Tars Operational Flight Support Specialist (Flight Director)

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.

QineitQ US is seeking TARS Operational Support Personnel for positions such as Flight Specialists, Machinery Maintenance Mechanics, and Electronics Technicians to serve as Flight Directors, Nose Line Handlers, Line Handlers, Winch Operators and Control Center personnel in support of the DHS Customs & Border Protection Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) program. The TARS program leverages aerostat systems to provide persistent surveillance, detection capabilities, to our U.S. Government customer. 

The ideal candidate will have direct TARS, TASS, or PSS-T experience as a current operational support person, or prior program support.  Each member will serve as the operational crew in a 24/7 operation in the areas of aerostat pre-launch, launch, ascent, transition, station keeping, and recovery.  Individuals should have experience having performed in one of the following job areas: 

Flight Director: 

• Directs and performs all aerostat electronic subsystem preflight and post-flight checks and inspections as required. 
• Maintains status of local weather conditions and trends as they influence mission support. 

• Communicates with the TARS Control Center, Meteorological Forecast Facilities, and other Government agencies as appropriate. 
• Prepares and maintains the flight system weight logs and the weight and balance records for the operational aerostat. 
• Evaluates aerostat lift and purity trends. Reports any unusual trends to management and recommends remedial action. 
• 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. 
• Directs and 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. 

Machinery Maintenance Mechanic: 

• Applies advanced technical knowledge and experiences to the overall aerostat system operations and maintenance that may not be accomplished solely by reference to manufacturer’s manuals or similar TARS O&M documentation. 
• Functions as a key member of the flight crew for inflation, deflation, launch, recovery, and in-flight activities.  
• Operates the aerostat launch/recovery control systems including their back-up systems.  
• Directs and performs corrective and preventive activities on the aerostat pressure and control subsystems, power subsystems, mechanical and hydraulic subsystems, aerostat hardware and rigging, tether subsystem, and aerostat envelope.  

• Directs and performs operations and maintenance of compressed-gas equipment, including helium transfers to the aerostat for inflation and replenishment purposes.  
• Trains and certifies other personnel in selected aerostat system procedures and on the proper operation of all aerostat special purpose vehicles (e.g., 90-150 foot Hi-Rangers, self-propelled aerial platforms, forklifts).  

Electronics Technician: 

• 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 

• Functions as a key member of the flight crew for inflation, deflation, launch, recovery, maintenance, and in-flight activities.  
• Directs and 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.  
• Directs and performs all aerostat electronic subsystem preflight and post-flight checks and inspections as required.  
• Trains and certifies other personnel in selected aerostat electronic subsystem procedures. 
• 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).  

• High School Degree or GED  

• 5 years’ direct experience with Aerostat related systems (Flight Director Specific) 

• 2 years’ industry related experience (Other listed positions) 

• Successfully completed Background Investigation with a Favorable Suitability Determination, and issuance of DHS Suitability determination. 
• Valid U.S. Driver’s license required.  
• Must be able to understand, speak, read, and write English fluently.  

• Proof of U.S. residency required.  
• Ability to carry up to 50 lbs.  
• Ability to climb ladders.  
• Ability to work from elevated platforms of 8 feet or higher and for extended periods of time.  
• Ability to work in narrow and confined spaces under elevated temperatures. 
• The status of applicable COVID-19 vaccination requirements under Executive Order 14042 are subject to change depending on applicable court orders and the course of ongoing litigation. Candidates may be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or have an approved exemption

• TARS specific related experience 
• Industry Specific Certification 
• Military equivalent experience 

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.