Airborne Operations Specialist

Rocket Lab; Calgary; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in emissions monitoring seeks an Airborne Operations Specialist to support field campaigns using innovative satellite and airborne technologies. This role includes data collection, equipment handling, and coordination with flight operations. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, self-motivated, and enjoy working in dynamic environments. Competitive salary and benefits package offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary + stock options

Health/Dental benefits

Paid Time Off + floating statutory holidays

Flexible work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience on technical field projects involving data acquisition.
• Hands-on experience with computer systems and instrumentation required.
• Valid passport and driver's license necessary.

Responsibilities

• Collect and process airborne data during field campaigns.
• Install and validate equipment on aircraft.
• Coordinate daily activities with pilots during campaigns.

Skills

Communication

Critical Thinking

Problem-Solving

Attention to Detail

Flexibility

Self-Motivated

Education

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree

Tools

Linux

GIS Software (like QGIS)

Job description

GHGSat is a global technology leader with pioneering emissions-monitoring capabilities that drive industrial efficiency with positive impact. Harnessing the power of satellites and aircraft, GHGSat traces emissions directly to their source at an unmatched speed, delivering the data and insights required to take action. A trusted partner for organizations around the world, GHGSat empowers decision-makers to tackle emissions, accelerating progress towards a resilient energy future.

GHGSat’s capability is unique: we provide high-resolution, local measurements of atmospheric methane concentration from space and from airborne platforms. This enables us to identify & locate greenhouse gas emitters and to visualize and quantify their emissions.

GHGSat’s airborne instruments and all airborne operations are based out of our Calgary office. The airborne instruments are installed in various small fixed-wing airplanes, and airborne campaigns are conducted within Canada, US, and internationally. As the demand for our airborne services increases, we are looking to add support to our airborne team.

The Airborne Operations Specialist, preferably based in Calgary, will work as part of the Airborne Operations team to collect airborne data using GHGSat’s instruments installed in small fixed-wing (piloted) airplanes conducting airborne campaigns. You can expect to be working in the field on aerial campaigns lasting for 2 – 4 weeks at a time. While deployed, you will be expected to work weekends if the conditions are adequate for data collection and processing. You will also support other aspects of airborne campaigns including preparing the equipment before a project, flightline and project planning, installation & system checks, and data organization & validation.

You must be confident working in the dynamic in-flight environment of a small aircraft, and be able to manage the challenges and responsibilities of field work. Additionally, when not deployed on aerial campaigns, you may be required to assist in analyzing the processed data for methane using Electric Eye (our internal AI tool).

Responsibilities:

• In-air operation of GHGSat’s instruments, collecting and processing airborne data during field campaigns (deployments are in Canada, US, and international).
• Installation of GHGSat’s equipment into various types of aircraft.
• Validating equipment installation and testing system functionality.
• Coordinating mobilization and day-to-day activities with pilot and aircraft providers during field campaigns, and maintaining communication with the Airborne Operations management team.
• Monitoring weather, system performance, and troubleshooting issues during flight operations.
• Data back-up, basic QA/QC procedures, and data upload. Data includes airborne imagery and inertial/GNSS data.
• Support proposals and project preparations by planning flightlines and optimizing flightpaths to ensure complete coverage of sites and regions of interest.
• Support Operations through additional technician duties such as data post processing and analysis.

Skills:

• Interest in aviation, remote sensing, and working in an operations environment.
• Strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to make appropriate decisions during field operations, with minimal direction.
• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively within the team.
• You have a drive for taking ownership of tasks and resolving problems, while maintaining effective communication with all stakeholders along the way.
• You are flexible and resourceful, thriving in dynamic environments.
• You are versatile and well-rounded: comfortable working with technical equipment, computer systems, and tools.

Requirements:

• A minimum of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
• 1+ years of experience working on technical field projects involving data acquisition.
• Proven experience working hands-on with computer systems, instrumentation, and/or electronics.
• Have a valid passport; or be able to obtain a valid passport before the start date.
• Have a valid driver's license.
• Be available and able to travel for work deployments lasting approximately 2 to 4 weeks at a time (Canada, USA, and international).
• Must be able to obtain Canadian Controlled Goods security clearance.

Nice-to-Have:

• Experience working in small airplanes or helicopters.
• Knowledge of command-line interface and working in computer terminals. Proficiency with Linux is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, or mapping.
• Experience using imaging systems or other remote sensing technology/equipment is highly desirable.
• Data processing, GIS software (like QGIS), or electronics experience.
• Project management experience.

• Competitive salary + stock options for all full-time employees

• Health/Dental benefits

• Paid Time Off + floating statutory holidays

• Flexible work environment

GHGSat offers a creative and highly motivating work environment. We offer competitive salaries, health and social benefits including flex-time and continuing development. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. GHGSat is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, , age, or other legally protected status. If you would like to request an accommodation, please notify your recruiter.