Part-Time Weather Balloon Launch Technician – Flexible Hours

Convectivecapital; Bay Minette, Northern (AL, KY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

WindBorne Systems in Alabama is seeking a part-time Launch Operator to support weather forecasting by launching high-altitude balloons. The role is outdoors, hands-on, and requires collaboration with engineers during evening launches and careful equipment handling.

As a contractor, you will follow safety procedures, build launch rigs, manage inventory, and perform routine checks. US citizenship is required, with approximately 10–20 hours per week across evenings, weekdays, and weekends.

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

Precise processes

Clear communication

Hands-on hardware troubleshooting

Independent evening shifts

Strong technical aptitude

Team collaboration

Tools

Screwdriver

Computers

Job description

WindBorne Systems in Alabama is seeking a part-time Launch Operator to support weather forecasting by launching high-altitude balloons. The role is outdoors, hands-on, and requires collaboration with engineers during evening launches and careful equipment handling.

As a contractor, you will follow safety procedures, build launch rigs, manage inventory, and perform routine checks. US citizenship is required, with approximately 10–20 hours per week across evenings, weekdays, and weekends.