Launch Operator - VA Beach

We are hiring a part-time balloon launch contractor based in the Virginia Beach, VA area to support our weather forecasting mission. You'll be launching high-altitude weather balloons that collect atmospheric data used to improve forecasts for events like hurricanes and wildfires. The role is hands-on and outdoors, with flexible hours — approximately 10–20 hours per week, depending on the company's launch needs — across evenings, weekdays, and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Launch high-altitude weather balloons following established safety and operational procedures
• Operate and troubleshoot engineering prototype balloon units requiring more technical depth than a standard field launch role
• Collaborate closely with engineers during evening launches, maintaining a solutions-oriented attitude even at the end of a long shift
• Build launch rigs, balloon units, and other hardware. Hands-on assembly is a core part of this role and how our team stays close to the hardware
• Set up and break down launch sites, ensuring equipment is properly configured and secured
• Manage and maintain inventory of balloon supplies, compressed gas cylinders, and related equipment
• Perform routine equipment checks and flag maintenance or safety concerns
• Navigate the operational complexity of the launch site, which may involve coordination with the property owner, local city officials, and nearby airport authorities. This is not a simple field site and requires patience and process discipline
• Adapt to varying conditions and work well under ambiguity

Skills and Qualifications

• Follows detailed processes and safety procedures with precision
• Clear and timely communicator
• Comfortable with computers and hands-on technical equipment — able to use a screwdriver and figure things out
• Strong positive attitude and flexible personality; this team moves fast and needs people who execute
• Greater technical aptitude than a standard launch role: able to debug engineering hardware and work through issues in the field
• Comfortable working independently during evening shifts and interfacing with engineers who may be pushing hard on a deadline
• Experience with compressed gas cylinders a plus, but not required
• US citizenship required

Schedule Flexible, approximately 10–20 hours per week depending on the company's launch needs.

Compensation $25–$28/hr. We are considering a range of backgrounds and experience levels and adjust our offers to be competitive with market rates.

Location Virginia Beach, VA and surrounding area. In-person required.