Airborne SIGINT Operator

Metrea•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is primarily responsible for providing Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) expertise and operational support to U.S. government missions overseas. The Airborne SIGINT Operator (SME) serves as a key liaison for airborne ISR operations, integrating across airborne platforms, ground elements, and national-level resources to support mission planning, execution, and optimization. Additional responsibilities may include serving as a SIGINT systems maintainer, airborne operator, liaison officer, collection manager, and instructor on SIGINT and Electronic Warfare (EW) technologies, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). When not deployed, this role may also support MSO training and exercise events, including classroom instruction, on a voluntary basis.

Requirements

SME-level expertise in Signals Intelligence operations, systems, and TTPs
Experience coordinating airborne ISR/SIGINT missions and interfacing with national-level resources
Experience conducting airborne SIGINT operations on ISR platforms is advantageous
Comfortable operating across both airborne and ground-based roles as mission requirements evolve
Strong technical foundation in RF theory, Linux, networking, antenna employment, and relevant protocols (HF/VHF/UHF, DMR, GSM, CDMA, UMTS, LTE, 802.11)
Familiarity with U.S. GOTS airborne SIGINT systems and their operational employment
Ability to integrate emerging technologies into operational use
Strong initiative and ability to operate independently in deployed or austere environments
Effective communication skills, including the ability to advise senior stakeholders and serve as a liaison across organizations
Minimum 10 years of Signals Intelligence experience, including 180+ days of deployed operational SIGINT support
Prior active-duty U.S. military service with Honorable Discharge (DD214 required)
Demonstrated experience coordinating airborne ISR/SIGINT missions and working with national-level assets
Deep operational proficiency with advanced RF collection systems (e.g., SCEPTRE, DRT, LANShark, Spectrum Guard), including configuration, tuning, and failure diagnosis
LINUX fundamentals training
Security+ or equivalent certification
Valid Driver's License
Active TS clearance with eligibility to obtain a TS/SCI clearance is required at time of hire, and the ability to maintain it throughout employment.
Candidates will be subject to a background investigation in accordance with federal requirements
Position may require passing a government-administered background check
Employment is contingent on meeting all clearance and adjudication requirements

Nice To Haves

Mode 1/2/3/5/6 airborne operator certifications (preferred)
Mode Instructor or I/E certifications (preferred)
FCC Amateur Radio Technician License

Responsibilities

Conduct 90-day rotational deployments ensuring consistent delivery and operational excellence across various regional sites
Serve as a Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) SME and liaison supporting airborne ISR operations for U.S. government missions, advising on SCONOPS, mission planning, and SI/EW tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
Provide mission integration support between airborne ISR platforms, ground elements, and national/theater-level resources
Install, configure, and maintain airborne SIGINT mission systems, including RF receivers, transmitters, processors, antennas, and associated cabling
Perform pre-mission system checks, field-level troubleshooting, and corrective maintenance to ensure mission readiness
Conduct system software loads, firmware updates, and configuration management in accordance with program baselines and security requirements
Support integration and validation of new hardware or software packages in coordination with engineering and sustainment teams
Ensure compliance with safety, airworthiness, and operational security protocols during all maintenance and system support activities
Deliver technical and operational expertise to enhance SIGINT collection, analysis, and mission effectiveness in dynamic environments
Advise, mentor, and train personnel on SIGINT/EW systems, capabilities, and operational employment
Maintain proficiency in current and emerging SIGINT/EW technologies, systems, and TTPs
Support CONUS-based classroom and exercise-based instruction on RF theory, communications technologies, airborne ISR/SIGINT operations, and advanced TTPs on a volunteer basis