External Job Posting Title Mechanical Technician - Junior Level (NASA Ballon Program)

Peraton; Palestine (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton seeks an Engineering Technician to join our NASA Balloon Operations team in Palestine, Texas. You will assist in fabrication, installation and testing of mechanical units and support hardware for scientific balloon missions across the United States and international sites.

Travel up to 60% may be required, including campaigns overseas, and you must be a U.S. citizen capable of obtaining a NASA PIV badge, a CDL within 3 years, and able to pass a background check and drug screen.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Two years related mechanical experience.
• Equivalency may substitute for years of experience.
• Must possess or obtain CDL within 3 years.
• U.S. Citizenship.
• Pass NASA PIV background check and drug screen.

Responsibilities

• Assists in fabrication, installation and testing of mechanical units, systems, sub-systems or models from drawings and schematics.
• Operates standard test equipment and records data.
• Performs preventative maintenance of light vehicles and equipment and documents records.
• Supports launch and recovery of scientific payloads and balloons.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Reading schematics

Safety mindful

Hands-on fabrication

Education

High School diploma or GED

Equivalency substitution possible

Tools

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Machine shop tools

Forklift operation

Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton provides management and technical support for NASA’s scientific balloon program which supports enabling science missions for NASA and universities across the United States and foreign scientific communities. Scientific balloon missions provide researchers inexpensive, relatively quick, long duration access to near space altitudes and environments. Balloon missions cost orders of magnitude less than satellite missions and provide platforms for heavy experiments (some greater than 5000-lbs) to operate for weeks and even months. Balloon missions have provided significant science theories and discoveries about cosmic rays, gamma ray and x-ray astronomy, optical and UV astronomy, atmospheric sciences, and cosmic microwave background studies.

Our staff are located at the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (CSBF) in Palestine, TX where we design, analyze, build and assembly the support hardware and balloon gondola payloads for the missions. We launch the balloons from locations within the United States (Texas, New Mexico, and Hawaii) and around the world including Antarctica, Sweden, New Zealand, and Australia. Our engineers and technician staff support the launches and balloon and payload recoveries in the US and many worldwide locations. Peraton’s NASA Balloon Operations Contract (NBOC) program is seeking an Engineering Technician to join our team in Palestine, Texas.

Our rural campus offers the ability to work in a low-cost of living area, but within an easy drive of Tyler, Dallas and Houston.

Responsibilities of the position:

• Assists in fabrication, installation and testing of mechanical units, systems, sub-systems or models from specific drawings and schematic diagrams.
• Operates standard test equipment and instruments and records data.
• Performs preventative maintenance of light vehicles and equipment, documents and files records for same.
• Operates applicable equipment and performs functions to assist with the launch and recovery of scientific payloads and balloons.

Supports field operations which could require travel for periods up to eight weeks or more several times a year both in the United States and overseas.

Specific Requirements / Licensing Special Requirements:

• Must be able to travel to support campaigns in various locations around the world
• Up to 60% travel per year
• Must have or be able to obtain a passport
• Ability to pass the National Science Foundation physical (Medical) requirement to work in Antarctica including latest FLU vaccinations required to qualify.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED certificate.
• Two years of related experience mechanical experience
• Equivalency – Completion of post‑secondary degree or certificate may substitute for years of experience.
• Certifications/License – Must possess or have the ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within 3 years of employment.
• Must be a US Citizen
• Mustbe able to pass a background check to obtain a NASA Personal Identity Verification card (PIV) background check and drug screen required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge/experience with stick and heli‑arc welding desired.
• Knowledge with machine shop tools and machines desired.
• Knowledge/experience with forklift and heavy equipment operation desired.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques involved with assembly and testing of mechanical hardware.
• Knowledge of basic mechanical theory and application.

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range

The rate / range per hour below represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

SCA / Union / Intern Rate or Range

N/A

EEO

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.