ASOG Focus Area | Career Management
Source | ASOG Career Center
Suppose you're on the lookout for your next Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) position. In that case, it's crucial to comprehensively understand the various job titles and roles associated with the field.
If you didn't know when it comes to the ASO profession, different employers may use different titles, so using a broad range of search terms will maximize your chances of finding relevant job opportunities. Below are several titles and categories to consider when searching for jobs, primarily in the commercial and contracting sectors but also in government and defense:
Primary Job Titles
These are the core roles directly related to operating sensors aboard airborne platforms, such as manned aircraft, UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), and other aerial systems:
- Airborne Sensor Operator - The broadest and most common title for professionals who operate sensors for aerial data collection.
- Sensor Operator - Focused on operating airborne sensor systems to capture and analyze data.
- UAV (RPA) Sensor Operator - Specializes in operating sensor systems aboard unmanned aerial vehicles (remotely piloted aircraft).
- Aerial Acquisition Operator - Involved in capturing high-quality imagery and data for specific aerial missions.
- Payload Operator - Manages various sensor payloads (e.g., cameras, radar, lidar) aboard UAVs or manned aircraft.
- UAV (RPA) Payload Operator - Operates and manages payload systems on unmanned platforms, specifically focusing on data collection or reconnaissance.
Secondary Job Titles
These roles may not directly involve sensor operation but still relate to data collection, navigation, or the operation of aerial platforms in various capacities:
- Aerial Survey Navigator - Responsible for navigation and planning during aerial surveys, often the ASO or working alongside sensor operators.
- Aerial Survey Technician - Assists with setting up and maintaining survey equipment and may help process collected data.
- Aerostat Operator - Operates tethered balloons with sensors for surveillance, data collection, or communication tasks.
- Aerial Photographer or Videographer - Focuses on capturing imagery or video from the air, often for commercial purposes like media production, real estate, or surveying.
- ELINT/EW Operator or Technician - Specializes in Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Electronic Warfare (EW), often working with military or defense systems.
Tertiary Job Titles
These roles represent advanced positions that often involve management, training, or support functions:
- Instructor (ASO or Related Title) - Provides training and certification to new airborne sensor operators.
- Field Operations Specialist (ASO or Related Title) - Manages field operations, coordinating teams and equipment supporting sensor missions.
- Field Service Representative (ASO or Related Title) - Provides technical support and service for airborne sensor systems in the field.
- Technician (ASO or Related Title) - Maintains and repairs sensor systems, UAVs, or other equipment.
- System Engineer or Integration Engineer (ASO or Related Title) - Designs and integrates sensor systems, ensuring all components work seamlessly in airborne platforms.
- Imagery Analyst (ASO or Related Title) - Analyzes imagery or data collected by airborne sensors to provide actionable insights.
- Project or Program Manager (Aerial Surveying, Mapping, ISR, etc.) - Oversees large-scale projects involving aerial surveys, mapping, or ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) missions.
- Planner (Aerial Surveying, Mapping, ISR, photography, etc.) - Plans aerial missions, including routes, sensor setups, and data collection strategies.
Additional Tips for Job Searching
When searching for an ASO job, broadening your search beyond specific titles is essential. Here are some additional keywords and categories that can help you refine your job search:
- Platforms - Include terms like "manned aircraft," "UAV," "RPAS" (remotely piloted aircraft system), or "drone" to tailor the search to specific platforms you're interested in.
- Sectors - Consider adding industry-specific keywords such as "defense," "civilian," "commercial," or "government contractor" to focus your search on your desired employment sector.
- Skills - Adding skills-based keywords like "remote sensing," "ISR," "geospatial," "imagery analysis," or "data collection" can help you find jobs that match your qualifications.
- Certifications - If you have certifications like FAA Part 107 (for UAV operations) or specific security clearances, include these in your search, as they are often listed in job requirements.
Other Important Tips
Importance of Keywords for Resume Building
Using the right keywords is essential for job searches, crafting a solid resume, and preparing for interviews. Ensure that your resume reflects the terminology commonly used in job postings, as this can help you get past applicant tracking systems (ATS) many companies use. In interviews, being familiar with different job titles and responsibilities shows that you understand the breadth of the ASO profession.
Other Helpful Keywords:
- ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) Operator
- Geospatial Analyst
- Lidar Specialist
- Thermal Imaging Technician
- Remote Sensing Technician
- Survey Data Processor
- Aerial Mapping Operator
Stay Current with Industry Trends
The field of airborne sensor operations is continually evolving with new technologies like AI-driven data analytics, enhanced UAV capabilities, and more advanced sensor payloads (e.g., hyperspectral, multispectral, and SAR imaging). Staying updated on industry trends and developments will help you identify new job opportunities and keep your skills relevant.
Share Your Knowledge
If you know additional job titles or search strategies within the ASO profession, sharing your insights with colleagues or online forums can be beneficial. Collaboration and information-sharing can open doors for you and others in the industry.
Summary
Running a successful job search campaign for an ASO position requires strategy and awareness of industry-specific terminology. The more keywords you incorporate into your search, resume, and interviews, the better your chances of standing out to employers. Stay proactive, keep learning, and share knowledge within the ASO community to find the best opportunities.
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