Launch Contractor - PM Shift

About the role

We are hiring a part-time balloon launch contractor 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 shifts on 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 (7–11 PM), maintaining a solutions-oriented attitude even at the end of a long day
• 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 HQ site, which involves coordination with the landlord, city, and nearby airport. This is not a simple field site and requires patience and process discipline
• Adapt to varying conditions and work well under ambiguity
• 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 in the 7–11 PM window and interfacing with engineers who may be pushing hard on a deadline

Requirements

• US citizenship required

Qualifications

• Experience with compressed gas cylinders a plus, but not required

Skills

• Comfortable working independently in the 7–11 PM window and interfacing with engineers who may be pushing hard on a deadline

Benefits

• Office food and beverages

Pay

$26–$28/hr. We are considering a range of backgrounds and experience levels and adjust our offers to be competitive with market rates.

Schedule

In person required.

1600 Bridge Pkwy, Redwood City, CA.