The Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator (AES OP) is responsible for the operation of airborne sensors onboard long-range patrol aircraft, maritime helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), using advanced electronic sensor systems to counter threats to Canada’s sovereignty. AES OPs defend Canada’s coasts, and territorial waters, above and below the surface as well as in the far north. They deploy worldwide, in support of Canada and Allied countries’ operations and exercises. They are responsible for detecting and tracking submarines, providing support for search and rescue operations/medical evacuations, and assisting Department of Fisheries with evidence collection and pollution violations. They also provide support to the RCMP with counter-narcotics patrols.

Their primary technical functions are to:

• Operate Radar, Electro-optic/Infrared systems, Magnetic Anomaly detection, and Electronic warfare equipment
• Plan and prepare for missions
• Take airborne photography
• Load and arm airborne weapons, and search stores systems
• Operate the helicopter-mounted machine gun system
• Operate UAV electronic sensor systems
• Communicate with internal and external agencies; both civilian and Allied forces
• Collect evidence

There are excellent opportunities for career progression and promotion and very good opportunities for advanced training.

Personnel who demonstrate the required ability will undertake advanced occupational training through formal courses or on-the-job training as they progress in their career. Specialty training may also be available to personnel who request it and are selected for a particular type of employment. Below are examples of training related to this military occupation.

Advanced Training Courses

• Advanced Electronic Warfare
• Advanced Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) Analysis
• Instructional Techniques
• Leadership and Management Specialty Training
• Acoustic Operator Training
• Airborne Operational Test and Evaluation Training
• Project Management Training
• Advanced Survival, Escape and Evasion
• Law Enforcement Thermography Training

AES OPs normally work onboard aircraft in confined spaces and in all weather conditions. Their duties include employment on airbase flight lines, on ship flight decks and with operational ground support combat groups. Personnel are subjected to heat, cold, vibration, noise, and hazardous chemicals. When employed with land or sea forces, they are subject to the same living conditions as the soldiers and sailors. In geographical terms, employment is focused primarily in Canada’s maritime environment. Deployments may be sudden and involve extended duty throughout the world in response to Canadian, NATO, and UN commitments.