Lead Flight Technician - Stratospheric Balloons - Near Space Labs

Near Space Labs is leading the next generation of Earth imaging. We design, build, and operate a fleet of proprietary stratospheric balloons called Swiftys. Our Swiftys fly to the edge of space to deliver high-quality, updated imagery of our planet.

Flight Operations is a fast-paced, growing organization responsible for operating and launching our fleet of Swiftys throughout the U.S. to meet our customer imaging and data needs.

We are hiring Lead Flight Technicians to lead and work alongside a team of Flight Technicians in operating, maintaining, and flying our fleet of Swiftys nationwide. This role is equal parts coach and operating partner, with the Lead Flight Technician being responsible for the success of their team's mission in the field. This includes ensuring that all aspects of the mission—such as imaging execution, equipment functionality, and safety protocols—are executed flawlessly.  Lead Flight Technicians will also ensure proper documentation, complete daily reports, and foster a safety-first work environment. Effective communication with the Deputy Head of Flight Operations is critical for coordinating mission requirements and reporting on field activities.

This full-time, hourly position requires 100% travel with a rotating 7-day on/7-day off work schedule. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, solutions-driven leader with 2-5+ years of technical lead or supervisor experience. They should have experience troubleshooting and operating electromechanical equipment, as they will be their team's Swifty subject matter expert. Additionally, they will be expected to train and coach their team to ensure high performance and technical proficiency. The candidate should thrive in dynamic environments, be passionate about leading a team, love the outdoors, and have a strong commitment to safety.

This position reports directly to the Deputy Director of Flight Operations and plays a critical role in scaling our flight operations footprint across the nation.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $30-33 per hour with ample opportunity for overtime at 1.5 and 2 times hourly base pay
• 7 day-on/7-day off work schedule 
• Travel to field Monday AM. Travel home Sunday PM.
• On average 70+ hours per work week; 10-12 hour shifts.
• 26 work weeks in the year
• 200 hours annual Paid Time Off 
• 80 hours sick leave 
• 401K Plan with company match;
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage 
• Opportunity for equity
• Training and development, as well as opportunities to grow within the organization

Your responsibilities will be:

• Job Duties:
• Lead and manage a team of 1-3 Flight Technicians and a regional contract network of 25+: This includes overseeing scheduling, training, and ensuring that the team is fully prepared to execute their capture missions successfully.
• Work with Mission Control, Flight Operations Planner, and Deputy Head of Flight Operations to successfully execute capture missions;
• Own your team's mission success: Take charge of all aspects of field operations, including imaging execution, ensuring the functionality and airworthiness of the team's fleet of Swiftys, completing and verifying accurate daily reports, managing local inventory necessary for flight operations, coordinating shipping to and from Near Space Labs facilities, scheduling maintenance for assigned fleet vehicles, and coordinating helium logistics.
• Conduct Daily Debriefs and Reports: Review daily accomplishments, outstanding tasks, and upcoming mission details with the Mission Planner and Controller on duty. Write a detailed daily debrief report that will be distributed to stakeholders across the company.
• Work with the Deputy Head of Flight Operations and Vehicle engineering  to provide feedback on components in the field and to ensure quality control;
• Strictly follow Near Space Labs operational and manufacturing procedures and processes;
• Provide improvements to Near Space Labs operational procedures and processes; 
• Generate failure reports for malfunctions and abnormalities in the Swifty and associated equipment with submission to their respective engineering departments;
• Communicate with members of the local community during Swifty recovery and operation; 

•  Working Schedule:
  • Work a Seven day ON/Seven day OFF schedule (Monday - Sunday) including most holidays;
  • 100% Overnight Travel;
  • Adhere to a rigid launch schedule to support flight campaigns including, but not limited to, overtime when needed;
  • Ability to support working days of 12+ hours; and 
    • Overtime eligible after 8 hours each working day and after 40 hours worked in the work week
  • Ability to perform the above responsibilities in conjunction with the physical requirements listed below.

Location

• Positions are nationwide: candidates must live within 60-90 minute drive time of a major international airport such as ATL, BOS, DFW, JFK, LAS,  LAX, MIA, MCO, MSP, PHX, ORD, SEA, SFO, etc. 

