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Sensor Operator Assistant
Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
21 August 2026 (12 hours ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
18 November 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
To support the Sensor Operator function across airborne and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) operations with a focus on mission preparation data handling reporting imagery exploitation and post-mission evidence management. This is an entry level role suited to a graduate or early career candidate with a background in intelligence data analysis aviation geospatial analysis or a related field. The post holder will be trained to support live mission activity with occasional sensor operation required once competent authorised and supervised in line with company procedures.
Key Responsibilities
Mission Planning and Execution Support
- Prepare for airborne and Remote tasks through review of tasking Air Tasking Orders (ATOs) route information airspace collection requirements customer outputs and crew briefings.
- Support land maritime surveillance and reconnaissance missions by helping to manage mission flow collection priorities reporting rhythm and information handover.
- Receive and action dynamic tasking from ground command elements under the direction of the Task Specialist or mission lead 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 task outcomes and follow-on actions are captured.
Data Reporting and Exploitation
- Store back up label and disseminate raw mission data in line with company procedures customer handling rules and security controls.
- 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) from collected imagery and support reporting
- Maintain mission records flight logs and evidence packs to support quality assurance customer reporting future tasking and traceability.
Sensor Operation and Mission Support
- Undertake occasional sensor operation when trained assessed and authorised supporting Electro-Optical and Infrared (EO/IR) still imagery video and other mission sensor outputs as required.
- Assist the Task Specialist in maintaining target track collecting required imagery capturing event detail and supporting mission reporting during live operations.
- Use mission systems ground station tools and communication platforms to receive display record and transfer mission information accurately.
- Develop practical competence in airborne and RPAS mission environments including safe working around aircraft live operating areas and deployed locations.
Compliance Security and Professional Standards
- Handle customer data operational information and imagery with discretion applying company and customer handling instructions at all times.
- Follow aviation safety security Crew Resource Management (CRM) fatigue and operational reporting procedures.
- Raise risks collection issues equipment concerns or reporting gaps promptly to the Task Specialist mission lead or line manager.
Skills Knowledge and Expertise
- Degree equivalent qualification or demonstrable early career experience in intelligence data analysis aviation geospatial analysis remote sensing defence policing security or a related discipline.
- Confident user of standard office and collaboration tools including Google Workspace Microsoft Office and data storage systems.
- Desirable experience or interest in RPAS aviation operations sensors mission systems Geographic Information Systems (GIS) imagery analysis or operational reporting.
- Ability to meet company and customer security travel and site access requirements.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to capture accurate timings coordinates event descriptions and task outcomes under pressure.
- Analytical and methodical approach Clear written and verbal communicator
- Calm professional and reliable in operational environments with the maturity to work around aircraft deployed teams and sensitive information.
- Proactive learner with a willingness to build competence in airborne and remote
- Remote mission systems sensor operation reporting standards and customer procedures.
- Flexible and team focused with the ability to support shift work potential deployed operations and changing mission priorities where required.
Benefits
Up to 4% Pension contribution match
Octopus EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
Bupa Salary Sacrifice Scheme
Annual Leave Purchase
Cycle 2 Work
Free flu vaccination voucher
Perbox platform
Octopus EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
Bupa Salary Sacrifice Scheme
Annual Leave Purchase
Cycle 2 Work
Free flu vaccination voucher
Perbox platform
Required Experience:
Junior IC
About Company
DEA and our sister company ESAO are a world leading specialist technology-led provider of complex aerial data acquisition services. A pioneer in airborne data gathering, DEA/ESAO use ground-breaking techniques and the most advanced and innovative technologies in the industry to help y ... View more
