Flight Operations Technician Denver, CO

Urban Sky is a venture-backed aerospace startup that pioneers utilization of the stratosphere and reimagines the way humans view and analyze the earth. We design, build, operate, and sell stratospheric balloon systems, and the data we collect supports a wide range of applications, from real-time wildfire monitoring to urban mapping. Our technology is also employed by government customers including the Department of Defense, NASA, and others. Urban Sky sends flight vehicles to the stratosphere on a weekly basis. Our team consists of engineers, makers, developers, and doers who believe in the power of human potential when passion meets utility within a small, supportive team. At Urban Sky we strive to create a team culture grounded in candor, inclusion, respect and empowerment. The Flight Operations Technician reports to the Head of Flight Operations and is part of the team that manages and executes Urban Sky stratospheric flight operations. This position is based in Denver, CO and requires strong field experience, discretion and judgment while launching, tracking, and retrieving high‑altitude balloon systems for various applications to deliver crucial internal and customer data. Extensive overnight travel (up to 100%) is required, including CONUS and occasionally OCONUS. Work hours are dynamic and subject to change based on operational needs. Flights may occur on evenings, nights, weekends or during surge periods. Days can involve 12‑16 hour work shifts and may require long drives or hikes in the field. Operations are dependent on weather, customer support and R&D schedules. As a Flight Operations Technician at Urban Sky, you will play a vital role in the successful execution of high‑altitude micro‑balloon flight systems for various missions. You will work both independently and as part of a team, continuously improving operations, streamlining processes and providing quality customer service. Participation in special projects and other duties is expected. Key Functions Launch and Recovery Operations: Perform physical launch and recovery of micro‑balloon flight systems, adhering to safety protocols and guidelines. Vehicle Operation: Safely operate and maintain company vehicles during deployments, which can involve long‑distance driving for launch locations and chase/recovery activities. On‑Call Readiness: Be available for rapid deployment with less than 24 hours notice, traveling extensively throughout the Continental U.S. for periods ranging from a few days to a few weeks, and/or supporting local Colorado R&D missions. Communication and Responsiveness: Carry and maintain a smartphone at all times when on‑call, responding promptly to notifications and demonstrating proficiency in Urban Sky technology for flight tracking and communication. Field Presence: Exercise sound judgment in ambiguous situations, navigate field hazards, respect private property, and represent Urban Sky professionally when interacting with property owners, law enforcement and customers. Work Environment: Work flexible hours, including long days driving or hiking in the field, and actively participate in travel planning and authorization processes. Equipment Handling: Load and unload heavy compressed gas cylinders, operate various transportation modes (4x4 vehicles, ATVs, hike on foot), and, if necessary, coordinate helicopter rides for recovery operations. Documentation and Reporting: Clearly document, video, and photograph balloon, payload, and recovery sites; follow documented test plans and procedures for R&D missions; provide detailed reports on flight operations and equipment observations. Logistics Management: Handle reverse planning of flown hardware and essential data, ensuring timely delivery to Urban Sky HQ for processing and customer delivery. Required Skills & Knowledge Physical Fitness and Endurance: Physical fitness to work outdoors in challenging environments for extended periods (8 hours or more per day) and ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently. Driving Proficiency: Current and valid driver’s license with an insurable Department of Motor Vehicle record. Comfortable operating full‑size and Super‑Duty pickup trucks in various environments. Tool Proficiency: Familiarity with basic hand and power tools, demonstrating ability to work with and operate them effectively. Technical Aptitude: Ability to learn and comprehend flight systems and understand technical aspects. Communication Skills: Clear, concise written and verbal communication, providing constructive feedback to Management, Engineering and Operations teams. Computer Literacy: Strong computer and data entry skills, with ability to navigate technology platforms efficiently. Process Orientation: Ability to document, follow, and improve standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency and efficiency in operations. Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional teamwork, customer relationship and interpersonal skills, fostering a collaborative work environment. Discretion and Decision‑Making: Exercise discretion with sensitive customer and company information, coupled with excellent decision‑making skills when interacting with the public. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of physical capability, technical acumen, and effective communication skills to contribute to the success of Urban Sky’s operations. Physical Requirements Standing, Walking, Sitting, Carrying, Climbing, Balancing Crouching, Pulling, Stooping, Kneeling, Reaching Lifting objects weighing 50‑80 pounds Visual requirements: far acuity, near acuity, depth perception, field of vision, accommodation, color vision Cognitive Requirements Mathematical reasoning Memorization Spatial orientation Nice‑to‑Haves Aviation, UAV or flight operations experience Experience working in small teams Outdoor experience/hobbies or remote survival training Field operations Electronics or mechanical experience Work with compressed gas and equipment, including helium and hydrogen WFR/WFA certification MS Office Suite and Slack Desired Candidate Qualities Humble and Open‑Minded: Approachable and receptive to suggestions and training, regardless of experience level. Team Player: Demonstrates respect and professionalism within a team setting, fostering a collaborative work environment. Safety‑Focused: Maintains a safety mindset, consistently performing risk assessments in response to changing conditions. Selfless Attitude: Displays a selfless attitude, readily jumping in to contribute where needed. Resilient and Positive: Stays positive in challenging situations and uncomfortable conditions, exhibiting a "go with the flow" attitude. Adaptability: Comfortably handles unexpected and exciting situations, as well as routine tasks such as long hours of driving through diverse environments. Endurance and Flexibility: Willingness to work in various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Comfortable with extended periods on the road, ranging from weeks at a time. Self‑Starter and Organized: Possesses a self‑starter mentality, coupled with discipline and organizational skills. Attention to Detail: Demonstrates strong attention to detail in all aspects of work. Situational Awareness: Exhibits excellent situational awareness and maintains composure under pressure. Good Judgment: Displays good judgment when confronted with ambiguous situations. Hands‑On and Analytical: Be hands‑on and eager to learn, with an analytical and open‑minded approach to problem‑solving. Education and Compensation Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university, technical/rade school, military training/service, or equivalent experience. Salary: $75,000 – $85,000 per year + performance bonus structure. We are required to post this salary range per Colorado law. Your salary will be determined based on your abilities and experience. Stock options Medical, vision and dental benefits Unlimited vacation days Urban Sky is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. #J-18808-Ljbffr Urban Sky