Your Skills

• Primary Technical:
• 3+ years of experience working with electromechanical hardware, or a BS degree in a related field.
• Proven experience troubleshooting systems to determine which equipment and/or components require action for repair, replacement, or improvement.
• Hands-on experience repairing hardware.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey mission requirements, field updates, and technical details to both team members and upper management.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols and regulatory compliance related to flight operations and equipment handling.
• Ability to communicate and execute on mission requirements from the Head and/or Deputy Head of Flight Operations.
• Strong critical thinking skills to quickly address issues that arise in the field and develop creative solutions.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and punctual.
• Ability to operate effectively and adapt in demanding, fast-paced situations.
• Ability to quickly shift priorities and efficiently prioritize tasks based on mission success, ensuring that the most critical issues are addressed first.
• Strong leadership abilities, with the capacity to motivate others, and excellent conflict management and problem-solving skills.

• Primary Administrative:
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident;
• Valid U.S. driver's license;
• Successfully pass a company issued background check; and
• Successfully pass a motor vehicle record check with a clean driving record for at least 5 years

• Physical Job Function Requirements: This role requires frequent physical activity, including lifting, carrying, and walking. You should be prepared to work in various outdoor environments, often for extended periods. Detailed requirements are listed below.
• Hike/walk between 0-5 miles with ~20 lbs of equipment per day - Constantly;
• Hike/walk between 5-12 miles with ~20 lbs of equipment per day - Infrequently;
• Lift up to 40 lbs from 30 min to 5 hrs per day - Frequently;
• Lift between 40-60 lbs up to 30 min per day - Frequently;
• Carry up to 30 lbs from 30 min to 5 hrs per day - Frequently; 
• Carry between 30-60 lbs up to 30 min per day - Frequently;
• Push or Pull between 130-150 lbs via a hand truck up to 30 min per day - Constantly;
• Push or Pull up to 50 lbs - Infrequently;
• Stand (at a time and total in shift) - Constantly;
• Walk (at a time and total in shift) - Constantly; 
• Climb ladder - Infrequently; 
• Climb tree - Occasionally;
• Crouch or Kneel - Occasionally; 
• Crawl - Infrequently; 
• Stoop - Occasionally; 
• Reach overhead - Occasionally;
• Reach below waist level - Frequently;
• Reach at desk/waist level - Frequently; 
• Simple grasp - Constantly; 
• Firm grasp - Frequently;
• Fine manipulation - Frequently
• Sitting for extended periods (to drive or perform work)  0-10 hours per day - Constantly; and
• Driving a heavy duty truck between 0-8 hours per day - Constantly 

• Preferred Skills:
• 2+ years of experience leading and managing a team of technical contributors in a field environment, with a proven track record of mission success.
• Previous experience in field operations, particularly in environments requiring rapid decision-making, troubleshooting, and equipment management.
• Advanced knowledge and hands-on experience with electromechanical systems, including experience in diagnosing and repairing complex hardware issues.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and execute mission-critical tasks under tight deadlines, with experience in coordinating multiple moving parts in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing conditions in the field and to develop creative, effective solutions to unexpected challenges.
• Communication Skills: 
• Contain a UAS Part 107 Certification;
• Experience in a Startup Environment: Prior experience working in a fast-paced startup or rapidly growing organization, with the ability to contribute to process improvements and scalability.
• Technical Training Experience: Experience in training and coaching technical teams, with a focus on improving technical proficiency and ensuring high performance.
• Proficiency in land navigation, particularly in remote or challenging environments, to support field operations.
• Ability to safely operate and maneuver a heavy-duty truck with a 20 ft. trailer attached.

What we offer:

• An exciting startup culture where you will have the opportunity to play a critical role in building and scaling a one-of-a-kind technology and organization.
• You will be part of an enthusiastic, international, and motivated team of professionals who are committed to building unique technologies, being rigorous, and finding novel solutions to interesting problems.
• A diverse and inclusive workplace where we welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. 
• A commitment that you will never be bored.  

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, marginalized genders and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Near Space Labs we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.