Tars - Machinery Maintenance Mechanic

Company Overview

Avantus Federal, recently acquired by QinetiQ US, is a mission-focused data, cyber and space services, and solutions company. As a mid-market powerhouse with an intentional blend of elite talent, infrastructure, and speed to impact, Avantus leads with technical and domain expertise for its Defense, Intelligence, Homeland Security and Federal Civilian customers.

Helping to solve some of the toughest national security problems and government missions, Avantus' offerings enable services at scale, including cyber technologies and operations, data and software solutions, digital engineering and integration, intelligence analysis and operations, transformation, and advisory services and more.

Position Overview

Avantus Federal is seeking an experienced Aerostat Operator with specific experience in supporting Telemetry and Control operations 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 part of a comprehensive flight crew activity supporting aerostat pre-launch, launch, ascent, transition, station keeping, and recovery, with specific responsibilities in telemetry and control operations.  Secondary responsibilities will include performing recurring electrical maintenance on aerostat and radar systems, as well as support functions related to site operations (such as security, landscaping, and logistical functions. A summary of responsibilities are as follows:

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior electrical maintenance technician for all assigned aerostat shift and site requirements.
• Performs a wide range of technical tasks to include using standard electrical hand tools, mechanical disassembly/assembly, wiring, soldering, fiber optic splicing, operating standard and unique test equipment, repairing aerostat fabric and handling high-pressure gases such as Helium and Nitrogen.
• Flight Crew Member (pre/post flight, launch/recovery, helium toppings, snubbing, inflations/ deflations, tether inspections, proficiency in all emergency procedures for both moored and airborne flight aerostat operations)
  • Makes significant event and data entries in the mission flight log.
  • Performs all aerostat electronic subsystem preflight and post-flight checks and inspections as required.
• Maintain, troubleshoot and repair:
  • Aerostat structures, hydraulic systems, fiber optic components, avionics and electrical components.
  • Ground systems such as generators, communication and weather systems
  • Maintains cognizance of system performance.
• Performs corrective and preventive 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.
• Exercises independent judgment in performing such tasks as making circuit analyses, calculating wave forms, tracing relationships in signal flow, and regularly using complex test instruments (e.g., dual trace oscilloscopes, Qmeters, deviation meters, pulse generators).
• Applies advanced technical knowledge to solve unusually complex problems (i.e., those that typically cannot be solved solely by reference to manufacturers' manuals or similar documents) in working on electronic equipment.
  • Examples of such problems include location and density of circuitry, electromagnetic radiation, isolating malfunctions, and frequent engineering changes.
• Maintains a thorough understanding of digital design as relates to radar signal generators, MTI, IF receivers, clutter rejection, mixers, multipliers, low noise amplifiers, and digital displays.
• Operate general purpose and special purpose vehicles to include man lift operations to heights of 150 feet
• Execute test steps and collect results.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Secondary Duties include:

• Maintain and understand site documentation such as parts request forms, equipment condition tags, timecards, and flight data and maintenance logs
• Calibrate all site and test equipment as required
• Coordinates resupply and repair logistics activities for the aerostat electronics subsystems.
• Trains and certifies other personnel in selected aerostat electronic subsystem procedures.
• Supports all security, logistics, and site specific requirements as directed when not in conflict with primary electrical maintenance responsibilities.

Required Qualifications

• GED or High School Diploma. 
• 7 Years' experience in electrical maintenance. Associate and Bachelor of Science degree in any technical discipline can be substituted for years' experience
• Ability to obtain flight operator certification
• Valid U.S. Driver's license required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must be willing to work in a 24/7 shift scenario and be assigned to various shifts as required to meet mission requirements.
• Proof of U.S. residency required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior Aerostat Operator experience of any size Aerostat.
• Must pass the Aerostat basic training course for continued employment.

Company EEO Statement

Avantus Federal is an equal opportunity workplace and a Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) federal contractor. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital or veteran status, as protected by applicable law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by requesting an accommodations application. Avantus encourages members of historically underrepresented communities to apply and hires individuals solely based on their qualifications for the role. We strongly commit to embracing diversity and ensuring equal employment opportunities for all.

Employment Type: OTHER