Sensor Operator

Leidos Inc; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking an experienced Sensor Operator to work onsite in the Washington Metro Area as part of a specialized aviation crew supporting government ISR requirements.

The Sensor Operator will be responsible for the real-time collection and exploitation of EO/IR FMV in support of mission requirements, with an active Top Secret clearance and SCI eligibility. The role requires non-standard shifts, night work, and polygraph readiness.

Qualifications

• EO/IR FMV operational experience required.
• Sensor Operator training or formal military training.
• Experience operating in an aircrew environment.
• Experience with ISR tools and real-time EO/IR FMV exploitation.
• Ability to handle classified materials in controlled facilities/networks.
• Proficiency with Windows environments and MS Office.
• Willingness to work non-standard shifts including nights and weekends.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility and ability to undergo a polygraph.

Responsibilities

• Real-time collection and exploitation of EO/IR FMV in support of mission requirements.

Skills

EO/IR FMV ops

Aircrew experience

ISR applications

Windows & MS Office

Schedule flexibility

Polygraph readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent military training

Tools

RPAs/UAV familiarity

Job description

Description

Leidos is seeking an experienced Sensor Operator to work onsite in the Washington Metro Area as part of a specialized aviation crew supporting government ISR requirements.

The Sensor Operator will be responsible for the real-time collection and exploitation of electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) full-motion video (FMV) in support of mission requirements.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Candidates must currently possess an active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility. Candidates must also be willing and able to undergo a polygraph.

SCHEDULE REQUIREMENT: This position supports a dynamic air operations tempo and requires non-standard shift work, including regular night shifts, weekends, and extended-duration shifts based on mission needs.

No overseas deployment is required. Shift differential pay and extended workweek compensation are provided under qualifying circumstances.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent military training.
• 8+ years of current EO/IR FMV operational experience.
• Formal military/service training as a Sensor Operator.
• Experience operating in an aircrew environment.
• Experience with ISR applications, tools, and systems, specifically the real-time operation and exploitation of EO/IR FMV sensors/imagers.
• Experience creating, handling, and properly marking classified materials in controlled facilities and on classified networks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows environments and Microsoft Office.
• Ability and willingness to work a dynamic schedule based on mission requirements, including night shifts, weekends, and extended-duration shifts.
• Current and active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility and willingness and ability to undergo a polygraph.

Desired Qualifications

• Recent experience as tactical military aircrew operating in controlled and restricted airspace.
• Technical knowledge of military communications networks and computer systems.
• Experience with U.S. military remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).
• Instructor or SEFE qualification on an ISR platform.
• Experience with PFPS/FalconView, CAVOK, and/or MAAS/DVA.

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

October 2, 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 $92,300.00 - $166,850.00

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.

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.