Part Time Launch Operator - VA Beach

WindBorne Systems; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

WindBorne Systems in Virginia Beach, VA is hiring a part-time balloon launch contractor to support our weather forecasting mission. You will launch high-altitude balloons and assist with hardware assembly and field operations.

Evening and weekend shifts are common, with 10–20 hours per week. Candidates should be hands-on, safety-conscious, and comfortable collaborating with engineers to push our prototype hardware toward reliable data collection.

Qualifications

• Follows detailed processes and safety procedures with precision.
• Clear and timely communicator.
• Comfortable with computers and hands-on technical equipment — able to use a screwdriver and figure things out.
• Strong positive attitude and flexible personality; this team moves fast and needs people who execute.
• Greater technical aptitude than a standard launch role: able to debug engineering hardware and work through issues in the field.
• Comfortable working independently during evening shifts and interfacing with engineers who may be pushing hard on a deadline.
• Experience with compressed gas cylinders a plus, but not required.
• US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Launch high-altitude weather balloons following established safety and operational procedures
• Operate and troubleshoot engineering prototype balloon units requiring more technical depth than a standard field launch role
• Collaborate closely with engineers during evening launches, maintaining a solutions-oriented attitude even at the end of a long shift
• Build launch rigs, balloon units, and other hardware. Hands-on assembly is a core part of this role and how our team stays close to the hardware
• Set up and break down launch sites, ensuring equipment is properly configured and secured
• Manage and maintain inventory of balloon supplies, compressed gas cylinders, and related equipment
• Perform routine equipment checks and flag maintenance or safety concerns
• Navigate the operational complexity of the launch site, which may involve coordination with the property owner, local city officials, and nearby airport authorities. This is not a simple field site and requires patience and process discipline
• Adapt to varying conditions and work well under ambiguity

Skills

Safety procedures

Clear communication

Hands-on hardware

Hardware debugging

Independent evening shifts

US citizenship

Tools

Screwdriver

Job description

WindBorne Systems is supercharging weather forecasts with a unique proprietary data source: a global constellation of next-generation smart weather balloons targeting the most critical atmospheric data. We design, manufacture, and operate our own balloons, using the data they collect to generate otherwise unattainable weather intelligence.

Our mission is to eliminate weather uncertainty, and in the process help humanity adapt to climate change, be that predicting hurricanes or speeding the adoption of renewables. We are building a future in which the planet is instrumented by thousands of our microballoons, eliminating gaps in our understanding of the planet and giving people and businesses the information they need to make critical decisions. The founding team of Stanford engineers was named Forbes 2019 30 under 30 and is backed by top-tier investors, including Khosla Ventures and Footwork VC.

We are hiring a part-time balloon launch contractor based in the Virginia Beach, VA area to support our weather forecasting mission. You will be launching high-altitude weather balloons that collect atmospheric data used to improve forecasts for events like hurricanes and wildfires. The role is hands-on and outdoors, with flexible hours — approximately 10–20 hours per week, depending on the company's launch needs — across evenings, weekdays, and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Launch high-altitude weather balloons following established safety and operational procedures

• Operate and troubleshoot engineering prototype balloon units requiring more technical depth than a standard field launch role

• Collaborate closely with engineers during evening launches, maintaining a solutions-oriented attitude even at the end of a long shift

• Build launch rigs, balloon units, and other hardware. Hands-on assembly is a core part of this role and how our team stays close to the hardware

• Set up and break down launch sites, ensuring equipment is properly configured and secured

• Manage and maintain inventory of balloon supplies, compressed gas cylinders, and related equipment

• Perform routine equipment checks and flag maintenance or safety concerns

• Navigate the operational complexity of the launch site, which may involve coordination with the property owner, local city officials, and nearby airport authorities. This is not a simple field site and requires patience and process discipline

• Adapt to varying conditions and work well under ambiguity

Skills and Qualifications

• Follows detailed processes and safety procedures with precision

• Clear and timely communicator

• Comfortable with computers and hands-on technical equipment — able to use a screwdriver and figure things out

• Strong positive attitude and flexible personality; this team moves fast and needs people who execute

• Greater technical aptitude than a standard launch role: able to debug engineering hardware and work through issues in the field

• Comfortable working independently during evening shifts and interfacing with engineers who may be pushing hard on a deadline

• Experience with compressed gas cylinders a plus, but not required

• US citizenship required

Schedule

Flexible, approximately 10–20 hours per week depending on the company's launch needs.

Compensation

$25–$28/hr. We are considering a range of backgrounds and experience levels and adjust our offers to be competitive with market rates.

Location

Virginia Beach, VA and surrounding area. In-person required.