Aerostat Operator II

About the role

The Aerostat Operator II provides hands‑on Operations and Sustainment support for the Persistent Surveillance Systems – Tethered (PSS‑T) program at OCONUS sites. This role involves operating and maintaining an aerostat‑mounted ISR platform, its mooring system, sensor payloads, and associated ground equipment.

Key responsibilities

• Launch, in‑flight monitoring, recovery, and mooring of the aerostat system.
• Operate the PGSS/PTDS ISR platform, Mobile Mooring Platform, and all associated communications and navigation systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance checks (PMCS), troubleshoot, and replace line‑replaceable units (LRUs) and payloads.
• Use boom lifts, forklifts, ATVs, and power generators to support system operations.
• Analyze system performance, conduct hardware configuration changes, and repair printed circuit boards.

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 experience and certification on 34M and 74K equipment.
• Valid US passport (minimum one year remaining) and driver’s license.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lb and climb ladders regularly.

Required skills

• Certification on 34M and 74K aerostat systems.
• Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS).
• Fault detection, isolation, and correction of hardware components.
• Use of hardware and software diagnostic testing tools.
• Reading electronic circuit schematics and repairing printed circuit boards.