Aerostat Operator I

About the role

The Aerostat Operator I provides Operations and Sustainment (O&S) support for the Persistent Surveillance Systems – Tethered (PSS‑T) program at OCONUS sites. The role involves hands‑on operation, launch, in‑flight management, recovery and mooring of aerostat‑mounted ISR platforms.

Key responsibilities

• Launch, monitor, recover and moor aerostat systems safely.
• Operate the PGSS/PTDS ISR platform, Mobile Mooring Platform, sensor payloads, communications and navigation equipment.
• Use support equipment such as boom lifts, forklifts, all‑terrain vehicles and electrical generators.
• Perform user‑level maintenance: preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS), troubleshooting, LRU replacement and payload changes.
• Document maintenance actions and report issues to senior technicians.

Required profile

• High school diploma or equivalent; an Associate’s degree in a technical field may substitute for experience.
• Active Secret US Government clearance or ability to obtain one (US citizenship required).
• Valid US passport (minimum one year remaining) and driver’s license.
• At least 1 year aerostat experience or 2 years in related electrical/mechanical maintenance roles.
• Knowledge of hardware systems, fault detection, isolation and correction, and ability to read electronic schematics.

Required skills

• Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS).
• Troubleshooting and line replaceable unit (LRU) replacement.
• Hardware configuration and use of diagnostic testing tools.
• Reading electronic circuit schematics and repairing printed circuit boards.
• Operation of boom lifts, forklifts, all‑terrain vehicles and power generators.
• Operation of ISR platforms, sensor payloads, communications and navigation systems.