Airborne Sensor Operator

Job Overview

We are currently seeking experienced Airborne Sensor Operators (ASO) to conduct remote sensing wide area data collection missions for the US Army Geospatial Center as part of the HR3DGI program. The role involves the installation and operation of GPS, radio communication systems, Internet Relay Chat (mIRC), Tactical Common Data Link (TDCL), air surveillance and reconnaissance equipment, and airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and electro-optical (EO) sensors across CONUS and OCONUS locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a skilled and mature aircrew member in a tactical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) environment.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to small teams, managing personnel effectively.
• Supervise and set objectives for team members.
• Operate and maintain various airborne and ground sensor systems including LiDAR, EO sensors, communication hardware, and software networks.
• Participate fully in mission planning, execution, briefing, debriefing, communications, and safety protocols during ground and flight operations.
• Ensure tactical and wide area mapping data is accurately collected with high-quality standards.
• Communicate sensor and system capabilities and limitations clearly.
• Collaborate with chief sensor operators, site managers, pilots, technical leads, and processing teams to plan and execute missions and assist with data processing activities as needed.
• Provide weekly sensor degradation and health reports.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, and collection equipment issues and manage field documentation and data transfer duties.
• Maintain the safe and secure use of company and government equipment.
• Comply with governing regulations and adhere strictly to standard operating procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 4 years of sensor operating experience, or 6 years of relevant experience if degree is not held.
• U.S. citizenship with an active Top Secret security clearance.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HR3DGI remote sensing operations.
• Strong leadership and problem-solving abilities to manage people and processes effectively.
• Experience with PRC-117 radios and WESCAM MX EO/IR imaging systems.
• Familiarity with secure military communication technologies such as TCDL and mIRC.
• Willingness to undertake extended flights in small aircraft and operate in hardship and hazardous locations for 2-3 months at a time.
• Possession or ability to obtain FAA Class II medical certification or military equivalent.
• Completion or ability to complete altitude chamber and physiological training.
• Fulfillment of deployment training and DoD medical examination requirements, including CONUS Replacement Center standards.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Deeper experience with HR3DGI wide area remote sensing.
• Expertise with L3Harris Falcon PRC radios, Leica ALS80, Optech Galaxy, Leica Single Photon Laser, WESCAM MX Series EO/IR cameras, secure military communications, and Phase One airborne sensors.
• Formal sensor operator training and familiarity with ISR tools and GPS technology.
• Technical proficiency in computer hardware/software, networking, and troubleshooting.
• Prior experience working with military clients.
• Understanding of sensor calibration processes.
• Current FAA Class II certification.

Additional Information

Operators work only when on training status or deployed for CONUS or OCONUS collection missions; otherwise, they are on leave without pay. Training is conducted in Northern Virginia without the requirement to relocate. Standard deployment rotations last 2-3 months.

Employment Terms & Pay

Compensation range is $65,650 to $118,675 annually, reflective of job responsibilities, experience, and other factors. Benefits include competitive pay, health and wellness programs, income protection, paid leave, and retirement plans.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Applicants receive consideration without discrimination based on sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Candidates with criminal histories are also considered consistent with relevant laws.

Security Notice

Leidos cautions candidates about fraudulent job offers or requests for payment during hiring processes and will communicate only through official channels.