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Airborne Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Product Owner - Maritime

Hood River, OR · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Our Automated Sensor Operator (ASO) software, native to our own line of purpose-built Smart Sensors and as an upgrade for airborne video gimbal platforms, brings Superhuman Vision and Workload ...

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 ...

Senior Sensor Modeling Software Engineer

Richardson, TX · On-site

$111K - $146K/yr

... Airborne Sensor (AAS) team in Richardson, TX . At Boeing, our software engineers use their ... The team also provides the capability to train fleet operators on the AAS mission by adding high ...

CONUS Site Lead

Bridgewater, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Manage a team of 10-14 operations personnel to include Airborne Sensor Operators (ASOs) and Intelligence Coordination Center (ICC) managers. * Support Operations Manager with administrative and ...

New

Manage a team of 10-14 operations personnel to include Airborne Sensor Operators (ASOs) and Intelligence Coordination Center (ICC) managers. * Support Operations Manager with administrative and ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Airborne Sensor Operator information

See salary details

$24K

$65.7K

$156K

How much do airborne sensor operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 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?

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.

More about Airborne Sensor Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Airborne Sensor Operator jobs? Cities with the most Airborne Sensor Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Airborne Sensor Operator jobs? The most popular types of Airborne Sensor Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Airborne Sensor Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Airborne Sensor Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Airborne Sensor Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Airborne Sensor Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Airborne Sensor Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,689 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

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Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Task Specialist

DEA is a full-service aircraft operator with extensive ISR flight capability backed up by a skilled in-house aviation engineering team. This powerful combination puts us at the forefront of our industry, both in the air and on the ground. It also ensures we can deploy and support quickly and efficiently, even in the world's most challenging environments.

Key Responsibilities
  • 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 requirement and constraints.
  • Brief the aircraft commander on mission requirements and constraints
  • Assist the aircraft commander as required with pre-flight preparations.
  • Ensure that all mission equipment is correctly configured.
  • Responsible for the correct loading, use and husbandry of all mission equipment.
  • Recording and updating all mission equipment technical records.
  • Confirming that mission equipment is functioning correctly or that arising and/or unresolved faults do not compromise safety of flight
  • Alerting the aircraft commander to any changes to mission equipment serviceability and/or mission capability.
  • Assisting as required with the safe conduct of the mission, such as by external observation and liaison with external agencies.
  • Act as the mission manager (to include management of ground-based equipment) in accordance with company procedures to meet agreed customer objectives.
  • Record all mission system faults and liaise with DEA Systems personnel as required in pursuit of timely fault resolution and a return to full mission capability.
  • Assist the aircraft commander with any pre and post-mission duties as required.
  • While engaged on contract, accept all other reasonable tasks as may be required to contribute to overall company objectives, attending, or delivering briefings, provide technical advice and support, representing DEA to the Customer and other stakeholders, and assisting DEA Managers in mission related tasks.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Possess excellent Crew Resource Management (CRM) skills.

  • Able to accommodate irregular shift-patterns, sometimes with minimal notice.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively (written and oral).
  • Full acceptance of being a net contributor to a problem-solving network.
  • Able to integrate seamlessly into small, deployed teams, accepting a full share of domestic tasks to promote team effectiveness and cohesion.
  • Demonstrate ability to manage conflicting demands, prioritising tasks, resources, and workload to meet deadlines and operational needs.
  • Demonstrate a personal commitment to the Company's health, safety and environmental practices and procedures, in full compliance of related regulations.
  • Holds a valid Driving Licence
  • Holds a valid Passport without limitations
  • Ability to travel at short notice
  • Hold or be able to acquire and maintain a valid security clearance, UK security clearance minimum.
About DEA Aviation Ltd

DEA and our sister company ESAO are a world leading specialist technology-led provider of complex aerial data acquisition services. A pioneer in airborne data gathering, DEA/ESAO use ground-breaking techniques and the most advanced and innovative technologies in the industry to help you answer complex questions and make informed decisions in real time.