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Airborne Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

To perform Task Specialist (Airborne Sensor Operator) duties on board fixed wing aircraft supporting ISR operations worldwide. * Liaise with DEA Intelligence Analysts to understand mission ...

Flight Test Engineer

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

The successful candidate is a high-tenacity, technically-grounded Flight Test Engineer (FTE) who excels in the dynamic environment of airborne sensor testing. Operating out of a converted business ...

Flight Test Engineer

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

The successful candidate is a high-tenacity, technically-grounded Flight Test Engineer (FTE) who excels in the dynamic environment of airborne sensor testing. Operating out of a converted business ...

The successful candidate is a high-tenacity, technically-grounded Flight Test Engineer (FTE) who excels in the dynamic environment of airborne sensor testing. Operating out of a converted business ...

Product Owner - Maritime

Hood River, OR · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Overwatch smart sensors are multi-camera, multi-spectral stabilized airborne payloads designed for automated operation by edge computers rather than human sensor operators. Together, our capabilities ...

... airborne sensor testing. Key Responsibilities/Duties Include: · In-Flight System Operation: Work as an onboard operator for SAR/GMTI, EO/IR, and SIGINT/EW sensor suites, following test cards to ...

... airborne sensor testing. Key Responsibilities/Duties Include: · In-Flight System Operation: Work as an onboard operator for SAR/GMTI, EO/IR, and SIGINT/EW sensor suites, following test cards to ...

Flight Test Technician

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

... airborne sensor testing. Key Responsibilities/Duties Include: · In-Flight System Operation: Work as an onboard operator for SAR/GMTI, EO/IR, and SIGINT/EW sensor suites, following test cards to ...

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

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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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Sr Assoc Field Engineering

L3HHCM20

Tulsa, OK • On-site

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Sr Assoc, Field Engineering

Job Code : 39857

Job Location: Tulsa, OK

Schedule: 5X8

Job Summary:

The Airborne Sensor Program (ABS) is seeking a Tulsa-based Field Service Engineering professional to support mission systems operations on a highly specialized airborne platform. This role aligns with the Level 4 Mission Systems Crew Chief (MSCC) position and is responsible for ensuring mission systems readiness, performance, and operational support aboard ABS aircraft.

About the Airborne Sensor Program

The primary mission of the Airborne Sensor Program is to provide airborne EO/IR sensor capability in support of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and other test activities. ABS supports missions at a wide range of engagement locations using highly modified Gulfstream 550 aircraft equipped with multiple sensor bays capable of integrating a broad variety of sensor systems.

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 Program provides rapid mission data analysis and reporting to deliver critical test information to key stakeholders in a timely manner.

Position Summary

The Field Service Engineer / Mission Systems Crew Chief is responsible for activities associated with mission systems performance on ABS aircraft. This position supports platform readiness planning, mission system preparation, operational performance, and reporting. The role also serves as the company's representative at customer, supplier, and remote operating locations, supporting the installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of complex integrated mission systems


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Closely integrate with multiple engineering development teams, adding subject-matter expertise during the requirements, design, testing and implementation phases of hardware and software.
  • Install electronic equipment, machines, wiring, or software programs to meet specifications.
  • Ability to fabricate or assemble mechanical assemblies per released engineering/drawings
  • Setup and maintain hardware/software configurations on computer networks, including software integration lab, training simulation and aircraft mission equipment.
  • Provide direct on-site engineering assistance for integration efforts and test events.
  • Provide in-flight and post-flight test engineering support.
  • Identify engineering design of hardware/software flaws, assist with corrections and resolution.
  • Assist Quality Assurance by providing subject matter expertise for user and scenario-based testing.
  • Coordinate with multiple Program Managers to provide required support within resource constraints, while following programmatic and personnel policy and procedures.
  • Provide ground and flight demonstration support to partner companies and potential customers for future business development.
  •  Assist with new program startups and serve as a liaison to other rapid/agile acquisition programs. 
  • Required to perform other appropriate duties as requested, directed, or assigned and appropriately task other members of the team when necessary.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

  • Advanced knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming
  • Advanced knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques and procedures to the design and production of company products
  • Ability to troubleshoot system problems to line replaceable unit level
  • Ability to creatively evaluate the appropriate actions and procedures to resolve issues
  • Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn, apply and communicate technical information on a variety of new software applications and hardware systems
  • Ability to build positive, lasting relationships with both customers and engineering development teams
  • Demonstrated ability to operate independently, proactively ensuring customer satisfaction and compliance with applicable regulations and norms

Required Skills, Experience and Education:

  • Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience troubleshooting technical and/or software products
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience with EO/IR sensor systems, gimbaled optical imaging systems, or aviation modification/repair
  • Ability to work overtime, across all shifts, and travel up to 40% annually, including both CONUS and OCONUS assignments
  • Ability to support additional program duties as required/assigned

Preferred Skills, Experience and Education:

  • Experience working on military installations or in military service environments
  • Strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic operational environment
  • Active TS/SCI with Polygraph, or the ability to obtain
  • Strong communication skills across cross-functional program teams
  • Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance, or currently hold an active Secret clearance
  • FAA Class III Flight Medical clearance, or the ability to obtain it
  • Proficiency with MS Windows, Microsoft Office, PuTTY, Wireshark, and standard electrical test equipment

Physical Demands:

  • Required to sit and/or stand for long periods of time
  • Required to instruct verbally for long periods of time
  • Infrequent light physical effort required
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate and troubleshoot computers and associated network hardware
  • May require the ability to travel via automobile or airplane

Personal Protective Equipment:

  • As required by program needs

Work Environment:

  • Work performed in an office, flight line or aircraft environment 
  • Work extensively with computers, computer network, electronic equipment, aircraft avionics and hardware
  • Ability to ingress and egress aerial platforms
  • Duties may require being on call periodically and working outside of normal working hours (evenings and weekends)