Aerostat Operator 3/Site Lead

We are a world‑class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations worldwide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well‑being of you and your family, and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

Position Overview

QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Operator 3/Flight Director with specific experience in supporting aerostat operations to support aerostat systems providing persistent surveillance and detection capabilities to the U.S. Government customer across multiple operational sites in Rio Grande Valley, Texas along the U.S. Southern border.

The successful candidate will have experience managing aerostat flight operations on aerostat platforms of any size. You will be part of a comprehensive flight crew actively supporting aerostat pre‑launch, launch, ascent, transition, station‑keeping, and recovery. You will work to coordinate installation repair and improvement projects with operational maintenance and repair timelines. You will report to Aerostat Operations Director and Program Management Office for long‑term planning of site activities and with the on‑site personnel for daily execution.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the operational crew in a 24/7 operation in the areas of aerostat pre‑launch, launch, ascent, transition, station‑keeping, and recovery.
• Direct and perform all aerostat electronic subsystem preflight and post‑flight checks and inspections as required.
• Maintain status of local weather conditions and trends as they influence mission support.
• Communicate with the Control Center, Meteorological Forecast Facilities, and other Government agencies as appropriate.
• Prepare and maintain the flight system weight logs and the weight and balance records for the operational aerostat.
• Evaluate aerostat lift and purity trends. Report any unusual trends to management and recommend remedial action.
• Apply advanced technical knowledge to solve unusually complex problems that cannot be solved solely by reference to manufacturer’s manuals or similar documents, including problems with circuitry, electromagnetic radiation, and engineering changes.
• Operate the aerostat launch/recovery control systems including their backup systems.
• Direct and perform corrective and preventive activities on aerostat pressure and control subsystems, power subsystems, mechanical and hydraulic subsystems, aerostat hardware and rigging, tether subsystem, and aerostat envelope.
• Direct and perform operations and maintenance of compressed‑gas equipment, including helium transfers to the aerostat for inflation and replenishment purposes.
• Train and certify other personnel in selected aerostat system procedures and on the proper operation of all aerostat special purpose vehicles.
• Direct and perform corrective and preventive maintenance on the aerostat telemetry and control subsystems, power and control subsystems, tether subsystem, meteorological equipment, ground station electronic subsystems, payload and communications subsystems, and site facility electronics as appropriate.
• Train and certify other personnel in selected aerostat electronic subsystem procedures.
• Exercise independent judgment in performing circuit analyses, calculating waveforms, tracing relationships in signal flow, and using complex test instruments.

Required Qualifications

• GED or High School Diploma.
• 5 years of direct experience with aerostat related systems. Associates or Bachelors in any technical discipline can be substituted for experience.
• Must obtain an Aerostat Flight Director Certification and remain current.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s license required.
• Fluency in speaking, reading, and writing English.
• Willingness to work in a 24/7 shift scenario and be assigned to various shifts as required.
• Proof of U.S. residency required.
• Ability to carry up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, work from elevated platforms of 8 feet or higher, work in narrow and confined spaces under elevated temperatures.
• Successfully completed Background Investigation with a Favorable Suitability Determination and issuance of DHS Suitability determination.

Company EEO Statement

Accessibility/Accommodation:
If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e‑mail to or call (540) 658‑2720 Opt. 4 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.