Instructor Sensor Operator

General Atomics; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 65,350 - 99,805; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flex deployment rotation (12-16 weeks)

Full benefits

Deployment compensation

Job summary

General Atomics Systems Integration, LLC (GA‑SI) seeks an experienced MQ‑9 LRE Sensor Operator to join the Aero Services Division. This role supports UAV operations with a flexible deployment rotation, offering full benefits and deployment compensation.

You will assist in mission planning, flight operations, and training, ensuring safe and efficient sensor payload management. Ideal candidates have 5+ years UAV/aviation experience, strong FAA knowledge, and the ability to obtain necessary

Qualifications

• Five or more years of UAV operations or 1,000+ hours in UAV operations or aviation are required.
• Extensive understanding of UAVs, FAA principles, theories and concepts.
• Ability to obtain and maintain customer-specific security clearance.
• Detailed understanding of UAVs, reconnaissance, and aviation principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interfacing with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Assist the PIC in ground and flight operations including mission planning, execution, briefing, debriefing, and safety considerations.
• Operate the UAV payload on ground and in flight to support mission requirements.
• May participate in production flight tests of company and government aircraft.
• Provide training and instruction for UAV operations and safety procedures.
• Travel CONUS and OCONUS as required.

Skills

UAV operations experience

FAA regulations knowledge

Security clearance eligibility

Effective communication

Travel readiness

Education

High School diploma

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics Systems Integration, LLC (GA‑SI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a provider of military and commercial engineering services. GA‑SI is a leading‑edge expert in systems integration technologies, reliability improvements, and controls system design.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an experienced MQ‑9 LRE Sensor Operator to join our Aero Services Division. Employees can live in any state but must be able to deploy both CONUS and OCONUS in support of company projects. Employees in this role enjoy a Flex deployment rotation schedule of roughly 12‑16 weeks working and 12 weeks off while maintaining full benefits. Flex employees work only while deployed or in a training status and receive competitive deployment compensation.

Under general direction, this position is responsible for the operation of the sensor/payload on the UAV during all phases of ground and flight operations. The sensor operator will also serve as a crewmember of the UAV, assisting the Pilot‑In‑Command (PIC) as directed for safe operation of the aircraft to include reading checklists, assisting in emergencies and effective crew resource management. The sensor operator will assist the PIC with mission planning, briefing, mission execution, ground and flight safety and debriefing. The SO will also provide academic and in‑flight instruction.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the PIC in ground and flight operations efforts including mission planning, execution, briefing, debriefing, aircrew resource management and safety.
• Operate the payload of the UAV, on the ground and in flight, in support of customer requirements and successful execution of the mission.
• May participate in production flight test of company and government aircraft.
• May participate in the preparation and presentation of continuation training of aircraft systems, mission support and deployed operations.
• Instruct UAV student SOs in ground and flight operations and/or be qualified in multiple aircraft.
• Assist the PIC in complying with all governing regulations including service guidance, company procedures and Federal Aviation Administration Regulations.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Additional functions and other duties as assigned or required.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires education or formal training equivalent to the completion of a High School diploma or equivalent and five or more years of experience (or 1,000+ hours) in UAV operations or aviation. Equivalent professional or military experience in UAV or aviation may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Must demonstrate an extensive understanding of UAV and FAA principles, theories and concepts.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a customer specific security clearance.
• Detailed understanding of UAVs, tactical reconnaissance and aviation principles.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to accurately interface with all levels of employees and military and civilian customers, contractors and aircrew; and detailed knowledge of computer operations and applications.
• The ability to work both independently and in a team environment, including extended hours and travel as required.
• Ability to obtain an FAA Class II medical certificate. 500+ hours in UAV operations or aviation.
• Ability to obtain a DOD secret clearance as well as customer specific clearances.
• Ability to travel CONUS and OCONUS.

Job Type: Flex Hourly

Salary range: 65,350 - 99,805