Flight Director

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.

QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Flight Director to support the DHS Customs & Border Protection Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) program. The TARS program leverages aerostat systems to provide persistent surveillance and detection capabilities, to the U.S. Government customer across eight (8) different operational sites along the US Southern border in multiple locations including Puerto Rico, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

The successful candidate will have experience managing aerostat flight operations on platforms similar in size to the TARS aerostats. You will be the single point of contact on your assigned shift, ultimately responsible for all flight operations at your assigned site, and supported by a senior flight director located with the Central operations centers as well as a 4-5 person shift flight crew. Duties include direct control of all crew activity relative to aerostat pre-launch, launch, ascent, transition, station keeping, and recovery. Specific responsibilities include:

Maintains current status of local weather conditions and weather trends as they influence mission support.
• Communicates with the Consolidated TARS Operations Center and other Government agencies as appropriate in reporting flight and site status.
• Makes significant event and data entries in the mission flight log.
• Prepares and maintains the flight system weight logs and the weight and balance records for the operational aerostat.
• Maintains cognizance of system performance.
• Conducts routine aerostat performance computations as necessary to acquire data results relative to aerostat system state-of-health trends.
• Determines when helium addition is required and computes the quantity to be added.
• Keeps and provides reports of on-hand helium assets and helium usage.
• Evaluates aerostat lift and purity trends. Reports any unusual trends to management and recommends remedial action.
• Provides supervision for the flight operations and maintenance crew during assigned shift.
• 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.
  • Examples of such problems include location and density of circuitry, electromagnetic radiation, isolating malfunctions, and frequent engineering changes.
• Maintains a thorough understanding of digital design as relates to radar signal generators, MTI, IF receivers, clutter rejection, mixers, multipliers, low noise amplifiers, and digital displays.
• Exercises independent judgment in performing such tasks as making circuit analyses, calculating wave forms, tracing relationships in signal flow, and regularly using complex test instruments (e.g., dual trace oscilloscopes, Qmeters, deviation meters, pulse generators).
• 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.
• Directs and performs all aerostat electronic subsystem preflight and post-flight checks and inspections as required.
• Coordinates resupply and repair logistics activities for the aerostat electronics subsystems.
• Trains and certifies other personnel in selected aerostat electronic subsystem procedures.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Support Regional Site Manager in coordinating and prioritizing site related maintenance in accordance with operational limitations.
• Ensures that site security functions are accomplished and that any unusual security conditions are reported. Directs actions of security guards as necessary.
• May perform duties associated with site safety, security, training, and maintenance control.
• Performs and directs activities to fulfill Civil Engineering site tasks related to electrical services and equipment.
• May be assigned Quality Control duties as required.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

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.