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Eo Ir Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

EO/IR Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

Develop technical strategies, analyses, recommendations, and technology roadmaps for advanced EO/IR sensor development * Anticipate program challenges and independently develop solutions that align ...

SAIC

EO/IR Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

Develop technical strategies, analyses, recommendations, and technology roadmaps for advanced EO/IR sensor development * Anticipate program challenges and independently develop solutions that align ...

General Atomics

Test Sensor Operator II

Adelanto, CA · On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a Test Sensor Operator to join our team in Adelanto, California ... Experience operating EO/IR payloads (AN/DAS-1, AN/DAS-4, or MX-20). * Must possess: * Strong ...

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Eo Ir Sensor Operator information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an EO IR Sensor Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an EO IR Sensor Operator, you need a thorough understanding of electro-optical and infrared sensor systems, usually backed by military or technical training. Familiarity with sensor operation consoles, video analysis software, and secure communication systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong situational awareness, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, mission success, and the ability to operate effectively in high-pressure environments.

What are some common challenges EO/IR Sensor Operators face while conducting airborne surveillance missions?

EO/IR Sensor Operators often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, maintaining situational awareness during extended missions, and interpreting complex sensor data in real-time. They must remain highly focused to accurately identify and track targets while communicating findings clearly to mission commanders and other crew members. Adapting to evolving technology and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions are also frequent aspects of the role, making ongoing training and teamwork essential.

What are EO/IR Sensor Operators?

EO/IR Sensor Operators are professionals responsible for operating electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) sensors, typically mounted on aircraft, drones, or other surveillance platforms. Their main duties include collecting, analyzing, and interpreting imagery and data captured by these sensors to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. They play a key role in real-time target detection, identification, and tracking, providing critical information to military or security teams. Most EO/IR Sensor Operators work in defense, law enforcement, or border security, and require specialized training in sensor operation and data analysis.

What is the difference between Eo Ir Sensor Operator vs Eo Ir Sensor Technician?

AspectEo Ir Sensor OperatorEo Ir Sensor Technician
CertificationsTypically requires specialized sensor operation certificationsRequires technical certifications in sensor maintenance and repair
Work EnvironmentOperates sensors in field or on platforms, monitoring dataPerforms maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of sensors
Employer & IndustryUsed in defense, surveillance, and remote sensing industriesFound in manufacturing, defense, and technical service providers

The main difference is that Eo Ir Sensor Operators focus on operating and monitoring sensors in the field, while Eo Ir Sensor Technicians handle maintenance and technical repairs. Both roles require specialized knowledge, but operators are more involved in real-time data collection, whereas technicians focus on ensuring sensor functionality.

What states have the most Eo Ir Sensor Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Eo Ir Sensor Operator jobs include:
EO/IR Systems Engineer

EO/IR Systems Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 203 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2611519

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-04-21

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC seeks a senior EO/IR Systems Engineer providing programmatic and comprehensive technical support to government leadership in executing a mission portfolio focused on advanced electro-optical (EO)/infrared (IR) remote sensing development programs. The successful candidate will be a proactive Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) with strong communications skills and the ability to operate effectively across technical and programmatic domains. It is important that the candidate possess strong administrative/management skills as the position requires roughly two-thirds program management focus and one-third technical contribution.
 
Core Responsibilities

 
Strategic Mission Support
  • Identify, assess, and implement technical and programmatic needs necessary to execute the government lead's mission objectives across optical technology domains
  • Develop technical strategies, analyses, recommendations, and technology roadmaps for advanced EO/IR sensor development
  • Anticipate program challenges and independently develop solutions that align with mission goals and stakeholder requirements
  • Requires self-initiated and proactive planning in support of GPOC objectives and direction
 
Program Management Support
  • Directly support the government program manager throughout the research and development lifecycle for EO/IR remote sensing projects, including:
    • Programmatic and technical support to customer leaders and staff as part of a SETA team
  • Administrative support for the program office including budget profiles, tracking, spend planning, and financial analysis
  • Authoring papers and briefings for internal and external audiences to address organizational business processes and information requirements
  • Requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail
 
Acquisition and Contracting
  • Support project acquisition planning and execution, including:
    • Drafting acquisition documents (e.g., Broad Agency Announcements, Requests for Proposal, Statements of Work, specifications, Contract Data Requirements Lists)
  • Supporting source selection activities (e.g. technical evaluations, proposal assessments)
  • Assisting the IC customer with acquisition and oversight of technology development contracts
  • Developing briefings for government acquisition processes and strong writing skills
  • Requires understanding of government acquisition processes and strong writing skills
     
 
Technical Oversight and Review
  • Provide technical oversight to ensure program success, including:
    • Reviewing contractor engineering documents and procedures, requirements flowdown, verification methodologies, calibration plans, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and test plans
  • Participating in design reviews to uphold the customer's interests
  • Identifying and assessing project or program technical and programmatic risks
  • Requires systems-level thinking and ability to critically evaluate technical approaches
     
 
Stakeholder Communication and Coordination
  • Develop and deliver briefings and documentation for diverse audiences, including:
    • Office-level reviews (technical performance, spend planning, budget requests)
  • Enterprise review boards and inter-agency working groups
  • Departmental or Congressional inquiries
  • Actively participate in intra- and inter- agency forums
  • Collaborate with outside organizations such as other government agencies, laboratories, and universities
  • Requires excellent communications skills and ability to build trusted relationships across organizational boundaries
 
Technology Assessment and Innovation
  • Advance technology awareness and transition planning through:
    • Surveying and documenting state-of-the-art technologies in EO/IR sensing domains
  • Participating in or monitoring execution of studies or surveys by outside organizations
  • Supporting project closeout and transition execution to system program offices for flight development
  • Requires intellectual curiosity and commitment to staying current with emerging technologies.
 
 

 

 

Qualifications

Qualifications 
  • Active TS/SCI with Poly.
  • Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or related discipline with 9+ years related experience, -or- Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or related discipline 7+ years related experience.
  • Knowledge of the data processing chain for electro-optical (EO) remote sensing systems (aka tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination) is a discriminator but not required.
  • Project management experience for research and development activities.
  • Prepared to learn the mission including radiation effects on space-based EO components to the point you will be able to participate in technical discussions.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic and energetic environment.
  • Good working knowledge of MS Office applications.
  • Effective interpersonal skills and strong briefing and writing skills.
  • Familiarity with defense and intelligence acquisition, budget planning and contracting

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