Aerostat Operator I

About the Role:
Aerostat Operators provide Operations and Sustainment (O&S) support for the Persistent Surveillance Systems – Tethered (PSS-T) program at OCONUS site locations. PSS-T delivers tactical and fixed site aerostats that exploit a full range of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), force protection, and communications capabilities for joint, interagency, and multinational organizations.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Participate in the hands-on operation of the aerostat system including launch, in-flight, recovery, and moored activities.
• Perform all functions to operate the PGSS/PTDS, which includes an aerostat mounted ISR platform, its Mobile Mooring Platform (MMP), Sensor Payload(s), communications and navigation systems, and associated support equipment (such as Boom Lift, Forklift, All Terrain Vehicles, and Electrical Power Generators).
• Perform User-level maintenance functions, including hands-on Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS), troubleshooting, and removing and replacing Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and payloads.
• Adapt quickly to new situations and perform tasks under the direction of higher classified technicians or site personnel.

Minimum Requirements:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A two-year associate’s degree in a technical field from an accredited college can substitute for work experience.
• At least one (1) year previous Aerostat experience OR two (2) years of experience in one of the following specialized disciplines:
  • Electrical Maintenance Mechanic
  • Networking, IT & Information Systems
  • Mechanical Maintenance
• Must have an active Secret US Government Clearance. US Citizenship is required to obtain a Secret Clearance.
• Must possess a passport that is valid for at least 6 months; preferably one year.
• Must have a valid U.S. Driver’s license.
• Knowledge of and experience in hardware systems and components operations.
• Experience in fault detection, isolation, and correction of hardware systems and individual components.
• Ability to perform routine system maintenance and analysis functions, including hardware configurations, use of diagnostic testing tools, reading of electronic circuit schematics, and repairing printed circuit boards.

Specialized Disciplines:

• Electrical Maintenance Mechanic
  • At least two (2) years of aerostat experience as an operator at the 20 series level or greater from military MOS 35F, 35G, 35H, 96R, 96U, or equivalent.
  • Must have two years of hands-on experience in operations and maintenance tasks on an aerostat system or a related equivalent.
  • Must be qualified at the 10 series or greater level.
  • Ability to read electronic schematics and technical experience in the O&M of electro-mechanical equipment.
• Networking, IT & Information Systems
  • Two years' experience is required.
  • Must be qualified at the 10 series or greater level; MOS 25B/F or industry equivalents. CCIE certification with fiber optic certification is preferred.
• Mechanical Maintenance
  • Mechanical Maintenance qualifications at the 10 series or greater from military MOS 94D/X or equivalent.
  • Must have two years of hands-on experience on an aerostat system or related equivalent.
  • Technical experience in O&M of mechanical equipment including hydraulic systems and forklift.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to regularly lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to climb various ladders and stairs at least 10 times during the shift.
• Flexibility to bend/stoop, squat, and kneel repetitively during the shift.
• Ability to walk extensively throughout the plant during the shift.
• Ability to interact with all clients in a professional manner despite periods of stress.

Medical Requirements:

• Successfully complete and pass medical and dental examinations required by the employer and customers for OCONUS deployments.
• Must maintain physical and dental requirements for the duration of deployment.

Working and Living Conditions:
This position may be in a war zone, with harsh and dangerous conditions. Employees are expected to perform duties in extreme environments, with temperatures reaching up to 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit (50-55 degrees Celsius) during summer months. Willingness and ability to deploy to CENTCOM, EUCOM, and AFRICOM for extended periods is required. Work schedules typically consist of a minimum of 6 days per week and 10 hours per day, although some roles may have higher minimums.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience on 34 and/or 22m Aerostat systems.
• Prior training/certification from Elizabeth City, NC.