Airborne Sensor Operator

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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

• Active Top Secret security clearance
• In-depth knowledge of HR3DGI remote sensing operations
• Bachelor's degree and 4 years’ sensor operating experience (6 years of directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree)
• 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

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Original Posting:

December 15, 2025

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.