Mission Planner & Controller - Stratospheric Balloons

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 seeking a dynamic operations professional with expertise in aviation, weather, or airspace regulations to join our Mission Planning & Control Team. As a Mission Planning & Control Specialist, you will be responsible for planning and managing flight activities in collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders for our flight teams operating throughout the United States. In this role, you will take direction from the Lead Mission Planner and Controller, ensuring that all operations are executed seamlessly.

As part of our rapidly growing Mission Control Team, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of a pioneering startup. This role is remote and supports operations nationwide. You will work closely with the field operations team and planning team to ensure the successful execution of day-to-day operations.

Work Schedule Commitment: This position requires a rotating 4-day work schedule, including select weekends and holidays, to ensure continuous support for our flight teams operating nationwide across all domestic time zones. Flexibility is key, as you will be part of a dynamic team managing operations 7 days a week. Your specific schedule will be communicated in advance to accommodate both operational needs and personal life.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $70,000 - $85,000 salary range;
• 25 days annual Paid Time Off; 
• 10 days annual 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with 1-2 Mission Controllers and your Lead Mission Planner and Controller to ensure the successful execution of image capture missions.
• Plan, create, and execute flight trajectories utilizing internal planning software and external software tools;
• Enter accurate and timely data on flight performance into our tracking system daily;
• Evaluate and interpret weather maps for capture missions based upon optimal flight and imaging conditions;
• Responsible for the successful execution of flight trajectories during in-flight phase of Swifty launches while ensuring the safety of the equipment, staff, and community throughout launch and landing;
• Maintain and foster the company's well standing relationship with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s  Air Traffic Control - National Airspace System;
• Coordinate flights with the appropriate ARTCCs, Approach controls, and any local towers in a timely manner;
• Contribute/conduct to meetings regarding Mission Control operational processes, policies, and procedures with both internal and external stakeholders;
• Provide feedback and contribute to continuous improvement in Mission Control and Flight Operations processes;;
• Generate failure reports for malfunctions and abnormalities seen with the Swifty in flight;
• Collaborate with Field Operations leaders and Flight Technicians during mission planning and execution;
• Participate in and contribute to team meetings, adapting to evolving processes as the team grows;
• Collaborate with engineering to support future technologies as they relate to regulation, airspace, and the internal flight planning software;
• Adjust to changing priorities, multiple demands, and irregular operations including, but not limited to, emergency response planning support;
• Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time to support operations (travel is more frequent while training for this role);

Adhere to a rotating 4-day work schedule that includes select weekends and holidays. This flexible schedule ensures continuous support for our flight teams operating nationwide 7 days a week.

Requirements:

• 3+ years experience working in an aviation role - ideally: operations control center, pilot, dispatcher, FAA controller, meteorology, or other related fields;
• 1+ years experience and/or capability to read and interpret weather forecasts via multiple weather forecasting tools;
• Well versed in airspace regulation and airspace maps as well as terrain and street maps;
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize workload effectively;
• Use of good judgment and effective decision making in stressful situations;
• Collaborative and a self starter in the contribution to long-term regulation projects;
• Strong time-management skills and experience in deadline-driven environments;
• Natural problem solver and vocal on process and operational improvements;
• Mitigate short and long-term risks while working outside the box in difficult situations;
• Excellent organizational, communication and project management skills;
• Ability to learn in a dynamic environment;
• Bachelors in STEM field or equivalent experience preferred;
• Technical understanding of software embedded hardware preferred; and
• Start-up experience or knowledge preferred.

 

Location:

• This is a remote position that supports teams across the United States.

 

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.