Aerostat Maintenance Technician – Flight & Telemetry

QinetiQ US (formerly Avantus Federal); Deming (NM); On-site; USD 38,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ US (formerly Avantus Federal) seeks an experienced Aerostat Operator to support telemetry and control operations for the DHS Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) across multiple U.S. sites.

You will manage aerostat flight operations, participate in pre-launch through recovery, and assist with site maintenance and security tasks. The role requires 7+ years in mechanical maintenance, a high school diploma or higher, and willingness to work 24/7 shifts.

Qualifications

• GED or high school diploma required.
• 7 years of mechanical maintenance experience; degrees may substitute for experience.
• Ability to obtain flight operator certification.
• Valid U.S. driver's license required.
• Strong written and communication skills.
• Willing to work in a 24/7 shift and be assigned to various shifts.
• Proof of U.S. residency required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior machinery maintenance mechanic for all assigned aerostat shift and site requirements.
• Perform mechanical tasks including using hand tools, disassembly/assembly, wiring, soldering, testing, and fabric repairs.
• Flight Crew Member for pre/post flight, launch/recovery, helium handling, and tether inspections.
• Make entries in the mission flight log and document maintenance.
• Conduct aerostat subsystem preflight and post-flight checks and inspections.
• Troubleshoot and repair aerostat structures, hydraulics, avionics, and electrical components.
• Maintain ground systems such as generators and weather systems.
• Perform maintenance on telemetry, control, and other subsystems.

Skills

Flight operator certification

Valid U.S. Driver's license

Strong written and verbal skills

Education

GED or High School Diploma

Associate degree in technical discipline

Bachelor of Science in technical discipline

Job description

QinetiQ US (formerly Avantus Federal) seeks an experienced Aerostat Operator to support telemetry and control operations for the DHS Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) across multiple U.S. sites.

You will manage aerostat flight operations, participate in pre-launch through recovery, and assist with site maintenance and security tasks. The role requires 7+ years in mechanical maintenance, a high school diploma or higher, and willingness to work 24/7 shifts.