Weather Balloon Launch Operator (Wallops Island, VA)

Job Description

Job Description

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 Wallops Island, VA. 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 :

Physical & Cognitive Requirements :

Desired Candidate Qualities :

Nice‑to‑Haves / Preferred Skills :

Education :

Requirements :

Benefits :

We expect all team members to actively leverage and continuously adapt to emerging AI tools as a core part of their daily workflow. Proficiency with job-relevant modern AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot) is expected and integral to success in this role.

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.