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Apprentice Airborne Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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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 ...

Apply Early

... 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 ...

Apply Early

... 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 ...

Apply Early

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

... 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 collect ...

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Manned/Unmanned Airborne Systems SME

Tampa, FL · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

At SES Space & Defense, we are a trusted partner ensuring mission success for customers operating ... This can consist of work with full motion video (FMV), sensor data transport issues and development ...

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, bringsSuperhuman VisionandWorkload ...

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, bringsSuperhuman VisionandWorkload ...

TOCRON Watch Officer, TacMobile analysis subsystem operator, and TacMobile advanced airborne sensor subsystem operator. * TacMobile system deployment experience to 5th, 6th, and 7th fleets. TOC watch ...

TOCRON Watch Officer, TacMobile analysis subsystem operator, and TacMobile advanced airborne sensor subsystem operator. * TacMobile system deployment experience to 5th, 6th, and 7th fleets. TOC watch ...

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Apprentice Airborne Sensor Operator information

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How much do apprentice airborne sensor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice airborne sensor operator in the United States is $20.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Apprentice Airborne Sensor Operator vs Airborne Sensor Operator?

AspectApprentice Airborne Sensor OperatorAirborne Sensor Operator
CredentialsBasic certifications, training programsAdvanced certifications, experience required
Work EnvironmentTraining flights, supervised settingsOperational flights, independent tasks
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles in defense, surveillanceFull roles in military, security agencies

The Apprentice Airborne Sensor Operator is an entry-level position focused on training and gaining experience, while the Airborne Sensor Operator is a fully qualified role responsible for operating sensors during missions. The apprenticeship provides foundational skills, whereas the experienced operator handles complex tasks independently.

More about Apprentice Airborne Sensor Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Apprentice Airborne Sensor Operator jobs? Cities with the most Apprentice 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 Apprentice Airborne Sensor Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Apprentice Airborne Sensor Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Airborne Sensor Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,951 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Flight Test Engineer

Flight Test Engineer

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

Hagerstown, MD

$90K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

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Job description

WGS Systems, LLC, is looking for Flight Test Engineers with experience and background in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems flight testing. Primary work activities will take place in Hagerstown, MD with occasional travel supporting various events. 
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 jet, you will be the in the seat, responsible for the real-time operation, troubleshooting, and health monitoring of complex SAR/GMTI, EO/IR, and SIGINT/EW systems. You possess the engineering rigor to identify system anomalies at 30,000 feet and the practical problem-solving skills to implement mid-flight workarounds. With an active TS/SCI clearance and a willingness to support variable "off-shift" schedules, you are dedicated to ensuring that every flight hour results in high-quality, actionable data for our mission partners. 
Key Responsibilities/Duties Include: 
· In-Flight System Operation: Act as the primary onboard operator for a multi-modal sensor suite (SAR/GMTI, EO/IR, SIGINT/EW), executing complex test cards and adjusting system parameters in real-time to meet mission objectives. 
· Airborne Troubleshooting: Perform real-time technical diagnosis and hardware/software troubleshooting of sensor systems and mission computers during flight operations to maximize "time-on-station" effectiveness. 
· Ground Test Support: Lead pre-flight and post-flight system "buy-offs" and ground integration tests to ensure system readiness and configuration alignment with the test plan. 
· Data Integrity Management: Ensure all mission data is recorded correctly, verifying data formats and metadata tags post-flight to streamline the transition to the data analysis team. 
· Test Documentation: Maintain detailed flight logs and discrepancy reports (DRs), documenting system performance, environmental conditions, and hardware/software anomalies encountered during missions. 
· Safety & Coordination: Adhere to all U.S. Army crew rest standards and aviation safety protocols; coordinate closely with pilots and ground stations to ensure safe and effective test execution. 
· Off-Shift Execution: Support a variable mission schedule, including night-shift operations and weekend testing, as dictated by weather, platform availability, and mission priority. 
Qualification requirements: 
· Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or an applicable STEM field 
· Experience: 3-7 years of experience in flight test engineering, airborne sensor operations, or systems integration and test. 
· Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance is mandatory. Candidates without an active TS/SCI will not be considered for this specific role. 
· Flight Physical: Ability to obtain and maintain a standard FAA Class III flight physical (or military equivalent). 
· Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with the theory and operation of Radar (SAR/GMTI), EO/IR sensors, and/or SIGINT systems. Experience with Linux-based mission computers is a plus. 
· Troubleshooting Skills: Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex "system-of-systems" involving high-speed data links, RF cabling, and embedded software interfaces. 
· Operational Adaptability: Ability to maintain peak technical performance in a cramped, high-vibration, or high-altitude aircraft environment for extended durations. 
· Physical Requirements: Must be comfortable flying in a business jet environment and capable of working in various lighting conditions (night/off-shift). 
WGS Systems, LLC, based in Frederick, Maryland, provides systems and products that support our military and homeland security front line personnel. We have been recognized as a small-business industry leader by the state of Maryland by winning the Homeland Security Award from the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. Our offerings include signal collection and processing systems; first responder protection systems; airborne and ground-based systems development; multiple sensor integration and fusion; radar, imagery, and signal exploitation systems integration; advanced computing and networking architecture development; and communications networks for off-board voice and data dissemination. 
We are looking for the highest quality, motivated personnel to help our company continue to grow into the preeminent sensor and system developer for the defense and homeland security of our country. 
WGS Systems is proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V.