The TARS program leverages aerostat systems to provide persistent surveillance and detection capabilities, to the U.S. Government customer across eight (8) different operational sites along the US ...
The TARS program leverages aerostat systems to provide persistent surveillance and detection capabilities, to the U.S. Government customer across eight (8) different operational sites along the US ...
The TARS program leverages aerostat systems to provide persistent surveillance and detection capabilities, to the U.S. Government customer across eight (8) different operational sites along the US ...
The TARS program leverages aerostat systems to provide persistent surveillance and detection capabilities, to the U.S. Government customer across eight (8) different operational sites along the US ...
Aerostat information
What is an aerostat?
An Aerostat job typically involves operating, maintaining, and monitoring tethered balloon systems equipped with surveillance, communication, or weather-monitoring equipment. Responsibilities may include launching, recovering, inspecting, and repairing the aerostat and its associated systems. These roles are commonly found in military, defense, and research settings, where aerostats provide persistent surveillance or communications support. Operators must follow strict safety protocols and work in various weather conditions. Technical knowledge of electronics, mechanics, and aviation systems is often required.
What are the typical daily responsibilities of an aerostat operator?
Aerostat Operators are typically responsible for launching, tracking, and recovering aerostats, as well as conducting regular system checks and maintenance to ensure safe and continuous operation. They monitor weather conditions, manage aerostat altitude and position using ground control systems, and document operational data. Operators often collaborate closely with security teams, technical support staff, or researchers depending on the aerostat's mission. Daily work may involve troubleshooting technical issues, responding to safety concerns, and providing status reports to supervisors. This role requires keen observation and readiness to respond quickly to changing environmental or operational conditions.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the aerostat position, and why are they important?
To thrive as an Aerostat Operator, you typically need a background in aerostat (tethered balloon) deployment, maintenance, and operational monitoring, bolstered by technical training or military experience. Familiarity with ground control systems, weather monitoring tools, and safety procedures is important, and relevant certifications are sometimes required for specific applications. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help operators manage unpredictable conditions and coordinate with support teams. These skills ensure the safe and effective operation of aerostats for surveillance, communication, or research purposes, minimizing risks and maximizing mission success.
What are popular job titles related to Aerostat jobs in Puerto Rico?
For Aerostat jobs in Puerto Rico, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aerostat jobs in Puerto Rico look for?
The top searched job categories for Aerostat jobs in Puerto Rico are:

Job description
We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).
QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.
Why Join QinetiQ US?
If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.
Position OverviewQinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Flight Director to support the DHS Customs & Border Protection Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) program. The TARS program leverages aerostat systems to provide persistent surveillance and detection capabilities, to the U.S. Government customer across eight (8) different operational sites along the US Southern border in multiple locations including Puerto Rico, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
The successful candidate will have experience managing aerostat flight operations on platforms similar in size to the TARS aerostats. You will be the single point of contact on your assigned shift, ultimately responsible for all flight operations at your assigned site, and supported by a senior flight director located with the Central operations centers as well as a 4-5 person shift flight crew.
Responsibilities- Acts as single point-of-contact and control over Aerostat mission support activity during assigned work shift, including direct control of all crew activity relative to Aerostat pre-launch, launch, ascent, transition, station keeping, and recovery.
- Maintains current status of local weather conditions and weather trends as they influence mission support.
- Communicates with the TARS Control Center, Meteorological Forecast Facilities, and other Government agencies as appropriate.
- Makes significant event and data entries in the mission flight log.
- Prepares and maintains the flight system weight logs and weight and balance records for the operational Aerostat.
- Maintains cognizance of system performance.
- Conducts routine Aerostat performance computations as necessary to acquire data results relative to Aerostat system state-of-health trends.
- Determines when helium addition is required and computes the quantity to be added. Keeps and provides reports of on-hand helium assets and helium usage. Evaluates Aerostat lift and purity trends. Reports any unusual trends to management and recommends remedial action.
- Provides supervision for the flight operations and maintenance crew during assigned shift.
- Trains and certifies other personnel in selected Aerostat electronic subsystem procedures.
- May be assigned Quality Control duties as required. May be required to work in special man-lift vehicles.
- Functions as a key member of the flight crew for inflation, deflation, launch, recovery, maintenance, and in-flight activities.
- Directs and performs corrective and preventative maintenance on the Aerostat telemetry and control subsystems, power and control subsystems, tether subsystem, meteorological equipment, ground station electronic subsystems, payload and communications subsystems, and site facility electronics as appropriate.
- Directs and performs all Aerostat electronic subsystem preflight and postflight checks and inspections as required.
- Coordinates resupply and repair logistics activities for the Aerostat electronics subsystems.
- May serve as the Site Manager in his absence.
- Ensures that site security functions are accomplished and that any unusual security conditions are reported.
- Directs actions of security guards as necessary.
- May perform duties associated with site safety, security, training, and maintenance control.
- Performs and directs activities to fulfill Civil Engineering site tasks related to electrical services and equipment.
EXPERIENCE: 5 years' aerostat experience; 2 Supervisory.
EDUCATION: High school graduate. 16 hours of formal Weather Observation training by a Weather Professional (or acquire in the first year on the contract).
Prior certification on TARS aerostats a plus.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: National Agency Check (NAC)
LANGUAGE: Must be able to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
PHYSICAL: Work requires the ability to perform the following physical activities: walking, standing, stooping, bending, twisting, crawling, reaching, lifting 25lbs, sitting, and squatting. Work may require walking, standing, sitting, and working in confined spaces or at high elevations for extended periods of time. Warehouse, exterior and interior work environments, sometimes in inclement weather. Candidates must be willing and able to work various work shifts as assigned.
Company EEO StatementAccessibility/Accommodation:
If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.
QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.
Employment Type: OTHER