Airborne Sensor Operator – Remote Sensing Missions

About the role

Leidos is seeking experienced Airborne Sensor Operators to support the US Army Geospatial Center’s HR3DGI program. Operators will conduct wide‑area remote‑sensing missions from CONUS and OCONUS locations, collecting high‑resolution LiDAR and electro‑optical data while serving as integral aircrew members.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, brief, execute and debrief airborne data‑collection missions in coordination with pilots, chief sensor operators and processing teams.
• Install, operate and maintain GPS, radio communication, mIRC, Tactical Common Data Link (TDCL) and other ISR equipment on the aircraft.
• Operate airborne LiDAR and electro‑optical (EO) sensors, ensuring data quality, accuracy and compliance with mission requirements.
• Monitor sensor health, produce weekly degradation logs and troubleshoot hardware or software issues in the field.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to small teams, set objectives and oversee performance.
• Maintain safety standards, adhere to SOPs and secure all government and company equipment.

Required profile

• Minimum 4 years (48 months) of relevant experience in airborne sensor operations or tactical ISR environments.
• Demonstrated ability to function safely as an aircrew member on multi‑position aircraft.
• Willingness to deploy on 2‑3 month rotations and work on leave without pay between assignments.
• Completed training in Northern Virginia or equivalent qualification.

Required skills

• GPS operation and navigation.
• Radio communication systems.
• Internet Relay Chat (mIRC) usage.
• Tactical Common Data Link (TDCL).
• Airborne LiDAR operation.
• Electro‑optical (EO) sensor handling.
• Hardware and software network troubleshooting.