Junior Mechanical Technician (NASA Ballon Program)

Peraton; Palestine (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is seeking an Engineering Technician in Palestine, Texas to support NASA's balloon program. You will fabricate, assemble and test mechanical units, operate test equipment, and assist with payload launches and recoveries.

The role requires travel up to 60% annually, a US citizen, and the ability to obtain a Commercial Driver's License within 3 years. A background check and drug screening are required for NASA PIV access.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; equivalency may substitute for years of experience.
• Two years of related mechanical experience.
• Possession or ability to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 3 years of employment.
• Must be a US Citizen; ability to pass NASA PIV background check and drug screen.

Responsibilities

• Assist in fabrication, installation and testing of mechanical units from drawings and diagrams.
• Operate standard test equipment and record data.
• Perform preventative maintenance of light vehicles and equipment and document records.
• Assist with launch and recovery of scientific payloads and balloons.
• Support field operations with potential travel up to eight weeks or more, domestically and overseas.

Skills

Mechanical experience

Welding

CDL

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Machine shop tools

Forklift operation

Heavy equipment 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
• Must be 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.