Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator

Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes; Fredericton; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 75,000; Part time

Job summary

A national defense organization is seeking Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators to utilize advanced electronic sensor systems aboard various aircraft. Responsibilities include mission planning, reconnaissance, and operating sophisticated equipment in challenging missions. Candidates are required to complete high school education and military training. This position allows for part-time work with operational opportunities that may include serving in a supportive role for Canadian and allied missions. Competitive salary and benefits packages are offered.

Benefits

Pension plan

Competitive pay

Qualifications

• No previous work experience required, just completion of high school diploma.
• Completion of Basic Military Qualification required.
• Must be able to function as an aircrew member.

Responsibilities

• Perform mission planning and preparation.
• Conduct helicopter utility operations.
• Operate electronic sensor systems onboard aircraft.

Skills

Mission planning

Photo reconnaissance

Operating radar systems

Teamwork

Handling armaments

Education

Completion of provincial requirements for high school diploma

Tools

Aircraft data management systems

Electronic support measures (ESM)

Electro-optic/infrared systems

Job description

Overview

Overview As a member of the military, Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators use advanced electronic sensor systems onboard long-range patrol aircraft, maritime helicopters, search and rescue aircraft and remotely piloted aircraft. They participate as crewmembers on a variety of maritime and overland missions, including underwater warfare, above-water warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and search and rescue. They often assist other government departments and agencies in collecting evidence on fisheries, pollution and counter-narcotics patrols.

Responsibilities

• Perform common aircrew tasks on fixed wing, rotary wing and remotely-piloted aircraft
• Conduct mission planning and preparation
• Perform photo reconnaissance in an operational environment
• Perform armament and search stores duties, including arming/de-arming torpedoes, flares, sono buoys and deploying survival kits
• Manage tactical information using aircraft data management systems
• Operate radar, electro-optic/infrared systems, magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) systems, acoustic systems and electronic support measures (ESM) equipment
• Conduct helicopter utility operations such as personnel and cargo hoisting, cargo slinging and confined area operations
• perform as a helicopter door gunner

Work environment

Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators normally work onboard aircraft; however they may also work on airbase flight lines, on ship flight decks and with operational ground support combat groups. They are usually stationed at bases on the East and West coasts of Canada. They deploy worldwide, in support of Canadian and Allied countries’ operations and exercises.

Entry plans

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options

No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation. The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for a high school diploma in Canada including Grade 10 Academic Math or Québec Secondary 5 with Math 426 or 436 / SN 4/TS 4. Foreign education may be accepted.

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades and aims to ensure that all recruits meet the CAF physical fitness standard. The training is physically demanding.

Following Environmental Training (Land and Sea survival as well as Aeromedical Training) candidates attend the 4 month Basic Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator Course at 17 Wing in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This training develops the core competencies required to function as an aircrew member. The course syllabus includes:

• Basic aviation concepts and theory of flight
• Basic meteorology
• Human Performance in Military Aviation
• Conducting flight duties
• Conducting radio communications & monitor ATC clearances
• Basic electronic warfare & electronic sensor theory
• Airfield operations
• Airborne radar operations
• Basic airborne navigation
• Identifying targets using radar, electronic support measures and electro-optic/infra-red sensors

Following the Basic Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator Course, candidates will complete operational aircrew training on one of three platforms: the CP140M Aurora at 14 Wing Greenwood, NS; the CH148 Cyclone at 12 Wing Shearwater, NS; or the CC295 Kingfisher at 19 Wing Comox. This 6-month program prepares candidates for first employment.

Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator may be offered opportunities to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Flight Instructor
• Aircrew Standards
• Operational Test & Evaluation
• Flying Supervisor
• Project Management

As progress continues, eligible Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators may receive advanced training. Available courses include:

• Advanced electronic warfare
• Advanced acoustic analysis
• Advanced electronic intelligence analysis
• Tactical electronic warfare instructor training
• Instructional techniques
• Leadership and management specialty training
• Advanced survival, escape and evasion

Part time options

This position is available for part-time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part time at an Air Force wing in their community. They are not posted or required to do a military move, but can volunteer to move to another base and may volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.

This occupation is open to Regular Force members who wish to transfer to the Reserve Force or former military members who have the Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator qualification. Air Reserve members are trained to the same level as Regular Force counterparts and are employed in the same unit and perform the same job. Air Reserve members usually serve up to 12 days per month with opportunities for short periods of full-time work. They are paid 92.8 percent of Regular Force pay and may qualify for a pension plan.

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