At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct remote sensor operations for airborne and RPAS missions, ensuring effective mission planning and execution.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on advanced technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension contributions, and various employee perks.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in surveillance and reconnaissance while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in sensor operation and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 43785 - 53515 £ per year.
To conduct remote sensor operations for manned airborne and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) missions, providing proficient and independent operation of Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR), Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR), radar and associated mission systems. The role supports Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) tasking through effective mission planning, sensor employment, near real-time reporting, data handling and post-mission exploitation. The post holder is expected to operate at Intermediate / Proficient Operator standard and support RPAS payload activity, trials, training and evidence capture where required.
Key Responsibilities
- Mission Planning and Execution: Prepare for airborne and RPAS tasks through review of tasking, Air Tasking Orders, route, airspace, collection requirements, customer outputs and crew briefings. Operate independently on a variety of land, maritime, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, making tactical sensor decisions and managing mission flow without constant supervision. Receive and action dynamic tasking from ground command elements, 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 and task outcomes are understood.
- Advanced Sensor Operation and Troubleshooting: Operate sensor systems to collect still imagery, full motion video and track moving targets for extended periods. Conduct Hailing, Phase 1 PED Imagery Intelligence, pattern of life, surveillance, reconnaissance and target tracking tasks to required customer and mission standards. Use sensor functions to maximise collection quality, including appropriate zoom, focus, gain, polarity, metadata, look angle and image framing. Troubleshoot common sensor, ground station, communications, downlink, display, recording and data transfer issues before escalating.
- Data, Reporting and Exploitation: Store, back up, label and disseminate raw mission data in line with company procedures and customer handling requirements. 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) and report it using recognised standards. Maintain accurate mission records, flight logs and evidence packs to support quality assurance, customer reporting and future tasking.
- RPAS and Remote Mission Systems: Operate or support RPAS payload systems from a ground control station, remote sensor console or deployable mission system environment. Work effectively with remote pilots, payload operators, aircrew, Task Specialists, intelligence analysts and liaison officers to maintain a shared tactical picture. Contribute to RPAS trials, payload integration, procedure development and evidence capture.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Confident independent operator able to manage the sensor task, mission flow and reporting chain without close supervision.
- Strong tactical judgement, able to balance collection quality, aircraft or RPAS constraints, safety and customer priorities.
- Clear communicator with effective Crew Resource Management (CRM) awareness, concise radio/chat discipline and good briefing/debriefing skills.
- Calm under pressure, able to troubleshoot equipment and communications issues without losing the mission picture.
- High attention to detail, especially when capturing imagery, coordinates, metadata, logs and customer reporting outputs.
- Adaptable and comfortable working in live operations, deployed sites, remote ground stations and mixed crew environments.
- Mature and discreet around sensitive mission data, customer information, aircraft, RPA systems and operating areas.
- Able to mentor junior operators, reinforce standards and support training or procedure updates where required.
- Forward leaning and practical, identifying improvements in sensor employment, data workflows, reporting quality and RPA payload procedures.
Benefits
- Company pension contribution up to 4%
- Octopus EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Bupa Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Annual Leave Purchase
- Cycle to Work
- Free flu vaccination voucher
- Perbox platform
Remote Sensor Operator in Retford employer: DEA Aviation
DEA is an exceptional employer for pilots seeking a dynamic and rewarding career in aviation. With a focus on autonomy and teamwork, our culture fosters professional growth and encourages pilots to take ownership of their missions while delivering bespoke airborne solutions across the UK and Europe. We offer competitive benefits, a supportive environment, and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge aircraft, making every day an adventure in a close-knit team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Remote Sensor Operator in Retford
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with DEA Aviation for a Remote Sensor Operator. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Remote Sensor Operator in Retford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at DEA Aviation, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At DEA Aviation, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at DEA Aviation
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with DEA Aviation.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with DEA Aviation. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like DEA Aviation love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
