Aerial Sensor Operator

We seek to move the world forward through innovative thinking.

Woolpert is an award-winning, global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services. We blend design excellence with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional client value. Our team is passionate about their work and committed to building the next generation of industry leaders, and as a certified Great Place to Work®, Woolpert embraces progress and innovation to create limitless opportunities for career growth.

Woolpert is hiring an Airborne System Operator (ASO) to join our dynamic Geospatial Survey Operations team based in Johannesburg. This position reports to the Airborne Operations Manager and is responsible for the safe installation, operation, monitoring, and deinstallation of airborne survey and sensor systems used in aerial data collection projects.

This role requires strong technical ability, physical endurance, and attention to detail to ensure that airborne data capture meets all safety, quality, and project specifications. The ASO will work closely with pilots, engineers, and data processing teams to deliver high-quality geospatial data for a variety of global projects.

What You Will Do

• Install, configure, and remove airborne sensors and survey systems according to project and aviation safety standards.
• Conduct pre-flight system checks, including cleaning and verifying cameras and sensors for operational readiness.
• Operate airborne systems during flight to monitor and record data, ensuring data integrity and quality control.
• Maintain and complete detailed flight logs, operational checklists, and system usage reports.
• Extract and review captured data post-flight and upload for processing by relevant teams.
• Safely handle and transport equipment weighing between 50–150 kg with team assistance, adhering to proper lifting and safety procedures.
• Work in confined spaces (approximately 45–50 cm clearance) inside and beneath aircraft.
• Support pilots and aircraft crew with safety and emergency readiness procedures, including hatch operations.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required to support aerial survey projects (approximately 50% travel).
• Work flexible hours and occasional overtime to align with flight schedules and project deadlines.

What You Will Bring

Education / Experience:

• National Diploma or Degree in Aviation Technology, Geospatial Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience in airborne operations, aerial surveying, or aviation environments preferred.
• Must be flexible to work away from base for up to 6 weeks at a time

Licenses / Certifications:

• Valid South African driver’s license (required).
• Aviation safety or operations training certification (advantageous).
• Ability to meet medical fitness and background check requirements for aviation work.

Software:

• Familiarity with survey control and data acquisition software (e.g., Leica, Riegl, or similar).
• Competency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital file management systems.

Attributes:

• Strong technical and mechanical aptitude.
• High attention to detail and ability to follow precise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Excellent teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Physically capable of performing manual and technical tasks safely and efficiently.
• Commitment to maintaining operational safety and data quality in all conditions.

Unique Benefits

Certified as a Great Place to Work®, Woolpert is one of the fastest growing architecture, engineering, and geospatial (AEG) companies in the world. With over 60 offices and countless projects around the globe, Woolpert makes a real difference at home and abroad. In addition to offering competitive pay, we provide employees with a robust set of unique benefits, including:

• Diverse experiences: Work on meaningful projects that improve quality of life around the world.
• Freedom to work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
• Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
• Flexible vacation
• Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries.
• Fitness reimbursement, technology stipend, employee assistance program, and more: Choose the benefits that work best for you.

Level up your career with Woolpert. Apply today and join our team to help shape the future of tomorrow!

Find out more about what Woolpert has to offer here:  http://woolpert.com/about-us/

Woolpert is an equal-opportunity employer. Woolpert is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. We recruit, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.  You may view more about EEO on our website: Equal-Employment-Opportunity-The-Law.pdf and EEO is the Law Poster Supplement.

Applicants who require an accommodation throughout the application and interview process should request this in advance by contacting askhr@woolpert.com 

To all agencies: Please, no phone calls or emails to any employee of Woolpert or any of our subsidiaries about this requisition. All resumes submitted by search firms/employment agencies to any employee at Woolpert via email, the internet, or in any form and/or method will be deemed the sole property of Woolpert, unless such search firms/employment agencies were engaged by Woolpert's Talent Acquisition Team for this requisition and a valid agreement is in place. In the event a candidate who was submitted outside of Woolpert's applicant process is hired, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid.