Aerostat Flight Director — 24/7 Operations Lead

QinetiQ; Santa Teresa (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ US seeks an experienced Operator 2/Flight Director to support aerostat systems delivering persistent surveillance for the U.S. Government across El Paso area sites. You will join a flight crew responsible for pre‑launch, launch, ascent, station keeping, and recovery, coordinating with maintenance and site personnel.

The ideal candidate has direct aerostat experience and will hold an Aerostat Flight Director Certification; English fluency and a valid U.S. driver’s license are required.

Qualifications

• GED or High School Diploma.
• 5 years’ direct experience with aerostat related systems; Associate/Bachelor in a technical field may substitute.
• Aerostat Flight Director Certification required and to remain current.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s license.
• Must speak/read/write English fluently.
• Willingness to work in a 24/7 shift.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; climb ladders.
• Ability to operate in elevated spaces and under extreme temperatures.
• Background Investigation with favorable DHS suitability.
• Site Lead may assign duties including Shift Lead.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the operational crew in a 24/7 aerostat duty cycle (pre-launch to recovery).
• Directs and performs aerostat subsystem preflight/postflight checks and inspections.
• Maintains local weather status and trends affecting missions.
• Communicates with Control Center, Met facilities, and gov agencies as appropriate.
• Maintains flight system weight logs and weight/balance records.
• Evaluates lift and purity trends; reports unusual trends to management.
• Apply advanced technical knowledge to complex aerostat electronics issues.
• Lead inflation/deflation, launch/recovery, and in-flight activities as part of the flight crew.
• Directs repair and improvement projects with maintenance timelines.
• Trains and certifies personnel in aerostat procedures and equipment.

Skills

English fluency

24/7 shift readiness

Driver's license

Education

GED or High School Diploma

5 years’ aerostat experience (or degree substitution)

Job description

QinetiQ US seeks an experienced Operator 2/Flight Director to support aerostat systems delivering persistent surveillance for the U.S. Government across El Paso area sites. You will join a flight crew responsible for pre‑launch, launch, ascent, station keeping, and recovery, coordinating with maintenance and site personnel.

The ideal candidate has direct aerostat experience and will hold an Aerostat Flight Director Certification; English fluency and a valid U.S. driver’s license are required.