software; command, control and communications protection; intelligence data collection, validation and production procedures; and project management techniques. Note: Creditable experience may include previous military experience, experience gained in the private sector, or experience gained in another government agency. OR EDUCATION: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the grade levels specified in the table, and may be computed by first determining the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grades GS-9 and GS-11. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Must be fully qualified and experienced intelligence specialist, preferably having operational experience in both All Source/Fusion Analysis and Airborne Crypto-Linguist duties. 2. Knowledge of world-wide ISR requirements and associated processes to support Combatant Commands and Theater Air Force Component Commands and understanding of ISR concepts, capabilities, and operations. Knowledge must also include laws, regulations, policies, and precedents which affect Group ISR operational programs and related support resources 3. Ability to integrate Air Force Reserve and Reg AF Forces into ISR operational and maintenance missions while ensuring command/control oversight and tasking authorities are properly executed. Ability to plan and organize workload and activities, manage multiple taskings, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 4. Knowledge of ISR plans and policies and the ability to formulate operational plans and policies pertaining to ISR operations and unit operational activities. Knowledge and understanding of a comprehensive range of staff concepts, objectives, policies, management/organizational techniques, and military command. 5. Knowledge of advanced management and organizational principles and practices and major issues, program goals, missions, functions, administrative operations of the ISR Group, 10 AF and HQ AFRC. 6. Ability to gather, assemble, and analyze facts, draw conclusions, conduct analysis, devise recommended solutions, and package the entire process in briefings, papers, or reports suitable for top management use and decision-making (to include civilian and military). CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED: 1. Reserve requirements. The incumbent's regular assignments are ART duties; however, the incumbent may be assigned some non-ART duties, generally not to exceed 30 percent of total responsibilities. Work schedule will be aligned to allow incumbent to fully participate in unit training assemblies (UTA). 2. This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) position; individuals selected for this an ART position must meet and maintain ART requirement. Applicants for ART position must currently be a member of the Air Force Reserve or willing and eligible to join the Air Force Reserves 3. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act(Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position. 4. This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) a