Reports to: Lead Operator Stratospheric Systems

Location: Nationwide with candidates residing within 60-90 minutes’ drive time of a major airport.

Status: Full-time

Pay Range: $17 - $20/hr

Travel: 100% travel role

About Near Space Labs

Near Space Labs is leading the next generation of Earth imaging. We design, build, and operate a fleet of proprietary, stratospheric systems called Swiftys. Our Swiftys fly to the edge of space to deliver high quality, updated imagery of our planet.

Flight Operations is a fast-paced growing organization responsible for operating and launching our fleet of Swiftys throughout the U.S. to meet our customer imaging and data needs.

What You Will Do

You will be part of a three person Pod (team) responsible for launching image capturing stratospheric systems around the USA. The Associate Operator Stratospheric Systems plays a critical role in executing and scaling our flight operational footprint. The incumbent will operate, maintain, and fly our fleet of Swiftys throughout the nation. The incumbent will collaborate and communicate within the Pod. The Associate Operator Stratospheric Systems will troubleshoot and provide maintenance on the technical hardware. The incumbent will perform work outdoors including hiking, walking and general physical duties throughout an extended workday.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Lead Operator Stratospheric Systems, and other Operators, occasional contractors, and Mission Control, to ensure Swiftys are launched, maintained, and recovered effectively, contributing to the overall success of the mission operations.
• Support the maintain and operate our fleet of Swiftys ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality data to the Company’s customers, driving the success of our overall operations.
• Provide information and feedback in the generation of failure reports for malfunctions and abnormalities in the Swifty and associated equipment through our data tracking tool.
• Contribute to the daily technical reports of work performed.
• Strictly follow Near Space Labs operational, safety and manufacturing procedures and processes.
• Work under the direction of the Lead Operator Stratospheric Systems or Operators to ensure successful mission execution.
• Participate in daily debriefs to summarize and plan field operations.
• Contribute to improvements feedback to Near Space Labs operational procedures and processes.
• Contribute to the Swifty and operations metrics for the field through technical reports.

• Safely drive and maintain our fleet of road launch vehicles.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates a high degree of professionalism in communication, attitude, and teamwork.
• Demonstrates a high level of work quality, attendance, and appearance.
• Adhere to all Company policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Adhere to local, state, and federal laws.
• Additional responsibilities assigned by supervisor related to your position and or department.
• Ability to work long varied hours, nights, days, and weekends to support business needs.

Working Schedule:

• Work a 15 days ON/13 day OFF schedule including most holidays; 25 – 25 work weeks per calendar year.
• Travel to field Sunday AM, working Monday – Sunday am, Travel home Sunday PM.
• Average 70+ hour workweek; ability to support working days of 12+ hours; and Overtime eligible based on state and federal regulations as applicable.
• Support adherence to a rigid launch schedule to support flight campaigns including, but not limited to, overtime when needed.

Experience and Competency Requirements

• Some experience of working with technical hardware. High School diploma or GED is sufficient.
• Some experience troubleshooting equipment to determine what equipment and/or components require action to repair/replace or improve.
• Technical experience in working with equipment and doing line item replacements.
• Experience in field or hardware troubleshooting and repairing hardware.
• Oral and written communication skills to convey information at various stages of the execution, troubleshooting, or analysis process which may be ambiguous.
• Critical thinking to quickly act on issues that arise in the field and find creative solutions.
• Must be detailed, organized, and punctual.
• Ability to operate and adapt to demanding fast-paced situations.
• Ability to safely operate and maneuver a heavy-duty truck with a 20 ft. trailer attached.
• Proficiency in land navigation, particularly in remote or challenging environments, to support field operations.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment.
• UAS Part 107 Certification is desirable or knowledge of balloon operations.

Physical Activities and Demands

Physical Job Function Requirements: This role requires frequent physical activity, including lifting, carrying, and walking. You should be prepared to work in various outdoor environments, often for extended periods. Detailed requirements are listed below.

• Hike/walk between 0-5 miles with ~20 lbs. of equipment per day - Constantly
• Hike/walk between 5-12 miles with ~20 lbs. of equipment per day - Infrequently
• Lift up to 40 lbs. from 30 min to 5 hours per day - Frequently
• Lift between 40-60 lbs. up to 30 min per day - Frequently
• Carry up to 30 lbs. from 30 min to 5 hours per day - Frequently
• Carry between 30-60 lbs. up to 30 min per day - Frequently
• Push or pull between 130-150 lbs. via a hand truck up to 30 min per day - Constantly
• Push or pull up to 50 lbs. - Infrequently
• Stand (at a time and total in shift) - Constantly
• Walk (at a time and total in shift) - Constantly
• Climb ladder - Infrequently
• Climb tree - Occasionally
• Crouch or Kneel - Occasionally
• Crawl - Infrequently
• Stoop - Occasionally
• Reach overhead - Occasionally
• Reach below waist level - Frequently
• Reach at desk/waist level - Frequently
• Simple grasp - Constantly
• Firm grasp - Frequently
• Fine manipulation - Frequently
• Sitting for extended periods (to drive or perform work) 0-10 hours per day - Constantly; and
• Driving a heavy-duty truck between 0-8 hours per day - Constantly

Work Environment

In general, the following conditions of the work environment are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job within the environment.

• The majority of work is performed outdoors and is subject to varying local conditions, including fluctuations in temperature, humidity, lighting, and air quality. Employees should be prepared to work in diverse weather conditions. Portions of the work may be conducted in a temperature-controlled vehicle and may include accommodations for overnight stays, as needed for job-related travel.
• Noise levels are considered moderate.