Aerostat Operator III

About the role

The Aerostat Operator III provides Operations and Sustainment support for the Persistent Surveillance Systems‑Tethered (PSS‑T) program at OCONUS sites. This role ensures continuous ISR, force protection and communications capabilities for joint, interagency and multinational customers.

Key responsibilities

• Supervise crew work schedules, maintain spares, helium, POL vehicles, tools and consumables.
• Prepare and submit detailed operational reports covering status, flight time, maintenance, logistics and safety.
• Perform Launch and Recovery Director duties, including weather assessment, pre‑flight checks, launch, in‑flight monitoring and recovery.
• Conduct corrective and preventive maintenance on avionics, fiber‑optic, electrical, communication and weather sensor equipment.
• Train and develop lower‑classified field technicians and ensure compliance with all safety and security policies.

Required profile

• High school diploma required; BS or BEng in engineering or related field preferred; experience may substitute for education.
• Minimum 3 years aerostat experience and 4 years technical experience in a specialized discipline (electrical, IT/networking, or mechanical).
• Active Secret US Government Clearance, US citizenship, valid driver’s license and passport (minimum 6 months validity).
• Supervisory/leadership experience and ability to work in austere, extreme environments.

Required skills

• Aerostat launch, recovery and helium handling.
• Avionics, fiber‑optic, electrical and mechanical maintenance, including soldering and schematics reading.
• Use of standard mechanical/electrical hand tools and specialized test equipment.
• Hydraulic/servo valve and actuator servicing, winch and tether/cable handling.
• Networking certifications (Cisco, CCIE, BICSI, Network+, CompTIA) and IT troubleshooting.
• Operation of special‑purpose vehicles, aerial lifts, forklifts, cranes and industrial generators.