Airborne Sensor Operator

Job overview

This role is for an Airborne Sensor Operator supporting remote sensing and wide-area data collection missions for the US Army Geospatial Center on the HR3DGI program. The position involves operating and helping install GPS units, radio communications tools, mIRC, Tactical Common Data Link systems, airborne surveillance and reconnaissance equipment, LiDAR platforms, and electro-optical sensors at both CONUS and OCONUS locations. The operator will gather and review information while working safely as part of an aircrew on a multi-position aircraft.

Typical deployment cycles run for 2 to 3 months. Outside of training periods or deployment rotations supporting CONUS/OCONUS missions, the role is on leave without pay (LWOP). Training takes place in Northern Virginia, but relocation is not required.

Primary duties

• Work safely and effectively as an aircrew member in a tactical ISR setting, bringing the maturity, judgment, and experience needed for the environment.
• Lead, mentor, and guide small teams, including setting goals and overseeing day-to-day execution.
• Run and support airborne surveillance, reconnaissance, LiDAR, electro-optical sensors, and related hardware/software and communications systems on the ground and in the air.
• Take part in mission planning, briefings, debriefings, execution, communications, and flight/ground safety procedures.
• Ensure tactical and wide-area mapping data is collected accurately and meets quality standards.
• Explain sensor and system capabilities as well as limitations to others on the team.
• Coordinate closely with chief sensor operators, site managers, pilots, technical leads, and processing teams to plan missions and support data handling when needed.
• Prepare weekly sensor degradation and health reports.
• Diagnose and resolve problems with hardware, software, and collection equipment, and complete required logs and transfer tasks.
• Protect company and government equipment and ensure it is used securely and safely.
• Follow all applicable regulations, standard operating procedures, and established work practices.
• Handle additional duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus at least 4 years of sensor operator experience; alternatively, 6 years of directly relevant experience may replace the degree requirement.
• U.S. citizenship and an active Top Secret security clearance.
• Strong understanding of HR3DGI remote sensing operations.
• Ability to manage people and processes effectively, with solid problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of PRC-117 and the WESCAM MX EO/IR imaging system.
• Familiarity with secure military communications tools such as Tactical Common Data Link and mIRC.
• Willingness to fly for long periods in a small aircraft.
• Willingness to spend 2 to 3 continuous months in hardship and hazardous locations.
• Current or obtainable FAA Class II medical certification, or a military equivalent.
• Ability to complete altitude chamber / physiological training successfully if required.
• Ability to meet program training and DoD medical deployment requirements, including CRC requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

Preferred background

• Active TS clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Deeper experience with HR3DGI wide-area remote sensing work.
• Hands-on use of L3Harris Falcon PRC series radios, Leica ALS80, Optech Galaxy, Leica Single Photon Laser, WESCAM MX Series EO/IR cameras, secure military communications systems, and Phase One airborne sensors.
• Formal sensor operator training and familiarity with ISR tools, systems, and GPS receivers/antennas.
• Comfort working with computer hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting.
• Experience supporting military customers.
• Understanding of sensor calibration processes and requirements.
• Current FAA Class II certification.

Compensation and benefits

The stated pay range for this position is USD 65,650 to USD 118,675 per year. Final pay may vary based on responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, market data, bargaining agreement status, and other legal considerations.

Benefits mentioned for this role include competitive compensation, health and wellness programs, income protection, paid leave, and retirement benefits.

Additional information

The role is tied to a U.S.-based program and includes deployment support for CONUS and OCONUS missions. The employer notes that the requisition is expected to remain open for at least 3 days from the original posting date, subject to business needs.

The company also highlights its broader mission-driven culture and its commitment to safeguarding applicants from fraud. Candidates are warned that legitimate communication will come only from company-generated email addresses, not free webmail or messaging apps, and that no payment should ever be requested during the hiring process. The employer also states that all qualified applicants are considered without discrimination and that qualified candidates with criminal histories will be reviewed in line with applicable law.

Company background: the organization is a technology and services leader supporting government and commercial customers. It is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, has about 47,000 employees globally, and reported approximately USD 16.7 billion in annual revenue for the fiscal year ending January 3, 2025.