Weather Balloon Launch Operator (Chatham, MA)
About Urban Sky:
Urban Sky is a venture-backed aerospace startup that pioneers utilization of the stratosphere and reimagines the way humans view and analyze the earth. We design, build, operate, and sell stratospheric balloon systems, and the data we collect supports a wide range of applications, from real-time wildfire monitoring to urban mapping. Our technology is also employed by government customers including the Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, and others. Urban Sky sends flight vehicles to the stratosphere on a weekly basis.
Our team consists of engineers, makers, developers, and doers who believe in the power of human potential when passion meets utility within a small, supportive team. At Urban Sky we strive to create a team culture grounded in candor, inclusion, respect and empowerment.
We aim to build the next chapter of stratospheric history in Denver and are seeking self-starting, open-minded, and hard-working team members.
About The Role:
Urban Sky is seeking a Weather Balloon Launch Operator to support our Flight Operations team as part of a pilot program launching high‑altitude weather balloons at site locations in Chatham, MA. The pilot requires two launches per day (morning and evening) over a 199‑day period. You will be responsible for the safe, accurate and timely execution of each launch, including equipment preparation, balloon inflation, adherence to procedures, data collection and communication with the broader operations team. This is a temporary contract role that will require early morning and evening shifts, outdoor work in varied weather conditions, and daily travel to the launch site. You will play a critical role in ensuring the success of our data‑collection campaign—and the data you help collect will directly support atmospheric research and improved climate and weather forecasting. Depending on program outcome there may be potential for longer‑term opportunities within Urban Sky.
Key Functions:
- Launch Operations: 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.
- Equipment Operation & Maintenance: 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. Safely load and unload heavy compressed gas cylinders and other equipment.
- Site Management: 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.
- Communication & Documentation: 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.
- Field Presence & Safety: Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, exercising sound judgment in navigating field hazards and respecting private property near launch sites. Represent Urban Sky professionally when interacting with property owners, law enforcement or other third parties.
- Schedule Coordination: 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.
Qualifications & Required Skills:
- 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.
Physical & Cognitive Requirements:
- 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.
Desired Candidate Qualities:
- Humble and Open‑Minded: Receptive to feedback and training regardless of prior experience. Demonstrates a continuous improvement mindset.
- Safety‑Focused: Maintains a strong safety mindset and performs risk assessments in response to changing conditions. Proactively identifies and mitigates hazards.
- Team Player: Works collaboratively with others, treats colleagues with respect and professionalism, and willingly assists where needed.
- Resilient and Adaptable: Remains calm under pressure, stays positive in challenging situations and adjusts to evolving procedures and schedules. Comfortable working in extreme temperatures, inclement weather and routine or monotonous tasks.
- Self‑Starter and Organized: Possesses a self‑starter mentality, strong discipline and organizational skills. Demonstrates attention to detail and thoroughness in all aspects of work.
- Situational Awareness and Good Judgment: Exhibits excellent situational awareness in the field and exercises good judgment when confronted with ambiguous circumstances, escalating issues to management when necessary.
- Hands‑On and Analytical: Enjoys hands‑on work and troubleshooting, with an analytical and open‑minded approach to problem solving.
Nice‑to‑Haves/Preferred Skills:
- 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.
Education:
- 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.
Requirements:
- 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.
Benefits:
- Base pay is $24 – $32 per hour (as a 1099 contractor), commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- This position is a temporary contract role; benefits may differ from those offered to full‑time employees. Any available benefits, such as travel reimbursement, per diem or stipends, will be discussed during the interview process.
- Opportunity to work with cutting‑edge stratospheric technology and contribute to pioneering atmospheric research and remote sensing projects.
- Potential for extension or transition to a longer‑term role depending on program success and business needs.
NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes that they have the skills and the passion necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.
This position may require the candidate to deal with commodities, software, technology, defense articles, and/or technical data which are subject to the Export Administration Regulations and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Additional information may be requested so as to determine whether export authorization is required from the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. If authorization is required, employment will be contingent upon the Company successfully obtaining such authorization from the relevant government agency.
Urban Sky is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.