Field Site Supervisor / Aerostat Operator IV - PSS-T

About the role

The Field Site Supervisor leads Operations and Sustainment (O&S) support for the Persistent Surveillance Systems - Tethered (PSS-T) program at OCONUS sites. PSS-T provides tactical and fixed-site aerostats for ISR, force protection and communications to joint, interagency and multinational organizations. The supervisor supervises site O&M staff, acts as the main contact for customers, and performs Flight Director duties for aerostat launch, flight, recovery and moored operations.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the packing function so shipments are ready to ship according to customer, supplier and site needs.
• Recommend daily work schedules, supervise their execution and related crew duties.
• Work with customer and logistics personnel to keep spares, helium, fuel, vehicles, tools and consumables at adequate levels.
• Ensure timely maintenance and repair of site and system items.
• Coordinate flight operations and maintenance (tether replacement, helium replenishment) with shift leads, the customer command and control center and customer personnel.
• Prepare and submit customer and written reports on operations, flying time, downtime, maintenance, helium usage, safety and personnel issues.
• Support troubleshooting, repairs, modifications and system improvements, interfacing with company, customer and other personnel.
• Assess weather and mission readiness, conduct pre-flight checks, direct launch and recovery, monitor weather and system status during flight, and direct post-flight maintenance and repairs.
• Ensure safety policies and procedures are followed throughout aerostat operations.
• Train and certify site staff and stay current with them.
• Interface with other Field Managers, the Program Manager and ILS Manager, and perform other assigned duties.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in a technical or aviation-related field, or equivalent education and experience; experience may substitute for education.
• Five years of experience in technical or aviation field O&M, including personnel leadership.
• Pilot experience in fixed or rotary-wing aircraft is highly desirable.
• Valid driver's license and an active Secret US Government clearance (US citizenship required).
• Supervisory/leadership experience and knowledge of hardware systems, fault detection, isolation and correction.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders and stairs repeatedly, and work in extreme desert heat; must pass medical and dental exams and maintain them during deployment.
• Willingness to deploy to CENTCOM, EUCOM and AFRICOM on a schedule of at least 6 days per week, 10 hours per day.

Preferred: prior experience on 34m and/or 22m aerostat systems, training from Elizabeth City, NC, OCONUS PSS-T experience, and current OCONUS location.