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Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DEA Aviation

Task Specialist

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

Overwatch Imaging

Product Owner - Maritime

Hood River, OR · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

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, brings Superhuman Vision and Workload ...

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

Flight Test Engineer

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

The successful candidate is a high-tenacity, technically-grounded Flight Test Engineer (FTE) who excels in the dynamic environment of airborne sensor testing. Operating out of a converted business ...

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

Flight Test Engineer

Hagerstown, MD

$90K - $140K/yr

The successful candidate is a high-tenacity, technically-grounded Flight Test Engineer (FTE) who excels in the dynamic environment of airborne sensor testing. Operating out of a converted business ...

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

Flight Test Engineer

Hagerstown, MD

$90K - $140K/yr

The successful candidate is a high-tenacity, technically-grounded Flight Test Engineer (FTE) who excels in the dynamic environment of airborne sensor testing. Operating out of a converted business ...

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

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 ...

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

Flight Test Technician

Hagerstown, MD

$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 ...

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

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 ...

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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 Aug 16, 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?

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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Cities with the most Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Airborne Sensor Operator jobs?

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Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Airborne Sensor Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Task Specialist

DEA Aviation

Remote

Other

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Task Specialist

DEA is a full-service aircraft operator with extensive ISR flight capability backed up by a skilled in-house aviation engineering team. This powerful combination puts us at the forefront of our industry, both in the air and on the ground. It also ensures we can deploy and support quickly and efficiently, even in the world's most challenging environments.

Key Responsibilities
  • To perform Task Specialist (Airborne Sensor Operator) duties on board fixed wing aircraft supporting ISR operations worldwide.
  • Liaise with DEA Intelligence Analysts to understand mission requirement and constraints.
  • Brief the aircraft commander on mission requirements and constraints
  • Assist the aircraft commander as required with pre-flight preparations.
  • Ensure that all mission equipment is correctly configured.
  • Responsible for the correct loading, use and husbandry of all mission equipment.
  • Recording and updating all mission equipment technical records.
  • Confirming that mission equipment is functioning correctly or that arising and/or unresolved faults do not compromise safety of flight
  • Alerting the aircraft commander to any changes to mission equipment serviceability and/or mission capability.
  • Assisting as required with the safe conduct of the mission, such as by external observation and liaison with external agencies.
  • Act as the mission manager (to include management of ground-based equipment) in accordance with company procedures to meet agreed customer objectives.
  • Record all mission system faults and liaise with DEA Systems personnel as required in pursuit of timely fault resolution and a return to full mission capability.
  • Assist the aircraft commander with any pre and post-mission duties as required.
  • While engaged on contract, accept all other reasonable tasks as may be required to contribute to overall company objectives, attending, or delivering briefings, provide technical advice and support, representing DEA to the Customer and other stakeholders, and assisting DEA Managers in mission related tasks.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Possess excellent Crew Resource Management (CRM) skills.

  • Able to accommodate irregular shift-patterns, sometimes with minimal notice.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively (written and oral).
  • Full acceptance of being a net contributor to a problem-solving network.
  • Able to integrate seamlessly into small, deployed teams, accepting a full share of domestic tasks to promote team effectiveness and cohesion.
  • Demonstrate ability to manage conflicting demands, prioritising tasks, resources, and workload to meet deadlines and operational needs.
  • Demonstrate a personal commitment to the Company's health, safety and environmental practices and procedures, in full compliance of related regulations.
  • Holds a valid Driving Licence
  • Holds a valid Passport without limitations
  • Ability to travel at short notice
  • Hold or be able to acquire and maintain a valid security clearance, UK security clearance minimum.
About DEA Aviation Ltd

DEA and our sister company ESAO are a world leading specialist technology-led provider of complex aerial data acquisition services. A pioneer in airborne data gathering, DEA/ESAO use ground-breaking techniques and the most advanced and innovative technologies in the industry to help you answer complex questions and make informed decisions in real time.

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