Aerostat Operator I

About the role

The Aerostat Operator I provides Operations and Sustainment support for the Persistent Surveillance Systems – Tethered (PSS‑T) program. This role involves hands‑on operation and maintenance of aerostat‑mounted ISR platforms at OCONUS sites, with a required 6‑week training period in Elizabeth City, SC.

Key responsibilities

• Launch, in‑flight, recovery, and mooring of the aerostat system.
• Operate the PGSS/PTDS ISR platform, Mobile Mooring Platform, sensor payloads, communications and navigation systems.
• Use support equipment such as boom lifts, forklifts, ATVs and power generators.
• Perform user‑level maintenance: preventive maintenance checks, troubleshooting, LRU and payload replacement.

Required profile

• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s degree may substitute for experience).
• Active Secret US Government clearance; US citizenship, valid passport (≥1 year) and driver’s license.
• At least 1 year aerostat experience or 2 years in related electrical/mechanical maintenance.
• Two years hands‑on operation/maintenance of aerostat systems or equivalent military MOS (e.g., 35F, 35G, 35H, 96R, 96U).

Required skills

• Preventive Maintenance Checks (PMCS)
• Troubleshooting hardware systems
• Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) replacement
• Payload handling and integration
• Operation of boom lifts, forklifts, ATVs and generators
• Reading electronic schematics and PCB repair
• Use of hardware diagnostic testing tools