Flight Control Operator

Job Description:

• Operate and become an expert at flying WindBorne’s autonomous weather balloons
• Use wind-field knowledge to route balloons to specific locations worldwide
• Navigate balloons by changing altitude through ballast release and gas venting
• Develop new flight-control techniques and adapt as hardware and software evolve
• Make rapid operational decisions under uncertain forecasts and varying balloon behavior
• Decide when to avoid or pass through rough weather
• Correct for forecast uncertainties and reach locations near the limits of the hardware
• Learn from balloon failures caused by hardware, weather, or operational mistakes
• Coordinate with engineering teams

Requirements:

• Ability to learn independently in an environment where procedures are constantly evolving
• Comfort prioritizing and making judgment calls in high-pressure, uncertain environments
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering teams
• Willingness to work long or unusual hours
• Weekend availability strongly preferred
• Reliable internet required
• U.S. citizenship required
• Security clearance is not required

Benefits:

• Fully remote work arrangement
• Steady part-time work with regularly scheduled hours
• Consistent schedule coordinated around availability and coverage needs
• Opportunity to develop specialized expertise in flight control, meteorology, physics, and operational judgment