MQ-9 UAS Sensor Operator II (Cherry Point, NC)

Amentum; Havelock (NC); On-site; USD 66,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Amentum is seeking an MQ-9 Sensor Operator to assist PIC of MQ-9 aircraft and manage payloads, sensors, and comms across CONUS and OCONUS. You will support planning, briefing, execution, and debrief, ensuring compliance with FAA and ICAO flight rules and ensuring safe integration of UAS into NAS.

Requirements include a Top-Secret clearance, either high school diploma with 5+ years of military experience or a BA/BS in related fields with 5+ years; prior MQ-9 sensor operator duty is required

Qualifications

• Active Top-Secret US Government clearance is required.
• 5+ years in performance/execution of US military requirements or a BA/BS in a related field with 5+ years experience.
• MQ-9 Sensor Operator duties experience within the last 10 years or within last 15 years with 3+ years in MQ-9 sensor operations.

Responsibilities

• Participate in all phases of flight: planning/briefing, execution, debrief and crew resource management.
• Follow FAA, civil, and ICAO flight rules; ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Provide expertise in unmanned aircraft and sensor operations.
• Develop briefing and training materials to support flight operations.
• Plan and perform a wide range of systems and equipment operations under varying conditions.
• Support NAS integration of UAS, collaborating with US Government and OEM partners.

Skills

Top-Secret clearance

Verbal & written communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s in engineering, business, logistics, management, math, sciences, or professional aeronautics

High school diploma

Tools

MQ-9 Sensor Operator

Job description

Assist pilot in command (PIC) of MQ-9 aircraft and provide safe operation of aircraft payloads, sensors and communications equipment in CONUS and OCONUS locations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Participate in all phases of flight to include planning/briefing, execution, debrief and crew resource management.
• Adhere to specific military, civilian and ICAO flight rules to include compliance with FAA regulations.
• Provides expertise in the operation of unmanned aircraft and sensor operations.
• Develop briefing and training materials to support flight operations.
• Plans and performs a wide range of in-process analog, digital, microwave, optical and mechanical systems and equipment under ambient and environmental conditions.
• Use technical knowledge and experience with UAS operations to facilitate their integration safely and efficiently into the NAS. This effort requires collaboration with US Government organizations and the Original Equipment manufacturer.
• Use technical knowledge and experience to support UAS integration into the NAS without reducing existing capacity, decreasing safety, negatively impacting current operators, or increasing the risk to airspace users or persons and property on the ground any more than the integration of comparable new and novel technologies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have an active Top-Secret US Government clearance. Note: US Citizenship is required to obtain a Top-Secret Clearance.
• High school graduate (or equivalent) with 5 plus years in the performance and execution of U.S. military requirements, or a BA/BS from an accredited college or university in one of the following disciplines: engineering, business, logistics, management, math, sciences, and professional aeronautics with 5 plus years in the performance and execution of US military requirements
• Within the last 10 years, at least one year of MQ-9 Sensor Operator duties to US Naval/USAF UAS flight operations or within the last 15 years, at least 3 years of MQ-9 sensor operator duties supporting US Naval/USAF UAS flight operations.
• Qualified MQ-9 Sensor Operator or previously qualified MQ-9 Sensor Operator (Form 8 within last 3 years)
• Must have at least 200 hours as MQ-9 Sensor Operator
• Must possess current FAA Class I or Class II Medical Certificate or DOD equivalent.
• Must have excellent verbal and written skills and the ability to professionally interface with numerous levels of management, customers, and peers.
• The ability to work extended hours and travel as required.
• The ability to work as a team to accomplish mission requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Qualified MQ-9 Line of Sight Launch and Recovery (LOS L/R) Sensor Operator or previously qualified MQ-9 LOS L/R Sensor Operator (Form 8 within last 3 years)
• Operational experience at a deployed location acting as an MQ-9 Sensor Operator within the last 5 years.

Compensation Details

$56.50

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good‑faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting

07/15/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.