Aerostat Operator I

About the role

The Aerostat Operator I provides Operations and Sustainment support for the Persistent Surveillance Systems – Tethered (PSS‑T) program. The role involves hands‑on operation of a tethered aerostat ISR platform, its mooring system, sensor payloads and associated ground equipment at OCONUS sites.

Key responsibilities

• Launch, monitor, and recover the aerostat during flight operations.
• Operate the Mobile Mooring Platform, sensor payloads, communications and navigation systems.
• Maintain and operate support equipment such as boom lifts, forklifts, all‑terrain vehicles and power generators.
• Perform user‑level maintenance: preventive maintenance checks, troubleshooting, and replacement of line replaceable units and payloads.
• Document maintenance actions and report issues to senior technicians.

Required profile

• High school diploma or equivalent; an Associate’s degree in a technical field may substitute for experience.
• Active Secret US Government Clearance; US citizenship, valid passport (≥1 year) and driver’s license.
• At least 1 year aerostat experience or 2 years in related electrical maintenance roles.
• Two years of hands‑on operation and maintenance of aerostat or equivalent systems.
• Ability to work under direction of senior technicians and adapt quickly to new situations.

Required skills

• Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS).
• Troubleshooting and fault isolation of hardware systems.
• Line Replaceable Units (LRU) replacement.
• Hardware configuration and component replacement.
• Use of diagnostic testing tools.
• Reading electronic circuit schematics.
• Printed circuit board repair.
• Operation of boom lifts, forklifts, all‑terrain vehicles and electrical power generators.