Mechanical Technician/Machinist

About The Role Peraton provides management and technical support for NASA's scientific balloon program which supports enabling science missions for NASA and universities across the United States and foreign scientific communities. Scientific balloon missions provide researchers inexpensive, relatively quick, and long‑duration access to near‑space altitudes and environments. Balloon missions cost orders of magnitude less than satellite missions and provide platforms for heavy experiments (some greater than 5,000‑lbs) to operate for weeks and even months. They have delivered significant scientific theories and discoveries about cosmic rays, gamma‑ray and X‑ray astronomy, optical and UV astronomy, atmospheric sciences, and cosmic microwave background studies. Our staff are located at the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (CSBF) in Palestine, TX where we design, analyze, build, and assemble the support hardware and balloon gondola payloads for the missions. We launch the balloons from locations within the United States (Texas, New Mexico, and Hawaii) and around the world, including Antarctica, Sweden, New Zealand, and Australia. Our engineers and technicians support the launches and balloon and payload recoveries in the U.S. and many worldwide locations. Peraton's NASA Balloon Operations Contract (NBOC) program is seeking a Mechanical Technician/Machinist to join our team. Responsibilities Machine simple metal parts using the machine shop in Building F‑7. Assemble sub‑systems and systems: WASP gimbal frames, latch assemblies, avionics decks, gondola frames, hub assemblies, rotator assemblies Test sub‑systems and systems: WASP gimbal frames, latch assemblies, avionics decks, gondola frames, hub assemblies, rotator assemblies Integrate systems into: Balloon gondola frames that are either built in‑house or supplied by science groups Other systems that are either built in‑house or supplied by science groups Packing and loading of equipment. Disassembly, inspection, and refurbishment of mechanical hardware as needed. Modification or enhancement of mechanical hardware as needed. Primary work on‑site at the Wallops Flight Facility. Ability to travel domestically or internationally up to 6 weeks for balloon campaign support. Qualifications Required Qualifications High school diploma or GED with five years of experience. Knowledge of material, operational, structural requirements related to suborbital flight environment. Working knowledge of NASA‑STD‑5020 for bolted assemblies for spacecraft. Fabrication experience with tolerance stacking of fabricated systems, machining metal and/or composites, sheet metal forming, press brake forming, lathe, drill press, mill, and grinder. Familiarity with balloon‑borne off‑axis pointing systems, including configuration control for assembly of balloon‑borne payloads, assembly, testing, and tolerancing modifications of both the driver and passive control hubs (pitch/yaw axes), fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of 3‑axis balancing systems. Familiar with balloon‑borne rotational pointing (rotator) system. Has or can obtain certification in high‑pressure systems operation, powered industrial truck (mechanical forklift) operation, overhead crane operations, and rigging. Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain a passport and travel visas. Ability to pass the National Science Foundation physical (medical) requirement to work in Antarctica, including latest flu vaccinations. Desired Qualifications Implementing novel solutions to emergent problems to ensure a safe and successful mission based on knowledge of NASA pointing systems, NASA safety requirements, and the mission environment. Managing weight and space limitations on balloon‑borne gondola. Experience with the Wallops Arc‑Second Pointing System (WASP). Details Target Salary Range: The rate or range per hour below represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Benefits Statement: Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Peraton