Mechanical Technician - Mountaineering Recovery

About the role

Peraton is seeking a Mechanical Technician with mountaineering experience to support NASA's scientific balloon program at the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine, TX. The role involves on‑call field work, extensive travel, and the safe recovery of high‑value scientific equipment from remote, high‑altitude locations.

Key responsibilities

• Perform mechanical maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of mission equipment, ground systems, and specialized components in both shop and field environments.
• Conduct mountaineering‑based recovery operations, including retrieval, stabilization, and extraction of payloads in steep or high‑altitude terrain.
• Utilize climbing, rigging, and rope‑based systems to safely recover or reposition equipment and support field teams.
• Inspect, diagnose, and document mechanical issues using established procedures.

Required profile

• Strong mechanical aptitude with proven field experience.
• Demonstrated mountaineering or high‑altitude climbing experience.
• Ability to operate safely and effectively in hazardous, mountainous environments.
• Willingness to be on‑call and travel extensively for domestic and international missions.

Required skills

• Mechanical maintenance
• Troubleshooting
• Repair
• Inspection
• Diagnosis
• Documentation
• Climbing
• Rigging
• Rope systems