Bridger Aerospace is hiring a Mission Sensor Operator to play a critical role in aerial wildfire support. You will operate and manage onboard mission systems, collect and relay real-time data, and support tactical decision-making in dynamic, high-pressure environments. Our priority is meeting the needs of the growing threat of economic and environmental damage caused by wildfires.
What You'll Do
- Operate EO/IR and other onboard mission systems during flight missions to detect, map, and monitor fire activity.
- Collect, annotate, and transmit geospatial and thermal imagery in real time to mission command and ground teams.
- Coordinate with pilots, Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS), and incident command to ensure effective information flow and mission execution.
- Monitor sensor and mission system performance and conduct pre-flight/post-flight checks to ensure system readiness.
- Assist in mission planning by reviewing maps, weather data, and fire behavior forecasts.
- Maintain detailed mission logs and documentation for reporting and analysis.
- Ensure compliance with all operational, safety, and regulatory protocols.
- Participate in training exercises, briefings, and debriefings as required.
What We're Looking For
- 500 hours minimum of prior experience operating EO/IR or mission sensor systems aboard fixed wing, rotary, or UAS platforms.
- 3+ years of experience utilizing ISR Moving Map applications.
- Strong situational awareness and ability to perform under pressure in rapidly changing environments.
- Familiarity with geospatial tools (e.g., ArcGIS, Google Earth, ATAK) and mapping concepts.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with aircrew and ground personnel.
- Strong attention to detail and technical troubleshooting skills.
- Willingness to travel and deploy to remote locations for extended periods during fire season.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain necessary security clearances, if required.
Nice to Have
- 1000 hours preferred of prior experience operating EO/IR or mission sensor systems.
- Basic networking knowledge desired (IPv4).
- Previous experience supporting firefighting, SAR, ISR, military /law enforcement aviation missions.
- Knowledge of wildfire behavior and incident command structure (ICS/NIMS).
- Military or public safety aviation experience.
Technical Stack
- Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors
- ISR Moving Map applications
- Geospatial tools (ArcGIS, Google Earth, ATAK)
- IPv4 networking
Team & Environment
You will coordinate with pilots, Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS), and incident command.
Benefits & Compensation
- Competitive salary and growth opportunities
- Company performance-based bonus plan
- Equity stock-based compensation package
- Employer-funded comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
- 401k with company match
- Employer-funded life and disability insurance coverage
- Heath Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Dependent Care FSA options
Work Mode
This is an onsite role based in Belgrade, Montana.
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings and its family of companies does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by federal or state law in matters of employment, promotion, services or activities it operates.
