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Airborne Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Airborne Sensor Operator

We are seeking Airborne Sensor Operators (ASO) to execute remote sensing wide area data collection missions for the US Army Geospatial Center on the HR3DGI program. Operators may be required to ...

Leidos

Airborne Sensor Operator

We are seeking Airborne Sensor Operators (ASO) to execute remote sensing wide area data collection missions for the US Army Geospatial Center on the HR3DGI program. Operators may be required to ...

Leidos

Airborne Sensor Operator

We are seeking Airborne Sensor Operators (ASO) to execute remote sensing wide area data collection missions for the US Army Geospatial Center on the HR3DGI program. Operators may be required to ...

AdventHealth

Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems SME

Tampa, FL

$102K - $140K/yr

At SES Space & Defense, we are a trusted partner ensuring mission success for customers operating ... The Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems Subject Matter Expert (SME) will provide Tier 3 tracking ...

JMI Resource

Forklift Operator

Fort Myers, FL

$15 - $15.50/hr

Work environment - airborne dust and dirt particles, along with various climatic temperatures. REQUIREMENTS: Valid forklift operator certification/license. Proven experience as a forklift operator or ...

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Airborne Operator information

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How much do airborne operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for airborne operator in the United States is $19.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Airborne Operator vs Drone Pilot?

AspectAirborne OperatorDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107 or equivalent, depending on jurisdictionFAA Part 107 or similar remote pilot certification
Work EnvironmentAircraft, helicopters, or fixed-wing planes; often outdoors and in various weather conditionsUnmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); typically remote-controlled, indoors or outdoors
Industry UsageAviation, aerial photography, surveillance, military, and cargoFilmmaking, real estate, inspections, agriculture, and surveying

Both Airborne Operators and Drone Pilots require FAA Part 107 certification and work with aerial technology. However, Airborne Operators typically operate manned aircraft in diverse environments, while Drone Pilots control unmanned drones mainly for commercial or recreational purposes. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in aerial operations.

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Airborne Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airborne Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,702 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Airborne Sensor Operator

Airborne Sensor Operator

Leidos

Remote

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 428 rated business services

Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?
We are seeking Airborne Sensor Operators (ASO) to execute remote sensing wide area data collection missions for the US Army Geospatial Center on the HR3DGI program. Operators may be required to install and operate Global Positing Systems (GPS), radio communication equipment, Internet Relay Chat (mIRC), Tactical Common Data Link (TDCL), various air surveillance and reconnaissance equipment, and various airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and electro-optical (EO) sensors at CONUS and OCONUS locations. The ASO will be responsible for collecting and analyzing information while safely and effectively functioning as an aircrew member on a multi-position aircraft. Standard deployment rotations are 2-3 months.
The Operator will work only while on a training status or on a deployment rotation supporting CONUS or OCONUS collection missions. All other times they will be on leave without pay (LWOP). Training will be conducted in Northern Virginia, but relocation is not required for this position.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Possess a combination of maturity, skill and experience to function safely and effectively as an aircrew member in a tactical ISR environment.
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, career guidance and management of small teams.
  • Supervise, oversee, set goals and objectives for employees.
  • Operate and maintain various air surveillance and reconnaissance equipment, airborne LiDAR, Electro-Optical sensors, hardware/software networks, and various radio/internet communication platforms on the ground and in flight, in support of customer requirements.
  • Participate in ground and flight operations efforts, including mission planning, execution, briefing, debriefing, communications, and safety.
  • Understand the collection of tactical and wide area mapping and ensure proper collection of data for accuracy and quality.
  • Understand and communicate the capabilities and limitations of the sensors and systems.
  • Work closely with chief sensor operator, site operation managers, pilots, technical leads, and processing teams to plan, execute missions, and assist with data processing as needed.
  • Provide weekly sensor degradation logs and sensor health reports.
  • Troubleshoot issues with hardware, software, and collection equipment and complete necessary field logs and data transfer duties.
  • Ensure safe and secure use of company and government equipment and instrumentation.
  • Comply with all governing regulations and work in accordance with established standard operating procedures and practices.
  • Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of sensor operating experience (6 years of directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree)
  • US Citizen; possessing an Active Top Secret security clearance
  • In-depth knowledge of HR3DGI remote sensing operations
  • Effectively manage both people and processes with strong problem-solving abilities
  • Knowledge of PRC-117, WESCAM MX EO/IR imaging system
  • Knowledge of secure military communication systems such as Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL) and mIRC.
  • Willing to fly in a small aircraft for an extended time
  • Willing to work in Hardship and Hazardous locations for two to three months continuously.
  • Have or be able to obtain a FAA Class II medical certificate or military equivalent.
  • Have or be able to successfully complete altitude chamber / physiological training.
  • Meet Program training and DoD medical examination requirements for deployment, including meeting CONUS Replacement Center (CRC) requirements
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • Active TS with SCI eligibility
  • Depth of knowledge with HR3DGI wide area remote sensing operations
  • Experience operating L3Harris Falcon PRC series radios, Leica ALS80, Optech Galaxy, Leica Single Photon Laser, WESCAM MX Series EO/IR cameras, secure military communication systems, and Phase One airborne sensors.
  • Formal training as a sensor operator as well as familiarity with ISR applications, tools, and systems, GPS receivers and antennas
  • Comfortable working on computer hardware/software, networking, and possess strong troubleshooting skills
  • Background working with military customers,
  • Understanding of sensor calibration procedures and requirements
  • Current FAA Class II Certification

AMSOPP1
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
June 3, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $65,650.00 - $118,675.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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