Airborne Sensor Operator

Leidos; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 59,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos seeks an Airborne Sensor Operator to support a manned ISR program based CONUS. You will operate sensor suites, perform mission planning and debriefings, and help produce intelligence products for real-time and post-mission analysis.

The role requires ISR flight experience, TS/SCI clearance, and willingness to deploy up to 90 days to CONUS/OCONUS locations, with strong CRM and ORM skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years’ experience or 700 flight hours on a multi-place ISR contract aircraft.
• Active Top Secret with SCI.
• FAA Class II/III Medical Certificate within 6 months of start date.
• U.S. Passport valid for 12 months after start date and able to travel internationally.
• Current physiological training / altitude chamber or proof of completion.
• CRM skills and ORM principles.
• Willing to deploy for rotations up to 90 days to CONUS/OCONUS locations.
• Experience producing post mission products using Microsoft Office suite and FMV sensor interpretation.
• Able to accomplish airborne mission/flight operations and image analysis.
• Willing to travel to CONUS locations for training.
• Willing to work long hours and non-regular hours with minimal notice.
• Experience with internal aircraft, air-to-air, and air-to-ground communications.

Responsibilities

• Execute preflight, flight, and post flight duties to safely operate a sensor suite.
• Perform mission planning, pre-briefings, system inspections, operation, troubleshooting, debriefings.
• Prepare intelligence products and distribute information from on-board systems.
• Assist with sensor upgrades and maintenance as needed.

Skills

CRM skills

ORM principles

Aircrew operations

Mission analysis

Interpreting E/O-IR FMV

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Are you ready for your next challenge?

Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) supporting a manned ISR program that will be based CONUS. Leidos will provide contracted aircrew for an ISR aircraft providing imagery and multi-source data for both real-time and after-action analysis. The ASO will be responsible for routine and dynamic target area assessment using full motion video while providing analysis and distribution of multi-source information via on-board aircraft communications systems. The successful candidate will possess a combination of maturity, skill and experience to function safely and effectively as an aircrew member in a tactical ISR environment. Selected candidates will be required to operate E/O IR sensors, and communications equipment.

THE CHALLENGE (primary responsibilities)

The ASO will be required to execute all assigned preflight, flight, and post flight duties as required to safely and effectively operate an assigned sensor suite supporting a variety of missions. This includes mission planning, pre-briefings, mission system inspection, operation, troubleshooting, post-flight inspections, debriefings, intelligence product preparation and distribution, and mission documentation. The ASO may also assist with performing sensor upgrades and maintenance.

WHAT SETS YOU APART (basic qualifications)

• Must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years’ experience or 700 flight hours as an aircrew member on a multi-place military or government ISR contract aircraft, and verifiable experience providing direct support to SOF ground forces using E/O-IR FMV sensors (additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of degree)
• Have an active Top Secret with SCI
• Possess a current FAA Class II/III Medical Certificate issued within 6 months of employment start date
• Possess a United States Passport that is valid for 12 months after employment start date and be able to travel internationally
• Current physiological training / altitude chamber or previously completed with proof of completion
• Possess excellent CRM skills and be able to apply ORM principles
• Be willing to deploy for rotations of up to 90 days to various CONUS or OCONUS operating locations as directed by the Government.
• Must show demonstrable interpretation and analysis experience using E/O-IR FMV sensors and be able to produce post mission products using Microsoft office suite.
• Must be able to successfully accomplish airborne mission / flight operations and image analysis
• Must be able to travel to various CONUS locations for training
• Be willing to work long hours and / or non-regular hours with minimal notice
• Be able to proficiently operate assigned sensors while airborne for extended periods
• Be willing to work and execute airborne missions in Hardship and Hazardous locations
• Previous internal aircraft, air-to-air, and air-to-ground communication experience required

Preferred Qualifications

• MX-15/20/25 experience
• Previous ISR Warden experience
• Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground communication coordination experience desired
• Previous JTAC or Military ISR mission/intelligence product support experience
• Previous ISR and or instructor/evaluator experience in a combat environment is desired
• Previous KUSS, PRC-117, VORTEX, data link experience desired

AMSOPP1

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

September 21, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $59,150.00 - $106,925.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [e-mail].

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.