DEA Aviation Ltd
Remote Sensor Operator
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Remote Sensor Operator
Department: Task Specialist
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Gamston Airport, Retford
Description
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.
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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.
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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 2 Work
- Free flu vaccination voucher
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