Mission Planner & Controller

Near Space Labs is leading the next generation of Earth imaging. We design, build, and operate a fleet of proprietary, stratospheric balloons called Swiftys. Our Swiftys fly to the edge of space to deliver high quality, updated imagery of our planet.

Flight Operations is a fast-paced growing organization responsible for operating and launching our fleet of Swiftys throughout the U.S. to meet our customer imaging and data needs.

We are seeking a dynamic operations professional with expertise in aviation, weather, or airspace regulations to join our Mission Planning & Control Team. As a Mission Planner & Controller, you will be responsible for planning and managing flight activities in collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders for our flight teams operating throughout the United States. In this role, you will take direction from the Senior Mission Planner and Controller, ensuring that all operations are executed seamlessly.

As part of our rapidly growing Mission Control Team, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of a pioneering startup. This role is remote and supports operations nationwide. You will work closely with the field operations team and planning team to ensure the successful execution of day-to-day operations.

Work Schedule & Commitment:

• Full-Time Scheduling: This is a full-time position based on a variable 5-days-on, 2-days-off rotation which may include some weekends and holidays to support a 7-day-a-week operation.
• Shift Coverage: Because Near Space Labs operates missions across all domestic time zones, shift times vary to cover active flight windows nationwide. Depending on your assigned schedule, shifts can begin early morning Eastern Time to support East Coast operations or extend into the late afternoon/early evening Pacific Time to wrap up West Coast missions. This role includes a mix of weekend shifts and scheduled days off, with shift patterns planned well in advance.
• Onsite Training & Onboarding: While day-to-day operations for this role are fully remote, newly hired team members must be available to travel to a designated location for up to one week of in-person training and onboarding during their first week (location details will be shared during the interview process).

Compensation & Benefits:

• $65,000 - $85,000 salary range;
• Discretionary time off;
• 401K Plan with company match;
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage;
• Opportunity for equity;
• Training and development, as well as opportunities to grow within the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Mission Controllers, including Senior Mission Planner and Controller, to ensure the successful execution of stratospheric image capture missions.
• Plan, create, and execute flight trajectories utilizing internal planning software and external software tools
• Enter accurate and timely data on flight performance into our tracking system daily;
• Conduct thorough shift handoffs to maintain flight continuity across a 7-day-a-week operation;
• Evaluate and interpret weather for capture missions and make go/no-go launch calls based on optimal flight and imaging conditions;
• Act as the in-flight operator for Swifty missions, monitoring and managing multiple concurrent flights in real time and making timely calls (launch timing and clearance, in-flight adjustments, and safe descent and recovery) to execute surveys effectively while protecting equipment, crew, and the public;
• Maintain and foster the company's well-standing relationship with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s Air Traffic Control - National Airspace System;
• Coordinate flights with the appropriate ARTCCs, Approach controls, and any local towers in a timely manner;
• Contribute to meetings regarding Mission Control operational processes, policies, and procedures with both internal and external stakeholders;
• Provide feedback and contribute to continuous improvement in Mission Control and Flight Operations processes;
• Generate failure reports for malfunctions and abnormalities seen with the Swifty in flight;
• Collaborate with Field Operations staff and leaders during mission planning and execution;
• Participate in and contribute to team meetings, adapting to evolving processes as the team grows;
• Work alongside a mix of full-time and part-time Mission Controllers to ensure seamless mission coverage;
• Assist in training and onboarding new hires as the team grows or turns over;
• Collaborate with engineering to support future technologies as they relate to regulation, airspace, and the internal flight planning software;
• Adjust to changing priorities, multiple demands, and irregular operations including, but not limited to, emergency response planning support;
• Willingness to occasionally travel (<10%), with notice, up to 7 days to support operations;

Requirements:

• 2+ years experience working in an aviation role - ideally: operations control center, pilot, dispatcher, FAA controller, meteorology, or other related fields;
• 1+ years experience and/or capability to read and interpret weather forecasts via multiple weather forecasting tools;
• Well versed in US airspace regulation and airspace maps as well as terrain and street maps;
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload effectively;
• Use of good judgment and effective decision making in stressful situations;
• Collaborative and a self starter in the contribution to long-term regulation projects;
• Strong time-management skills and experience in deadline-driven environments;
• Natural problem solver and vocal on process and operational improvements;
• Mitigate short and long-term risks while working outside the box in difficult situations;
• Excellent organizational and communication skills;
• Ability to learn in a dynamic environment;

Preferred Skills:

• B.S. in STEM related field
• Technical understanding of software embedded hardware;
• Previous experience working with regulators like the FAA and EASA
• Previous experience with Part 101 regulation
• Start-up experience or knowledge preferred.

This is a remote position that supports teams across the United States.