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Airborne Sensor Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Technical Lead

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$100K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... atmospheric & airborne sensors. Our three operating units: Space Electronic Systems (SES ... Serve as the technical lead and subject matter expert for real-time surveillance, sensor ...

New

Principal Software Technical Lead

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$120K - $222K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... atmospheric & airborne sensors. Our three operating units: Space Electronic Systems (SES ... Serve as the technical lead and subject matter expert for real-time surveillance, sensor ...

New

Autonomy SME, Lead

Washington, DC · On-site

$62.25 - $85.50/hr

... sensor fusion models combining EO, IR, LiDAR, GPS-denied navigation, and telemetry data. • ... AI models to airborne and ground edge nodes. • Optimize inference latency and resource ...

... sensor systems to add national security capabilities, particularly in the areas of airborne/surface ... Familiarity with multi-threaded or multi-core real-time operating concepts * Knowledge of high ...

Autonomy SME, Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

$112K - $257K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Implement sensor fusion models combining EO, IR, LiDAR, GPS-denied navigation, and telemetry data ... Deploy containerized AI models to airborne and ground edge nodes. * Optimize inference latency and ...

Showing results 21-40

Airborne Sensor Operator information

See Washington salary details

$25.8K

$70.5K

$167.5K

How much do airborne sensor operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for airborne sensor operator in Washington is $70,528.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,651.00 and $107,903.00 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Airborne Sensor Operator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,528 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Tracking Architecture Performance Egnineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Chantilly, VA

$171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace's strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The divisionleveragesa broad array of engineering disciplines against a dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space and space-enabled capabilities.

The Tracking Architecture Performance Department (TAPD)inthe Integrated Performance Subdivision (IPS) conducts, directsand integratesmodel-based analyses, empoweringteamsand staff to deliver differentiated and context-informed insights. Thedepartment iscomprisedof20engineers responsible formodelingandsimulation-basedperformanceanalysis ofarchitecturedesigned formissile defense,intelligence/reconnaissance/surveillance (ISR)and space domain awarenessmissions.The departmentprovidesdevelopment andanalysisexpertiseontrackingobjects of interestprimarilylocatedin space, air, maritime and ground.As aSeniorMember of Technical StafforEngineering Specialistin the Tracking Architecture Performance Department, you willparticipatein modeling,simulationand analysis projects incollaborationwith the departmentstaff and other engineering departmentsacross the corporationtoensure mission success.

Work Model

This full-time position requires 100% onsite work in El Segundo, ColoradoSpringsor Chantilly.

WhatYou'llBe Doing

  • Modeling & Analysis Leadership

  • Independently lead modeling and analysis studies for complex system-of-systems architectures with emphasis on tracking performance optimization

  • Evaluate multi-domain architectures incorporating space, air, maritime, and ground-based componentsanddiverse sensor systems including radar, EO/IR, and Lidar technologies

  • Analyze tracking scenarios across all domains: space objects, airborne targets, maritime vessels, and ground-based entities

  • Perform trade-space analyses to balance system performance requirements andidentifyarchitectural optimizations for enhanced tracking capabilities

  • Technical & Project Leadership

  • Serve as technical lead and primary customer liaison for projects,establishingtechnical direction and strategic vision

  • Drive continuous improvement of modeling, simulation, and analysis capabilities across the organization

  • Provide hands-on technical guidance and mentorship to team members on day-to-day activities

  • Develop and execute training programs for new team members to build organizational capability and technical bench strength

  • Modeling & Simulation ToolImprovements

  • Design and implement comprehensive analysis strategiesutilizingin-house, custom-developed, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), and government-furnished modeling and simulation tools

  • Develop innovative performance metrics and create advanced data visualizations to communicate complex analytical results

  • Design, develop, and implement tracking algorithms, multi-sensor data fusion algorithms, and novel methodologies to enhance sensor architecture performance

  • Createcutting-edgesimulation approaches, computational tools, and models to support emerging concept exploration and technology assessment

  • Management support

  • Collaborate with management to align projectobjectives, resource allocation, and strategic priorities

  • Partner with management toidentifycapability gaps, develop growth strategies, and support business development initiatives

What You Need to be Successful

MinimumRequirementsfor theSenior Member of Technical Staff-Modeling & Simulation and Signal & Image Process Engineering:

  • Bachelor's degree in STEM or related discipline.

  • A minimum of4+years ofapplicable professional experienceleadingtechnicalteamsandcoordinating complexmodelingandanalysistasks.

  • Knowledge oftracking algorithms, multi-target tracking, and tracking performance assessment

  • Willingness tooccasionally travel and/or work off-business hours to support customer needs, asrequired.

  • This position requires a current and active TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship isrequiredto obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, theminimumrequirementsfor the Engineering Specialist -Modeling & Simulation and Signal & Image Process Engineeringinclude:

  • A minimum of6+years of applicable professional experience leading technical teams and coordinating complex modeling and analysis tasks.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if youhaveone or more of these:

  • Master's or PhD degree in related STEM discipline.

  • Expert level programming skills in languages such as C, C++, Python, FORTRAN

  • Familiarity with tools such as Bitbucket, GitHub, JIRA, Confluence

  • Current, active TS/SCI or SAP clearance.

  • Leadership experience in a customer-facing organization.

  • Knowledge of governmentMW/MT, space domainawarenessand/or ISRmissionarchitectures

  • Experience withend-to-end modeling, simulation, and analysis of integrated sensor architectures across operational domains (space, air, maritimeorground), with experience in radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR),orLidar system performance assessment

  • Experience collaborating in major MS&A initiatives across other FFRDCs, government entities, UARCs, SETAs and/or industry.

  • The ability to communicate effectively with management, program offices, customers, contractors, and colleagues is essential.

  • Experienceleadingtechnical teams,and mentoring junior staff

  • Experience inidentifying, prioritizing, and resolving technical issues.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$110,400.00 - $193,500.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.