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Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Apply Early

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 ...

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 collect ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

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Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator information

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

As of Jul 6, 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.
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Infographic showing various Overnight Airborne Sensor Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,993 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Mission Systems Operator III - Deploy Only

Mission Systems Operator III - Deploy Only

Sierra Nevada Company, LLC

Shalimar, FL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Sierra Nevada Corporation rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Are you a seasoned mission systems operator looking for a meaningful work environment that supports and protects heroes? Join our team! As a Mission Systems Operator III, you will lead advanced mission operations, ensuring the effective use of airborne sensor systems. Your expertise in sensor technologies and mission planning will drive successful outcomes in complex operational environments. You will mentor junior operators and collaborate with mission leaders to refine operational strategies.

The Mission Solutions and Technologies (MST) business area provides affordable, turn-key command/control, communications, integrated ISR, force protection and security solutions worldwide. The MST team has a long legacy of supporting the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, commercial and international customers with years of experience in platform operations, engineering and full lifecycle management across domains - air, land, sea, space and cyber.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead and execute complex mission operations using RADAR and MX-15 systems.

  • Mentor and train junior operators on advanced sensor usage.

  • Develop and refine mission strategies and operational plans.

  • Perform in-depth data analysis and present actionable insights.

  • Ensure stringent adherence to safety and operational protocols.

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Bachelor's degree in related field of study.

  • 4+ years of experience in a related field.

  • Relevant experience can be considered as a substitute for the required educational qualifications. In the absence of a degree, a minimum of 8 years of related experience is required.

  • Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.

  • Advanced understanding of sensor technologies (RADAR, MX-15).

  • Progressive experience with Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Airmanship.

  • 1000 hours of flight time knowledge of ARC-231.

  • Advanced knowledge of Small Secure Datalink (SSDL) radio functionality.

  • Thorough understanding of RADAR Theory and MX15HDi camera technology.

  • Ability to deploy for an extended amount of time to various OCONUS operating locations.

  • Ability to meet current DoD and Combatant Command requirements for deployed locations.

  • Successfully pass a pre-deployment medical assessment.

  • Must be willing and able to work extended hours, holidays, and shift schedules as required.

  • Current/ valid passport and be able to obtain a visa to travel internationally.

  • Willing to TDY for extensive amounts of time.

  • Willing to deploy OCONUS on an approximate 60/60 rotation.

  • An active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Master's degree in Aerospace, Engineering, or related field.

  • Extensive experience in mission planning and execution.

  • Advanced certifications in sensor technology operation.

  • Maritime experience.

  • Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, the US Department of Defense, or US Military.

  • Experience with Windows 10 Falcon View or Force Map technology.

  • Prior experience as a CRM/Organizational Resource Management (ORM) instructor.

Essential Functions:

  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs regularly.

  • Ability to be on feet for extended periods.

  • Regularly working on a computer.

  • Ability to work in potentially loud environments.

  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

  • Ability to work in an office or hybrid environment.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more (https://www.sncorp.com/careers/total-rewards/) .

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances. (https://www.dcsa.mil/About/)

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We're known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation's most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.


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