Mechanical Engineering Technician – NASA Balloon Program

About the role

Peraton is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Technician to support NASA's scientific balloon program at the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine, Texas. The technician will work on the design, analysis, build, and assembly of support hardware and balloon gondola payloads for missions that launch from the United States and worldwide locations.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in fabrication, installation, and testing of mechanical units, systems, sub‑systems, or models from drawings and schematics.
• Operate standard test equipment and instruments, record test data, and ensure compliance with specifications.
• Perform preventative maintenance on light vehicles and equipment, maintaining accurate documentation.
• Operate equipment and perform functions that support the launch and recovery of scientific payloads and balloons.
• Support field operations, including travel for extended periods (up to eight weeks) to domestic and international launch sites.

Required profile

• Hands‑on experience with mechanical fabrication, installation, and testing.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and schematic diagrams.
• Willingness and ability to travel for extended field missions both in the U.S. and overseas.
• Capability to work safely in varied environments, including remote launch sites.

Required skills

• Mechanical fabrication and assembly
• Installation and testing of mechanical systems
• Operation of standard test equipment and measurement instruments
• Preventative maintenance of light vehicles and equipment
• Interpretation of technical drawings and schematics

What we offer

• Work on cutting‑edge scientific balloon missions that enable near‑space research.
• Location in a low‑cost‑of‑living rural campus with easy access to Tyler, Dallas, and Houston.
• Opportunities for travel and hands‑on experience with international launch operations.