Entry Level Remote Sensing Operator with Security Clearance
The Entry Level Remote Sensing Operator at Confidential Client is responsible for operating airborne lidar and remote sensing sensors aboard fixed wing aircraft to collect geospatial data for state and federal projects. This role involves field operations including sensor installation, data acquisition, troubleshooting, and coordination with pilots and operations staff, requiring strong communication, problem-solving skills, and flexibility to work varied schedules. The position offers training and professional growth within a multidisciplinary consulting and engineering environment, emphasizing independent work and collaboration.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level Remote Sensing Operator to support airborne lidar and imagery acquisition and initial field processing. You will work closely with pilots and operations staff to collect high-quality geospatial data for state and federal projects.
- Collect airborne lidar and imagery data from fixed-wing aircraft
- Evaluate weather and environmental conditions with pilots to determine safe and optimal acquisition windows
- Install, test, and troubleshoot airborne sensors and supporting equipment in-flight and on the ground
- Download, validate, and ship acquired datasets from the field to office teams
- Maintain acquisition field logs, complete reporting, and perform quality checks on collected data
- Coordinate with acquisition and initial processing teams to ensure data integrity
- Manage time and tasks independently in field deployments
- Participate in on-the-job training and ongoing technical collaboration
Minimum Qualifications
- 1+ years of experience in GIS, remote sensing, lidar, or related geospatial field
- Understanding of aviation, GPS survey methods, or remote sensing principles
- Comfortable flying in small fixed-wing aircraft and working in varied environmental conditions
- Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a driving record background check
- Ability to travel for field deployments up to 8 weeks at a time and operate independently in remote environments
- Proficiency with basic computer tools, especially MS Office (Word, Excel, Access)
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to coordinate with pilots and operations staff
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience operating commercial airborne lidar sensors (Riegl, Leica, Teledyne Optech)
- Experience with topo-bathymetric lidar and airborne mission flight planning
- Familiarity with GIS software (Esri ArcGIS Pro, GlobalMapper) and lidar tools (Terrasolid, LP360)
- Experience processing lidar data in vendor software (RiProcess, Optech LMS, Leica CloudPro)
- Experience with post-processed trajectories (Applanix POSPac, NovAtel Inertial Explorer)
- Bachelor’s degree in Geography, GIS, or related field, or relevant industry experience
Physical Requirements & Work Conditions
- Ability to fly missions of 3–6 hours, potentially multiple times per day/night with rest between
- Willingness to work early mornings, evenings, nights, and weekends when operationally required
- Ability to be deployed for extended periods across the US
- Not prone to motion sickness; able to lift up to 50 lbs and climb aircraft ladders (up to 6’)
- Comfortable operating in outdoor conditions and aircraft with limited climate control
Compensation & Location
- Estimated annual pay: $70,929 (estimated)
- Primary work location: Lake Magdalene, FL (role is field-first with TELECOMMUTE/remote deployment as operationally required)
- Applicant location requirement: United States
Confidential Client will provide training for airborne sensor operation. At this time, Confidential Client will not sponsor new applicants for work authorization. Final candidates will be required to submit to background and driving-record screenings in compliance with applicable law.
Why Join
- Hands-on entry-level role working with industry-grade airborne sensors
- Structured on-the-job training and mentorship
- Opportunity to build experience across federal and state projects with a growing engineering services team
- Field travel and varied, mission-driven work
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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