Flight Director

QinetiQ US; Lajas (PR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ US is looking for a Flight Director to support the Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) program. This role includes overseeing aerostat mission operations and ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in aerostat operations management and strong supervisory skills.

The job requires communication with various agencies and the maintenance of flight logs and aerostat systems. Work is to be performed at various operational sites along the US Southern border.

Qualifications

• 5 years' experience in aerostat operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
• Must complete 16 hours of Weather Observation training within the first year.

Responsibilities

• Act as single point-of-contact for aerostat mission support.
• Monitor weather conditions affecting operations.
• Maintain flight system logs and records.

Skills

Aerostat operations management

Communication

Data analysis

Supervisory skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Company Overview

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

Position Overview

QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Flight Director to support the DHS Customs & Border Protection Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) program. The TARS program leverages aerostat systems to provide persistent surveillance and detection capabilities, to the U.S. Government customer across eight (8) different operational sites along the US Southern border in multiple locations including Puerto Rico, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

The successful candidate will have experience managing aerostat flight operations on platforms similar in size to the TARS aerostats. You will be the single point of contact on your assigned shift, ultimately responsible for all flight operations at your assigned site, and supported by a senior flight director located with the Central operations centers as well as a 4-5 person shift flight crew.

Responsibilities

• Acts as single point-of-contact and control over Aerostat mission support activity during assigned work shift, including direct control of all crew activity relative to Aerostat pre-launch, launch, ascent, transition, station keeping, and recovery.
• Maintains current status of local weather conditions and weather trends as they influence mission support.
• Communicates with the TARS Control Center, Meteorological Forecast Facilities, and other Government agencies as appropriate.
• Makes significant event and data entries in the mission flight log.
• Prepares and maintains the flight system weight logs and weight and balance records for the operational Aerostat.
• Maintains cognizance of system performance.
• Conducts routine Aerostat performance computations as necessary to acquire data results relative to Aerostat system state-of-health trends.
• Determines when helium addition is required and computes the quantity to be added. Keeps and provides reports of on-hand helium assets and helium usage. Evaluates Aerostat lift and purity trends. Reports any unusual trends to management and recommends remedial action.
• Provides supervision for the flight operations and maintenance crew during assigned shift.
• Trains and certifies other personnel in selected Aerostat electronic subsystem procedures.
• May be assigned Quality Control duties as required. May be required to work in special man‑lift vehicles.
• Functions as a key member of the flight crew for inflation, deflation, launch, recovery, maintenance, and in‑flight activities.
• Directs and performs corrective and preventative maintenance on the Aerostat telemetry and control subsystems, power and control subsystems, tether subsystem, meteorological equipment, ground station electronic subsystems, payload and communications subsystems, and site facility electronics as appropriate.
• Directs and performs all Aerostat electronic subsystem preflight and postflight checks and inspections as required.
• Coordinates resupply and repair logistics activities for the Aerostat electronics subsystems.
• May serve as the Site Manager in his absence.
• Ensures that site security functions are accomplished and that any unusual security conditions are reported.
• Directs actions of security guards as necessary.
• May perform duties associated with site safety, security, training, and maintenance control.
• Performs and directs activities to fulfill Civil Engineering site tasks related to electrical services and equipment.

Required Qualifications

EXPERIENCE: 5 years' aerostat experience; 2 Supervisory.

EDUCATION: High school graduate. 16 hours of formal Weather Observation training by a Weather Professional (or acquire in the first year on the contract).

Prior certification on TARS aerostats a plus.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: National Agency Check (NAC)

LANGUAGE: Must be able to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.

PHYSICAL: Work requires the ability to perform the following physical activities: walking, standing, stooping, bending, twisting, crawling, reaching, lifting 25lbs, sitting, and squatting. Work may require walking, standing, sitting, and working in confined spaces or at high elevations for extended periods of time. Warehouse, exterior and interior work environments, sometimes in inclement weather. Candidates must be willing and able to work various work shifts as assigned.

Company EEO Statement

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e‑mail to [e-mail] or call [phone] Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.