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Trainee 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

... (RPA). RPA Sensor Operators employ airborne sensors in manual or computer-assisted modes to ... actively acquire, track, and monitor airborne, maritime and ground objects. Operates mission ...

To perform Task Specialist (Airborne Sensor Operator) duties on board fixed wing aircraft supporting ISR operations worldwide. * Liaise with DEA Intel Analysts to understand mission requirement and ...

The aircraft are operated and maintained by L3Harris in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and are configured to support diverse sensor payloads for test data collection. In addition to airborne operations, the ABS ...

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Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator information

See salary details

$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do trainee airborne sensor operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee airborne sensor operator in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What typical challenges might a Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator face during their initial training period?

As a Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator, you may encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to unfamiliar sensor technologies, learning to interpret real-time data accurately, and maintaining situational awareness during extended flight missions. Training often involves collaborating closely with pilots and mission planners, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to work well under pressure. Overcoming these challenges is key to building confidence and competence in both routine and complex operational scenarios.

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

AspectTrainee Airborne Sensor OperatorAirborne Sensor Operator
CredentialsBasic aviation and sensor operation training, often requiring security clearanceAdvanced certifications, experience in sensor systems, and operational licenses
Work EnvironmentTraining flights, supervised missions, controlled environmentsActive missions, operational aircraft, real-time data collection
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary, defense contractors, training programsMilitary, surveillance agencies, specialized defense units

The main difference is that a Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator is in training, gaining skills and certifications, while an Airborne Sensor Operator is fully qualified, performing operational duties in real missions.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator, you need a solid understanding of aeronautical principles, spatial awareness, and a relevant technical background, often supported by a degree or military training. Familiarity with airborne sensor systems, mapping software, and data analysis tools is typically required, with certifications in aviation operations or remote sensing considered advantageous. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication are critical soft skills for coordinating missions and ensuring data accuracy. These skills and qualities are essential for reliable data collection, mission success, and safety in dynamic aerial environments.

What is a Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator?

A Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator is an entry-level professional who assists in operating and managing airborne sensors on aircraft, typically for purposes such as aerial surveying, mapping, surveillance, or environmental monitoring. They work under the supervision of experienced operators to learn how to use specialized equipment like cameras, radar, and infrared sensors. The role involves both technical skills in handling sensors and understanding flight operations, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret collected data. Trainees often undergo extensive training to become fully qualified Airborne Sensor Operators and may work for government agencies, private companies, or research organizations.
More about Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator jobs? Cities with the most Trainee 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 Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Airborne Sensor Operator

$59K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 437 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:
June 22, 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.

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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

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