Sensor Operator

Overview

Employment in this role is conditional upon successful execution of the contract by the client.

The Work

The Sensor Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and timely operation of optical sensors and mission workstations. This role requires adherence to procedural and operational discipline to ensure mission success and data quality while supporting national defense objectives.

This position aligns with Cayuse’s core values of Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Integrity by fostering technical solutions that meet customer needs, promoting teamwork, and prioritizing quality in deliverables.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Operate assigned telescope/sensor and mission-system workstations during designated mission periods.
• Execute authorized tasking in alignment with operational requirements and mission objectives.
• Continuously monitor system performance, weather conditions, task execution quality, and overall operational environment.
• Identify, document, and report anomalies to appropriate personnel and initiate support for restoration or corrective actions.
• Maintain operational logs, adhere to established checklist protocols, and ensure compliance with communication, security, and mission-specific product requirements.
• Participate in cross-training across all authorized operator stations to ensure operational crew flexibility and coverage during absences, training sessions, or workload surges.
• Meet cross-training/coverage requirements, including involvement in a cross-trained operator pool for Maui stations; note that this excludes maintenance or situational awareness (SA) duties.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications – Here’s What You Need

The qualifications and skills listed below are intended to provide a general overview of the requirements for this position. However, due to the anticipated nature of the contract and the absence of a finalized task order from the client, this list should not be considered all-encompassing. Additional qualifications, certifications, skills, or experience specific to the client’s requirements may be identified and requested upon award of the task order. Candidates should demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to adapt to evolving responsibilities as outlined by the client.

• High school diploma required.
• Equivalent military or technical operations experience is acceptable.
• GEODSS site/operator qualification required upon hire.
• Completion of applicable safety, information-protection, cybersecurity, and mission-specific training post-hire.
• Top Secret/ SCI Clearance is required.
• A valid passport is required, along with completed overseas medical and dental clearance.
• Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.

Minimum Skills:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with high-level attention to detail.
• Proven ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast past environment with changing priorities; adaptable to change and a quick learner.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work well independently as well as on a multi-functional team.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately
• Proficient in MS Office, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Proficiency with technical systems operations.
• Strong procedural and compliance discipline.
• Aptitude for situational awareness, troubleshooting, and data quality assurance.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in sensor operation, telescopes, radar systems, satellites, command and control (C2) environments, aviation, technical mission environments, or comparable fields is preferred.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in aerospace, astronomy, electronics, engineering technology, computer science, or related technical fields preferred.

Our Commitment to you / overview of benefits 

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance; Wellness Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter).
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options.
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided).
• Voluntary Life and AD&D options.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with matching after one year.
• Paid Time Off.

 Reports to: Program Manager

Working Conditions

• Assignment is located on a remote overseas island with a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures, significant humidity, and potential for inclement weather such as storms and heavy rainfall.
• Limited access to amenities, services, and healthcare may result in basic living accommodations with minimal conveniences.
• Extended logistical lead times for supplies and resources due to the remote nature of the location require advanced planning and adaptability to maintain operational effectiveness.
• Compliance with host-nation protocols, cultural expectations, and installation-specific rules is mandatory, including potential restrictions on personal activities, movement, and communication.
• Position may involve unaccompanied duty assignments, where family members or dependents are not permitted to accompany the employee to the location.
• 24/7 operational readiness, with an expectation of occasional after-hours support for incidents, exercises, deadlines, and travel obligations.
• Must safely operate in proximity to sensitive and classified optical, mechanical, and electrical systems.
• Must be physically and mentally able to perform duties extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed to meet the demands of this position.
• Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.
• May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays.
• May be asked to travel for business or professional development purposes.
• May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Cayuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, skills, and abilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with any applicable federal, state, or local law.

Pay Range