High Altitude Balloon Recovery Lead

High Altitude Balloon Recovery Lead

LOCATION: Albuquerque, NM (Kirtland AFB)

JOB STATUS: Part-time Casual

CLEARANCE: DoD Secret Clearance

CERTIFICATION: Active CDL preferred

TRAVEL: Required during flight operations

Astrion is seeking a Balloon Recovery Lead on a part-time, casual basis to support a limited number of high-altitude balloon flight operations for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate. This individual will lead the field recovery of flight hardware following each balloon termination, ensuring the safety of the recovery team and the successful retrieval of critical assets. The role requires strong situational awareness, excellent interpersonal skills, and deep familiarity with New Mexico terrain and logistics. Candidates with experience in field operations, balloon recovery, or search and retrieval are encouraged to apply.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Demonstrated experience in field logistics, recovery operations, or similar hands-on roles

• Familiarity with AFRL or FAA regulations related to balloon recovery preferred

• Knowledge of New Mexico and neighboring state terrain, including rural access roads, land ownership patterns, and field navigation

• Comfortable acting as Safety Lead during remote operations involving personnel and sensitive flight hardware

• Strong documentation skills: ability to capture GPS coordinates, photos, and narrative details for recovery reporting

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills - able to engage respectfully with local landowners and communities

• Willingness to perform other support tasks during launch and recovery as directed by the crew chief

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Active CDL or ability to operate trucks and trailers safely over long distances

• Prior experience with high-altitude balloon operations, DoD missions, or aerospace payload recovery

• Pre-existing relationships with local contacts (e.g., ranchers, law enforcement) is a strong plus

• Familiarity with tracking tools, termination protocols, and safety procedures used in balloon programs

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and coordinate the recovery team during each balloon recovery mission

• Serve as the Safety Lead for all recovery activities, ensuring personnel safety and adherence to protocols

• Document each recovery operation with photos, coordinates, field notes, and summary input for formal reporting

• Interface directly with the public, including landowners and local authorities, in a calm, respectful, and professional manner

• Support additional tasks during launch and recovery events as directed by the crew chief

• Travel as required to remote field sites for each of the two scheduled flight operations

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