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Temporary Aerial Sensor Operator Jobs in Washington

Actalent

Electrical Engineer

Rockville, MD

Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the Electrical Engineer collaborates closely with ... Manage sensor power consumption and ensure efficient power allocation across all system components.

Actalent

Mechanical Engineer

Rockville, MD

... aerial and unmanned surface vehicle platforms. You will own major mechanical subsystems and ... Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you will bridge early concept development with deployable ...

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Temporary Aerial Sensor Operator information

What is a temporary aerial sensor operator?

Temporary Aerial Sensor Operators are professionals who operate specialized sensors and equipment aboard aircraft for a set period, often during specific projects or seasons. They are responsible for collecting aerial data such as images, videos, or measurements for purposes like mapping, research, surveillance, or environmental monitoring. These operators ensure the equipment functions correctly and that data is accurately recorded and reported. The role typically requires technical expertise with sensor technology, attention to detail, and the ability to work in dynamic aerial environments. Temporary positions may be project-based or seasonal, depending on the employer's needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary aerial sensor operator?

To thrive as a Temporary Aerial Sensor Operator, you generally need knowledge of aerial data collection, experience in operating imaging sensors, and a background in aviation or remote sensing. Familiarity with GPS systems, GIS software, mapping tools, and sometimes FAA Part 107 certification for drone operations are typically required. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and strong communication skills help operators ensure data accuracy and manage coordination with flight or ground teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for gathering precise aerial data safely and efficiently in time-sensitive environments.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary aerial sensor operators during field assignments?

Temporary Aerial Sensor Operators often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, irregular work hours, and operating sensitive equipment in remote locations. Adapting quickly to new flight crews and learning the specifics of different aircraft or sensor systems is essential. Strong communication skills are crucial, as operators must coordinate closely with pilots and ground teams to ensure data accuracy and mission success. Flexibility and attention to detail help overcome these challenges and contribute to a safe and productive work environment.

What is the difference between Temporary Aerial Sensor Operator vs Drone Pilot?

AspectTemporary Aerial Sensor OperatorDrone Pilot
CertificationsFAA Part 107 or equivalent, sensor operation trainingFAA Part 107 or equivalent, drone flying certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, survey areas, industrial sitesOpen outdoor areas, urban environments, remote locations
Industry UsageSurveying, mapping, inspection, environmental monitoringAerial photography, videography, inspection, surveying

Both roles require FAA Part 107 certification and involve outdoor work, but the Temporary Aerial Sensor Operator primarily focuses on operating sensors for data collection, while the Drone Pilot mainly controls the drone for capturing images or videos. Their skills often overlap, but their specific tasks and equipment differ based on industry needs.

What are popular job titles related to Temporary Aerial Sensor Operator jobs in Washington?

For Temporary Aerial Sensor Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Aerial Sensor Operator jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Aerial Sensor Operator jobs in Washington are:

Temporary Aerial Sensor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Aerial Sensor Operator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 9% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Senior Staff Engineer, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration (R4983)

Shield AI

Washington, DC • On-site

$220K - $331K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

This position is ideal for an individual who thrives on solving complex integration challenges that span hardware, software, and systems engineering. A successful candidate will be skilled at deploying autonomy solutions onto unmanned platforms, preparing systems for flight, and troubleshooting mission-critical issues in both lab and field environments. The role is highly dynamic, requiring hands-on experience, strong systems thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, real-world test conditions. 
 
Shield AI is committed to developing cutting-edge autonomy for unmanned aircraft operating across all Department of Defense (DoD) domains, including air, sea, and land. Our Flight Integration Engineers are essential to bridging the gap between R&D and deployment, ensuring that autonomous systems function reliably and effectively when and where they are needed most.
What you'll do:
  • System Integration & Deployment — Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems, ensuring seamless operation across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
  • Pre-flight Preparation — Own the build, configuration, and validation process for flight-ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness.
  • On-site Flight Test Support — Travel to test sites and support live flight operations, including safety checks, system bring-up, and troubleshooting under time-critical constraints.
  • Hardware/Software Debugging — Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy software stacks and embedded systems in lab and field environments.
  • Flight Data Capture & Analysis — Manage data collection during missions and post-test analysis, working with autonomy engineers to refine behaviors and identify improvements.
  • Collaboration Across Teams — Work closely with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to ensure mission-critical functionality is delivered on time and validated thoroughly.
  • Continuous Improvement — Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, flight test reliability, and team efficiency across deployment cycles.
  • Support Certification and Compliance — Assist with documentation and system-level validation required for certification, airworthiness, and compliance in defense-relevant environments.
  • Travel Requirement – Members of this team typically travel around 30-40% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events).
Required Qualifications:
  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
  • Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9 years and a Master’s degree; or 7 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
  • Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
  • Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS).
  • Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises.
  • Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for testing and validation.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
  • Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance. 
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns.
  • Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines.
  • Competence in sensor integration, electronics debugging, or avionics bring-up.
  • Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing.
  • Comfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews.
  • Experience with UCI and OMS Standards.
#LI-ED1
#LE

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.