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Airborne Sensor Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Manages multiple airborne sensors' processes simultaneously to operate and interface with multiple ... Provides real-time SIGINT and networks assistance to pilot, maintainers, operators and users

Operate ELINT, E/O IR, and/or other airborne sensors and communications equipment (training will be ... Previous sensor operating experience Additional Requirements * Ability to travel away from home ...

... ground and airborne sensor systems used in the execution of the mission. This position will ... Provides real-time SIGINT assistance/support to the SRM or MT, maintainers, operators and users

... airborne SIGINT sensors and networks * Provides sensor troubleshooting support and recommend ... Provides real-time SIGINT and networks assistance to pilot, maintainers, operators and users

Knowledgeable in ground or airborne SIGINT collection operations, to include RF fundamentals ... sensor tasking * Strong knowledge of SIGINT collection equipment and associated tooling (e.g., SDRs ...

S. military • Knowledgeable in ground or airborne SIGINT collection operations, to include RF ... sensor tasking • Strong knowledge of SIGINT collection equipment and associated tooling (e.g ...

S. military • Knowledgeable in ground or airborne SIGINT collection operations, to include RF ... sensor tasking • Strong knowledge of SIGINT collection equipment and associated tooling (e.g ...

Deployed DHC8 Captain

Bridgewater, VA · On-site

$37.50 - $61.57/hr

Operate ELINT, E/O IR, and/or other airborne sensors and communications equipment (training will be ... Previous sensor operating experience Additional Requirements * Ability to travel away from home ...

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Airborne Sensor Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$23.3K

$63.9K

$151.7K

How much do airborne sensor operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for airborne sensor operator in Virginia is $63,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,011.00 and $97,739.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an airborne sensor operator?

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.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Airborne Sensor Operator jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Airborne Sensor Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Airborne Sensor Operator jobs in Virginia?

For Airborne Sensor Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Airborne Sensor Operator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Airborne Sensor Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Airborne Sensor Operator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Airborne Sensor Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Airborne Sensor Operator job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,885 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Sensor Payload Operator/Technician

Arlington, VA • On-site

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

TSC has immediate openings for Sensor Payload Operators and Technicians to conduct maritime surveillance missions on manned aircraft for civil fisheries enforcement across locations in the Western and Central Pacific. Missions are executed in accordance with air tasking orders, with TSC providing mission differences training. These roles involve daily extended overwater surveillance at various altitudes, including low-level overwater maneuvers, using a civilian-registered King Air aircraft.

As a Sensor Payload Operator or Technician, you will be responsible for locating, identifying, and reporting intelligence on maritime targets. You will be expected to leverage pre-mission reporting and mission planning in conjunction with all available platform sensors including AIS, Radar, and EO/IR gimbal to accomplish surveillance missions. Preference will be given to candidates with technical expertise and hands-on experience in the testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of airborne sensor payload systems. This position requires rotational assignments of three months or longer, subject to mutual agreement. TSC offers meals and lodging allowance.

Responsibilities:

  • Operate aircraft sensor payloads during surveillance missions, including detecting, locating, and identifying maritime targets, and support real-time communication with the crew and ground personnel to ensure mission success.
  • Prepare detailed written reports on mission observations, complete post-mission equipment performance reports, and maintain clear communication with crew and ground personnel.
  • Conduct maintenance and troubleshooting of airborne sensor payload systems in accordance with TSC Maintenance SOP and Manufacturer/OEM guidelines, assisting ISR Systems Engineers as needed.
  • Actively participate in both aviation and non-aviation roles within the deployed team, including delivering program capability briefings to local officials and supporting integration activities for sensor systems.
  • Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

  • Four (4) or more years of relevant military training/qualification and operational experience.
  • Operational experience working with new technology, and controlling a family of systems to include AIS, Radar, and EO/IR Gimbals simultaneously.
  • Valid US Passport through deployment periods
  • Ability to maintain the physical conditioning necessary to perform mission-critical tasks, including lifting, prolonged standing, or endurance activities as applicable. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required by law.
  • Ability to travel with reasonable notice for assignments lasting up to three months
  • Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to effectively perform job duties and ensure clear communication in for purposes of safety protocols, team coordination, reporting, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain good working relationships with the tasking authority, local officials, customer on-site representatives, and crew members
  • Experience in combined overland and overwater surveillance and international operations
  • Technical knowledge and practical experience in Operational and/or Developmental Test, troubleshooting and maintenance of airborne sensor payload systems
  • Ability to provide strong professional references as requested

TSC Benefits:

TSC offers a stable work environment, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefit package; including Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) participation, 401k Plan, Flexible Work Schedules, Tuition Reimbursement, Co-Sponsored Health Plan, Paid Leave and much more. TSC is a growing organization with unlimited opportunity!

Applying to TSC:

Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Employment at TSC is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check, verification of Security Clearance, and a drug screening.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.