Aerostat Operator II – ISR Platform Operations

About the role

The Aerostat Operator II is responsible for the hands‑on operation, launch, in‑flight management and recovery of tethered aerostat ISR platforms supporting Persistent Surveillance Systems (PSS‑T) at OCONUS sites.

Key responsibilities

• Launch, monitor, and recover aerostat systems, including the Mobile Mooring Platform and sensor payloads.
• Operate the PGSS/PTDS intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform, its communications and navigation subsystems.
• Use and maintain support equipment such as boom lifts, forklifts, all‑terrain vehicles and power generators.
• Perform system analyses, fault detection, isolation and corrective actions.
• Execute user‑level preventive maintenance checks, troubleshoot hardware, replace line‑replaceable units (LRUs) and payloads.
• Repair printed circuit boards and read electronic schematics as part of routine maintenance.

Required profile

• High school diploma or equivalent; an associate degree in a technical field may substitute for experience.
• Active Secret US Government clearance and US citizenship.
• At least one year of aerostat operation experience and certification on 34M and 74K systems.
• Valid US passport (minimum one year remaining) and driver’s license.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lb and climb ladders/roofs regularly.

Required skills

• Aerostat launch, flight, and recovery procedures.
• Operation of ISR platforms, Mobile Mooring Platforms and sensor payloads.
• Use of boom lifts, forklifts, ATVs and electrical generators.
• Hardware diagnostics, fault detection and isolation.
• Reading electronic circuit schematics and PCB repair.
• Preventive maintenance checks (PMCS) and LRU replacement.