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.

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

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 2 Work

Free flu vaccination voucher

Perbox platform