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Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator Jobs in Virginia

... sensor assets and controls the execution HB signal Planning & Direction, Collection, Processing ... airborne High Band System SW sensors • Provide system administration for High Band System SW ...

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Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator information

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee airborne sensor operator?

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 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 popular job titles related to Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator jobs in Virginia?

For Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Aerospace Modeling & Simulation Engineer-1 (TS/SCI)

Maxar

Herndon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what's happening now and shape what's coming next. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters-where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently. Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can: Shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world.

To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. Citizen. This position requires an active U.S. Government security clearance, applicants who do not currently hold the required clearance will not be eligible for consideration. Employment for cleared roles is contingent upon verification of clearance status.

Export Control/ITAR: Certain roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws, requiring U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Please review the job details below.

Vantor is seeking an Aerospace Modeling & Simulation Engineerto support advanced ISR studies for government and commercial customers. In this role, you will model satellites, aircraft, sensor systems, mission scenarios, and operational concepts to evaluate performance, explore trade-offs, and inform decisions on future space and airborne capabilities.

This is a hands-on technical role for someone who enjoys solving complex mission problems, improving simulation capabilities, working with large datasets, and turning detailed analysis into clear recommendations for senior decision-makers. You will contribute across fast-paced studies and longer-term efforts that help shape the systems and architectures of the future.

What You'll Do

  • Develop, modify, and run high-fidelity simulations of space, airborne, and ISR sensor systems to support architecture studies, system trades, performance assessments, and mission-level analyses.

  • Build operational vignettes that reflect real-world mission needs, constraints, and customer priorities.

  • Develop new tools, scripts, and simulator features to improve scenario generation, data analysis, visualization, workflow efficiency, and overall simulation capability.

  • Analyze simulation results to identify trends, risks, trade-offs, and key performance drivers.

  • Perform QA/QC on model inputs, assumptions, outputs, and analytical results.

  • Present findings and recommendations to technical teams, senior leaders, and customers.

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while also owning independent analysis tasks.

Note: US citizenship and an active TS/SCI clearance are mandatory for this position and required for consideration.

Required:

  • US Citizenship Required with an active or current TS/SCI clearance.

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, inAerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science.

  • Willing to work on-site.

Desired/Preferred Qualifications:

  • An advanced degree in Engineering or a related field.

  • Working knowledge of the theory and applications of astrodynamics, remote sensing, spacecraft design, aerospace systems operations,orcomplex systems integration is desired.

  • Experience with the design, development and software implementation of complex mathematical algorithms.

  • Ability to developstandaloneengineering tools/scripts via Python and/or Excel.

  • Ability to identify, analyze, resolve technical risks and issues, develop technical reports, and collaborate with government and other stakeholders to implement recommended solutions.

  • Ability to communicate and establish collaborative relationships with both clients and teammates to achieve program goals.

  • Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

  • Highly motivated and dynamic work ethic with a strong desire to contribute to the mission.

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Pay Transparency: To support pay transparency, Vantor includes salary ranges in all U.S. job postings. Starting pay for this role will fall within the listed range and will be based on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, location, and market conditions. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the role should not expect to receive compensation at the top of the range. The listed range reflects the expected pay for this position, and final offers will be determined based on each candidate's experience, expertise, and alignment with the role.

For all other states, we use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop market-driven ranges for our roles, and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range.

Benefits: Vantor offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond the standard, including a robust 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, and unique perks like student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement and pet insurance to support all aspects of your life. You can find more information on our benefits at:https://www.Vantor.com/careers

The application window is three days from the date the job is posted and will remain posted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire. If the job is reposted regardless of reason, it will remain posted three days from the date the job is reposted and will remain reposted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire.

The date of posting can be found on Vantor's Career page at the top of each job posting.

To apply, submit your application via Vantor's Career page.

EEO Policy: Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.