Sensor Operator Assistant

DEA Specialised Airborne Operations; Laneham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 4% Pension contribution match

Octopus EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Bupa Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Annual Leave Purchase

Cycle 2 Work

Free flu vaccination voucher

Perbox platform

Job summary

DEA Specialised Airborne Operations seeks an entry-level Sensor Operator to support airborne and RPAS missions, data handling and reporting. You will be trained to support live missions, with occasional sensor operation as competency grows.

The role focuses on task preparation, briefing, data exploitation and evidence management, with potential progression in remote sensing and mission systems within a small operational team.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in intelligence, data analysis, aviation or related field.
• Strong attention to detail with accurate timings and coordinates.
• Analytical, methodical, and able to communicate clearly in writing and verbally.

Responsibilities

• Prepare for airborne and RPAS tasks by reviewing tasking and airspace.
• Assist live mission activity and adapt tasking as required.
• Produce clear reports with accurate timings and coordinates.
• Store and disseminate raw mission data per procedures.
• Support data exploitation by processing imagery and spatial data.
• Assist sensor operation when trained and authorised.
• Maintain mission records and evidence packs.

Skills

Office tools

GIS experience

Imagery analysis

Analytical thinking

Clear communication

Remote sensing

RPAS familiarity

Education

Degree or equivalent

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Data storage systems

Job description

To support the Sensor Operator function across airborne and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) operations, with a focus on mission preparation, data handling, reporting, imagery exploitation and post-mission evidence management. This is an entry level role suited to a graduate or early career candidate with a background in intelligence, data analysis, aviation, geospatial analysis or a related field. The post holder will be trained to support live mission activity, with occasional sensor operation required once competent, authorised and supervised in line with company procedures.

Mission Planning and Execution Support

• Prepare for airborne and Remote tasks through review of tasking, Air Tasking Orders (ATOs), route information, airspace, collection requirements, customer outputs and crew briefings.
• Support land, maritime, surveillance and reconnaissance missions by helping to manage mission flow, collection priorities, reporting rhythm and information handover.
• Receive and action dynamic tasking from ground command elements under the direction of the Task Specialist or mission lead, adapting search patterns, sensor priorities and reporting flow as the situation develops.
• Conduct clear handovers, crew briefings and post-flight debriefings, ensuring risks, collection gaps, task outcomes and follow‑on actions are captured.

Data, Reporting and Exploitation

• Store, back up, label and disseminate raw mission data in line with company procedures, customer handling rules and security controls.
• Produce clear oral and written reports, including near real-time updates and post‑mission flight reports, with accurate timings, coordinates and event summaries.
• Support Level 1 Processing, Exploitation and Dissemination (PED) by manipulating, processing and analysing digital aerial imagery and spatial data.
• Extract Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) from collected imagery and support reporting
• Maintain mission records, flight logs and evidence packs to support quality assurance, customer reporting, future tasking and traceability.

Sensor Operation and Mission Support

• Undertake occasional sensor operation when trained, assessed and authorised, supporting Electro‑Optical and Infrared (EO/IR), still imagery, video and other mission sensor outputs as required.
• Assist the Task Specialist in maintaining target track, collecting required imagery, capturing event detail and supporting mission reporting during live operations.
• Use mission systems, ground station tools and communication platforms to receive, display, record and transfer mission information accurately.
• Develop practical competence in airborne and RPAS mission environments, including safe working around aircraft, live operating areas and deployed locations.

Compliance, Security and Professional Standards

• Handle customer data, operational information and imagery with discretion, applying company and customer handling instructions at all times.
• Follow aviation safety, security, Crew Resource Management (CRM), fatigue and operational reporting procedures.
• Raise risks, collection issues, equipment concerns or reporting gaps promptly to the Task Specialist, mission lead or line manager.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Degree, equivalent qualification or demonstrable early career experience in intelligence, data analysis, aviation, geospatial analysis, remote sensing, defence, policing, security or a related discipline.
• Confident user of standard office and collaboration tools, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office and data storage systems.
• Desirable experience or interest in RPAS, aviation operations, sensors, mission systems, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), imagery analysis or operational reporting.
• Ability to meet company and customer security, travel and site access requirements.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to capture accurate timings, coordinates, event descriptions and task outcomes under pressure.
• Analytical and methodical approach, Clear written and verbal communicator,
• Calm, professional and reliable in operational environments, with the maturity to work around aircraft, deployed teams and sensitive information.
• Proactive learner with a willingness to build competence in airborne and remote
• Remote mission systems, sensor operation, reporting standards and customer procedures.
• Flexible and team focused, with the ability to support shift work, potential deployed operations and changing mission priorities where required.

Benefits

• Up to 4% Pension contribution match
• Octopus EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Bupa Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Annual Leave Purchase
• Cycle 2 Work
• Free flu vaccination voucher
• Perbox platform