Overview
High Altitude Balloon Helium Technician
LOCATION: Remote with travel within New Mexico
JOB STATUS: Part-time Casual
CLEARANCE: Ability to obtain DoD Secret Clearance
CERTIFICATION: None
TRAVEL: Required during flight operations
Astrion is seeking a part-time, casual Helium Technician Rigger to support a limited number of high-altitude balloon flight operations for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Warfighting Directorate. This role is crucial in ensuring the safe and successful handling of Helium gas and balloon inflation operations.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
- Prior experience with Helium handling and balloon inflation operations
- Experience with or knowledge of AF Balloon Program standards and operations
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, field-based environments including remote launch locations
- Ability to travel to the location of flight operations within New Mexico
- Ability to lift, carry, and handle equipment under varying conditions
- Willingness to support launch activities as required by the crew chief
- Strong attention to detail and safety procedures in high-risk environments
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
- Experience supporting high-altitude balloon operations
- Strong communication skills and ability to operate effectively in a small, mission-focused team
- Comfortable with field travel and irregular hours during launch windows
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Safe handling of Helium gas
- Balloon inflation operations
- Assist in ground operations, setup, and other launch-related tasks as directed by the crew chief
- Adhere to all AFRL safety protocols, equipment handling standards, and recovery procedures
- Support training and safety briefings for new team members or mission-specific changes