Aerostat Operator I – ISR Platform Operations

About the role

Aerostat Operators provide Operations and Sustainment (O&S) support for the Persistent Surveillance Systems – Tethered (PSS‑T) program. The role involves hands‑on operation of a tethered aerostat ISR platform, its mobile mooring platform, sensor payloads and associated support equipment at OCONUS sites.

Key responsibilities

• Launch, in‑flight monitoring, recovery and mooring of the aerostat system.
• Operate the PGSS/PTDS ISR platform, mobile mooring platform, sensor payloads, communications and navigation systems.
• Use and maintain support equipment such as boom lifts, forklifts, all‑terrain vehicles and electrical generators.
• Perform user‑level maintenance: preventive maintenance checks, troubleshooting, LRU replacement and payload changes.
• Work under the direction of senior technicians and site personnel.

Required profile

• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s degree in a technical field may substitute for experience).
• Active Secret US Government clearance; US citizenship; valid US passport (minimum one year) and driver’s license.
• At least one year of aerostat experience or two years in electrical maintenance or related hardware systems.
• Two years of hands‑on operation and maintenance of aerostat or equivalent military/industry systems.
• Knowledge of hardware configurations, fault detection, isolation, schematic reading and PCB repair.

Required skills

• Aerostat operation and launch/recovery procedures.
• ISR platform handling and sensor payload integration.
• Mobile Mooring Platform operation.
• Communications and navigation system management.
• Boom lift, forklift and ATV operation.
• Electrical power generator operation.
• Preventive Maintenance Checks (PMCS) and troubleshooting.
• Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) replacement.
• Hardware configuration, electronic schematic reading and PCB repair.