Site Lead

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems.  In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

Company Overview

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems.  In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives

Position Overview

QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Site Lead with specific experience in supporting aerostat operations to support aerostat systems providing persistent surveillance and detection capabilities to the U.S. Government customer across multiple operational sites in Rio Grande Valley, Texas along the US Southern border. 

The successful candidate will have experience managing aerostat flight operations on aerostat platforms of any size.  You will be part of a comprehensive flight crew actively supporting aerostat pre-launch, launch, ascent, transition, station keeping, and recovery.  You will work to coordinate installation repair and improvement projects with operational maintenance and repair timelines.  You will report to Aerostat Operations Director and Program Management Office for long term planning of site activities and with the on-site personnel for daily execution.  A summary of responsibilities are as follows:  

• Responsible for site operations.
• Serve as flight director while on shift.
• Manages all aspects of facility site maintenance, logistics and scheduling.
• Serves as the function manager for all required maintenance that does not impact flight operations.
• Responsible for establishing and managing all Government Furnished Material inventories, tool closet inventories, and repair parts inventory.
• Ensures the operation, maintenance, and repair of Real Property, Real Property Installed Equipment (RPIE), Real Property Similar Equipment (RPSE), roads and grounds, utility systems, security systems, fire systems, and environmental protection systems.
• Coordinates and schedules maintenance of all real property structures to include civil, mechanical and electrical minor repairs such as utilities including water, electrical, sewer and pumps.
• Responsible for coordinating maintenance of concrete pads, asphalt pavement and sidewalks. 
• Works with subcontractors to ensure subcontracted jobs are completed on time, under budget and per the specifications as outlined in the scope of work. 
• Develops the Statement of Work (SOW) for site modifications to include photos, detailed sketches and parts lists for ordering material as required.
• 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 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.  

Secondary Duties include:

• Maintain and understand site documentation such as parts request forms, equipment condition tags, timecards, and flight data and maintenance logs.
• Coordinates resupply and repair logistics activities for the aerostat subsystems.
• Trains and certifies other personnel in selected aerostat subsystem procedures.
• Directs all security, logistics, and site-specific requirements as needed.

• GED or High School Diploma. 
• 5 Years’ direct experience with Aerostat related systems. 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.
• Must be able to understand, speak, read, and write English fluently.
• 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.
• 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.
• Successfully completed Background Investigation with a Favorable Suitability Determination, and issuance of DHS Suitability determination.  

• Experience in technical maintenance repair operations.
• Prior Aerostat Operator experience of any size Aerostat.
• Industry Specific Certification. 
• Military equivalent experience.
• Ability to solve complex problems.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changes in priority and to multi-task.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated with high energy level
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams effectively.
• Sound judgment and strong organizational skills.

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 4 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.