1

Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) supporting a manned ISR program that will be based CONUS. Leidos will provide contracted aircrew for an ISR aircraft providing imagery and multi-source data for both ...

Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) supporting a manned ISR program that will be based CONUS. Leidos will provide contracted aircrew for an ISR aircraft providing imagery and multi-source data for both ...

Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) supporting a manned ISR program that will be based CONUS. Leidos will provide contracted aircrew for an ISR aircraft providing imagery and multi-source data for both ...

MQ-9 Sensor Operator

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$78.94 - $83.73/hr

Sensor Operators will perform duties as flight test crew members employing airborne sensors. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Test Planning and Execution Review test plans, test cards, and other ...

The Mission Sensor Operator (MSO) will operate Company owned sensors in support of our customer to ... airborne and ground players in those scenarios. * Must be able to run sensor, simulate a CAS or ISR ...

... airborne mapping missions. MUST be willing to travel on a rotating travel schedule of 21 days on ... operating procedures and practices. * Download, edit, and troubleshoot collected sensor data while ...

Field experience as an airborne sensor operator * Ability to work out of the NV5 office in Portland, OR * In-depth experience using various LIDAR sensors, cameras and other instruments * Experience ...

Aerial Sensor Operator

Dayton, OH · On-site +1

$22 - $25/hr

... airborne mapping missions. MUST be willing to travel on a rotating travel schedule of 21 days on ... operating procedures and practices. * Download, edit, and troubleshoot collected sensor data while ...

Field experience as an airborne sensor operator * Ability to work out of the NV5 office in Portland, OR * In-depth experience using various LIDAR sensors, cameras and other instruments * Experience ...

Field experience as an airborne sensor operator * Ability to work out of the NV5 office in Portland, OR * In-depth experience using various LIDAR sensors, cameras and other instruments * Experience ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator information

See salary details

$14

$21

$29

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

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for overnight airborne sensor operator in the United States is $21.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Overnight Airborne Sensor Operators, and how can they be managed?

Overnight Airborne Sensor Operators often face challenges such as maintaining alertness during extended night shifts, adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, and ensuring accurate data collection under time-sensitive missions. To manage these challenges, it’s important to follow strict rest and nutrition routines, communicate effectively with the flight and ground teams, and stay current on operational protocols and equipment updates. Many employers also provide training on fatigue management and situational awareness to support operator performance and safety.

What is the difference between Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator vs Night Drone Sensor Technician?

AspectOvernight Airborne Sensor OperatorNight Drone Sensor Technician
CredentialsFAA drone pilot certification, sensor operation trainingFAA drone pilot certification, sensor maintenance training
Work EnvironmentAircraft, airborne missions, remote sensingGround-based, nighttime drone operations, sensor troubleshooting
Industry UsageMilitary, surveillance, environmental monitoringSecurity, infrastructure inspection, research

The Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator and Night Drone Sensor Technician both require drone operation certifications and involve sensor handling. However, the Sensor Operator primarily works in airborne environments during overnight missions, focusing on data collection from aircraft. In contrast, the Sensor Technician works on the ground, maintaining and troubleshooting sensors on drones during night operations. Both roles are vital in remote sensing industries but differ mainly in work setting and specific responsibilities.

What are Overnight Airborne Sensor Operators?

Overnight Airborne Sensor Operators are professionals responsible for operating and monitoring specialized sensors and equipment on aircraft during nighttime missions. Their primary duties include collecting aerial data, such as imagery or surveillance footage, often for purposes like mapping, environmental monitoring, or security. These operators must be skilled in using various sensor technologies and interpreting the data they collect, while adhering to strict safety and communication protocols. The role often requires working irregular hours, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues in real time.

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

To thrive as an Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator, you need a solid understanding of remote sensing, aviation operations, and data acquisition, typically supported by a relevant technical degree or military experience. Familiarity with GIS software, electro-optical/infrared sensor systems, and real-time data transmission tools is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, adaptability to night shifts, and clear communication are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial to ensure accurate data collection, safe flight operations, and effective team coordination during demanding nighttime missions.
More about Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator jobs? Cities with the most Overnight 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 Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Overnight 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 $44,993 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Airborne Sensor Operator

$59K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 487 rated business services


Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?
At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.
Are you ready for your next challenge?
Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) supporting a manned ISR program that will be based CONUS. Leidos will provide contracted aircrew for an ISR aircraft providing imagery and multi-source data for both real-time and after-action analysis. The ASO will be responsible for routine and dynamic target area assessment using full motion video while providing analysis and distribution of multi-source information via on-board aircraft communications systems. The successful candidate will possess a combination of maturity, skill and experience to function safely and effectively as an aircrew member in a tactical ISR environment. Selected candidates will be required to operate E/O IR sensors, and communications equipment.
THE CHALLENGE (primary responsibilities)
The ASO will be required to execute all assigned preflight, flight, and post flight duties as required to safely and effectively operate an assigned sensor suite supporting a variety of missions. This includes mission planning, pre-briefings, mission system inspection, operation, troubleshooting, post-flight inspections, debriefings, intelligence product preparation and distribution, and mission documentation. The ASO may also assist with performing sensor upgrades and maintenance.
WHAT SETS YOU APART (basic qualifications)
• Must have a bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2 years' experience or 700 flight hours as an aircrew member on a multi-place military or government ISR contract aircraft, and verifiable experience providing direct support to SOF ground forces using E/O-IR FMV sensors (additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of degree)
• Have an active Top Secret with SCI
• Possess a current FAA Class II/III Medical Certificate issued within 6 months of employment start date
• Possess a United States Passport that is valid for 12 months after employment start date and be able to travel internationally
• Current physiological training / altitude chamber or previously completed with proof of completion
• Possess excellent CRM skills and be able to apply ORM principles
• Be willing to deploy for rotations of up to 90 days to various CONUS or OCONUS operating locations as directed by the Government.
• Must show demonstrable interpretation and analysis experience using E/O-IR FMV sensors and be able to produce post mission products using Microsoft office suite.
• Must be able to successfully accomplish airborne mission / flight operations and image analysis
• Must be able to travel to various CONUS locations for training
• Be willing to work long hours and / or non-regular hours with minimal notice
• Be able to proficiently operate assigned sensors while airborne for extended periods
• Be willing to work and execute airborne missions in Hardship and Hazardous locations
• Previous internal aircraft, air-to-air, and air-to-ground communication experience required
Preferred Qualifications
MX-15/20/25 experience
• Previous ISR Warden experience
• Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground communication coordination experience desired
• Previous JTAC or Military ISR mission/intelligence product support experience
• Previous ISR and or instructor/evaluator experience in a combat environment is desired
• Previous KUSS, PRC-117, VORTEX, data link experience desired
AMSOPP1
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
July 13, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $59,150.00 - $106,925.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

What Leidos employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Leidos logo

About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

Social media