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Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Airborne Sensor Operator

We are seeking Airborne Sensor Operators (ASO) to execute remote sensing wide area data collection missions for the US Army Geospatial Center on the HR3DGI program. Operators may be required to ...

Leidos

Airborne Sensor Operator

We are seeking Airborne Sensor Operators (ASO) to execute remote sensing wide area data collection missions for the US Army Geospatial Center on the HR3DGI program. Operators may be required to ...

Leidos

Training and Instructor Specialist

Richardson, TX · On-site

$105K - $190K/yr

BA/BS or equivalent experience, with 8+ years as an Advanced Airborne Sensor Tactical Officer (TO) or Sensor Operator (S) or Master's degree with 6+ years of prior relevant experience. * Ability to ...

Blue Air Training

Mission Sensor Operator

Avon Park, FL · On-site

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 ...

Woolpert

Aerial Sensor Operator

Dayton, OH · On-site

... 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 ...

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Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator information

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$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

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

As of Jun 9, 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.
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Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator jobs near you
Airborne Sensor Operator

Airborne Sensor Operator

Leidos

Remote

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 426 rated business services

Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?
We are seeking Airborne Sensor Operators (ASO) to execute remote sensing wide area data collection missions for the US Army Geospatial Center on the HR3DGI program. Operators may be required to install and operate Global Positing Systems (GPS), radio communication equipment, Internet Relay Chat (mIRC), Tactical Common Data Link (TDCL), various air surveillance and reconnaissance equipment, and various airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and electro-optical (EO) sensors at CONUS and OCONUS locations. The ASO will be responsible for collecting and analyzing information while safely and effectively functioning as an aircrew member on a multi-position aircraft. Standard deployment rotations are 2-3 months.
The Operator will work only while on a training status or on a deployment rotation supporting CONUS or OCONUS collection missions. All other times they will be on leave without pay (LWOP). Training will be conducted in Northern Virginia, but relocation is not required for this position.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Possess a combination of maturity, skill and experience to function safely and effectively as an aircrew member in a tactical ISR environment.
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, career guidance and management of small teams.
  • Supervise, oversee, set goals and objectives for employees.
  • Operate and maintain various air surveillance and reconnaissance equipment, airborne LiDAR, Electro-Optical sensors, hardware/software networks, and various radio/internet communication platforms on the ground and in flight, in support of customer requirements.
  • Participate in ground and flight operations efforts, including mission planning, execution, briefing, debriefing, communications, and safety.
  • Understand the collection of tactical and wide area mapping and ensure proper collection of data for accuracy and quality.
  • Understand and communicate the capabilities and limitations of the sensors and systems.
  • Work closely with chief sensor operator, site operation managers, pilots, technical leads, and processing teams to plan, execute missions, and assist with data processing as needed.
  • Provide weekly sensor degradation logs and sensor health reports.
  • Troubleshoot issues with hardware, software, and collection equipment and complete necessary field logs and data transfer duties.
  • Ensure safe and secure use of company and government equipment and instrumentation.
  • Comply with all governing regulations and work in accordance with established standard operating procedures and practices.
  • Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of sensor operating experience (6 years of directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree)
  • US Citizen; possessing an Active Top Secret security clearance
  • In-depth knowledge of HR3DGI remote sensing operations
  • Effectively manage both people and processes with strong problem-solving abilities
  • Knowledge of PRC-117, WESCAM MX EO/IR imaging system
  • Knowledge of secure military communication systems such as Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL) and mIRC.
  • Willing to fly in a small aircraft for an extended time
  • Willing to work in Hardship and Hazardous locations for two to three months continuously.
  • Have or be able to obtain a FAA Class II medical certificate or military equivalent.
  • Have or be able to successfully complete altitude chamber / physiological training.
  • Meet Program training and DoD medical examination requirements for deployment, including meeting CONUS Replacement Center (CRC) requirements
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • Active TS with SCI eligibility
  • Depth of knowledge with HR3DGI wide area remote sensing operations
  • Experience operating L3Harris Falcon PRC series radios, Leica ALS80, Optech Galaxy, Leica Single Photon Laser, WESCAM MX Series EO/IR cameras, secure military communication systems, and Phase One airborne sensors.
  • Formal training as a sensor operator as well as familiarity with ISR applications, tools, and systems, GPS receivers and antennas
  • Comfortable working on computer hardware/software, networking, and possess strong troubleshooting skills
  • Background working with military customers,
  • Understanding of sensor calibration procedures and requirements
  • Current FAA Class II Certification

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 3, 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 $65,650.00 - $118,675.00
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

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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

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Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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