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Urban Sky · 2 months ago

Weather Balloon Launch Operator (Chatham, MA)

Chatham, MA

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

$24/hr - $32/hr

Urban Sky is a venture-backed aerospace startup that pioneers utilization of the stratosphere and reimagines the way humans view and analyze the earth. The Weather Balloon Launch Operator will support the Flight Operations team by executing high-altitude weather balloon launches, ensuring safety and adherence to procedures while collecting critical atmospheric data.

GeospatialMapping ServicesNavigationRemote SensingSmart Cities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Prepare, fill and launch high‑altitude weather balloons in accordance with detailed procedures and safety protocols, ensuring proper handling of helium/hydrogen cylinders and other launch equipment

Operate and maintain gas cylinders, inflation systems, radiosondes/payloads and ground support equipment

Perform routine maintenance, cleaning and basic repairs of launch equipment, devices, and storage containers

Maintain a clean and organized launch site, including managing temporary structures such as storage containers or portable shelters

Ensure proper storage of equipment and supplies, keep the workspace free of hazards, and coordinate site logistics to support daily launch operations

Collect and log launch parameters, weather conditions and flight data using computer‑based tools

Communicate clearly with flight operations and engineering teams, promptly report anomalies and provide photo/video documentation of launches as required

Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, exercising sound judgment in navigating field hazards and respecting private property near launch sites

Collaborate with other launch operators to maintain the twice‑daily launch cadence across the 199‑day pilot, including weekends and holidays

Participate in planning, logistics, and shift scheduling to ensure continuous coverage

Qualification

Handling compressed gasesEquipment operationMaintenanceData collectionLoggingBasic computer proficiencyPhysical capabilityCommunication skillsSituational awarenessTeamworkDecision-makingAttention to detailAdaptability

Required

Experience handling compressed gases (helium, hydrogen) and working with gas cylinders, pressure regulators and inflation systems

Demonstrated ability to follow detailed procedures and safety checklists in a technical or field environment

Manual dexterity and mechanical aptitude for handling delicate balloon materials, payloads, radiosondes and small tools

Physical capability to work outdoors for extended periods and to lift and move gas cylinders and equipment weighing up to 50lbs (23 kg)

Proficiency with basic computer applications for data entry, logging and communication; comfortable using internet‑connected devices in the field

Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with team members, providing status updates and documenting operations

Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for daily travel to local launch sites. Comfortable operating full‑size pickup trucks and other vehicles in urban and remote environments

Strong process orientation, with the ability to document, follow and improve standard operating procedures to ensure consistency and efficiency

Interpersonal skills and the ability to work cooperatively in a small team, provide constructive feedback and maintain positive relationships with colleagues and customers

Discretion and good decision‑making skills when dealing with sensitive customer and company information or interacting with the public

Ability to stand, walk, kneel, stoop, crouch, climb, reach and handle equipment during balloon preparation and launch activities

Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs (occasionally 50‑80 lbs with team assistance), including gas cylinders and field equipment

Sufficient visual acuity (near and far), depth perception and color vision to inspect hardware, read gas gauges, and monitor data displays

Ability to comprehend and retain technical procedures, perform basic mathematical reasoning, and maintain situational awareness in dynamic field environments

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Must be located within commuting distance of specified launch site (Chatham, MA) or able to travel daily to the launch site for the duration of the 199‑day pilot

Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes early morning and evening shifts, weekends and holidays to support continuous launch operations

Preferred

Experience with soldering, electronics assembly, mechanical assembly or 3D printing; comfortable using precision hand tools for small‑scale fabrication

Understanding of meteorology and atmospheric science, including reading weather models and interpreting wind and flight dynamics

Experience operating a weather station or remote sensing equipment and interpreting the data collected

Aviation, UAV or flight operations experience; familiarity with launch and recovery of high‑altitude balloons or other unmanned systems

Outdoor experience/hobbies

Field operations experience

Familiarity with MS Office, Slack, and other collaboration tools; experience with data analysis or mapping software is a plus

High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor's degree in a technical field, trade school certification, or equivalent work experience in aerospace, field operations or instrumentation preferred