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Airborne Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) supporting a manned ISR program that will be based CONUS. Leidos will provide contracted aircrew for an ISR aircraft providing imagery and multi-source data for both ...

The Mission Sensor Operator (MSO) will operate Company owned sensors in support of our customer to ... airborne and ground players in those scenarios. * Must be able to run sensor, simulate a CAS or ISR ...

... airborne mapping missions. MUST be willing to travel on a rotating travel schedule of 21 days on ... operating procedures and practices. * Download, edit, and troubleshoot collected sensor data while ...

Aerial Sensor Operator

Dayton, OH · On-site +1

$22 - $25/hr

... airborne mapping missions. MUST be willing to travel on a rotating travel schedule of 21 days on ... operating procedures and practices. * Download, edit, and troubleshoot collected sensor data while ...

... (RPA). RPA Sensor Operators employ airborne sensors in manual or computer-assisted modes to ... actively acquire, track, and monitor airborne, maritime and ground objects. Operates mission ...

The candidate will provide hands-on technical support for airborne sensor and data acquisition ... operating procedures (SOPs), maintenance manuals, and technical documentation for electronic ...

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 ...

New

The aircraft are operated and maintained by L3Harris in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and are configured to support diverse sensor payloads for test data collection. In addition to airborne operations, the ABS ...

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Airborne Sensor Operator information

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$24K

$65.7K

$156K

How much do airborne sensor operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for airborne sensor operator in the United States is $65,689.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $100,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Airborne Sensor Operator, you need strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and typically a background in aviation, military operations, or geospatial sciences. Proficiency with sensor systems such as LiDAR, radar, electro-optical/infrared cameras, and relevant software platforms is commonly required, along with certifications such as an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate for UAV operations. Excellent teamwork, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills help individuals excel in fast-paced, mission-driven environments. These competencies ensure precise data collection and analysis while maintaining safety and effective collaboration during airborne missions.

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

As an Airborne Sensor Operator, your daily responsibilities often include planning and preparing sensor equipment before flights, operating and monitoring airborne sensors to collect data, and ensuring the accuracy and quality of the gathered information. You may work closely with pilots, mission coordinators, and data analysts to achieve mission objectives, regularly reviewing and calibrating sensor performance as needed. Post-flight, you are usually involved in initial data processing and reporting, identifying and troubleshooting any equipment or data issues. This role typically involves varying schedules and adaptability to changing mission parameters, making strong organizational skills essential for success.

What is an Airborne Sensor Operator job?

An Airborne Sensor Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining specialized sensors and imaging equipment on aircraft to collect data for various purposes, such as mapping, surveillance, or scientific research. They work closely with pilots and mission planners to ensure accurate data capture. This role requires technical expertise in sensor systems, navigation, and data processing. Operators may work for government agencies, military units, research organizations, or private companies.

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Airborne Sensor Operator

$59K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 451 rated business services


Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?
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 sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.
Are you ready for your next challenge?
Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) supporting a manned ISR program that will be based CONUS. Leidos will provide contracted aircrew for an ISR aircraft providing imagery and multi-source data for both real-time and after-action analysis. The ASO will be responsible for routine and dynamic target area assessment using full motion video while providing analysis and distribution of multi-source information via on-board aircraft communications systems. The successful candidate will possess a combination of maturity, skill and experience to function safely and effectively as an aircrew member in a tactical ISR environment. Selected candidates will be required to operate E/O IR sensors, and communications equipment.
THE CHALLENGE (primary responsibilities)
The ASO will be required to execute all assigned preflight, flight, and post flight duties as required to safely and effectively operate an assigned sensor suite supporting a variety of missions. This includes mission planning, pre-briefings, mission system inspection, operation, troubleshooting, post-flight inspections, debriefings, intelligence product preparation and distribution, and mission documentation. The ASO may also assist with performing sensor upgrades and maintenance.
WHAT SETS YOU APART (basic qualifications)
• Must have a bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2 years' experience or 700 flight hours as an aircrew member on a multi-place military or government ISR contract aircraft, and verifiable experience providing direct support to SOF ground forces using E/O-IR FMV sensors (additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of degree)
• Have an active Top Secret with SCI
• Possess a current FAA Class II/III Medical Certificate issued within 6 months of employment start date
• Possess a United States Passport that is valid for 12 months after employment start date and be able to travel internationally
• Current physiological training / altitude chamber or previously completed with proof of completion
• Possess excellent CRM skills and be able to apply ORM principles
• Be willing to deploy for rotations of up to 90 days to various CONUS or OCONUS operating locations as directed by the Government.
• Must show demonstrable interpretation and analysis experience using E/O-IR FMV sensors and be able to produce post mission products using Microsoft office suite.
• Must be able to successfully accomplish airborne mission / flight operations and image analysis
• Must be able to travel to various CONUS locations for training
• Be willing to work long hours and / or non-regular hours with minimal notice
• Be able to proficiently operate assigned sensors while airborne for extended periods
• Be willing to work and execute airborne missions in Hardship and Hazardous locations
• Previous internal aircraft, air-to-air, and air-to-ground communication experience required
Preferred Qualifications
MX-15/20/25 experience
• Previous ISR Warden experience
• Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground communication coordination experience desired
• Previous JTAC or Military ISR mission/intelligence product support experience
• Previous ISR and or instructor/evaluator experience in a combat environment is desired
• Previous KUSS, PRC-117, VORTEX, data link experience desired
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:
July 9, 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 $59,150.00 - $106,925.00
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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