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Latex Balloon System Engineer

Denver, CO

About Urban Sky: 

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 (DoD), 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. 

We aim to build the next chapter of stratospheric history in Denver and are seeking self-starting, open-minded, and hard-working team members. 

About the Role

Urban Sky is seeking a Latex Balloon Systems Engineer with approximately 3+ years of experience in aerospace, mechanical/electrical engineering, or related fields. You will lead the end‑to‑end design and development of our next‑generation latex balloon system—including mechanical structures, embedded electronics, and firmware. This will involve ownership and creation of new systems that are cohesive and coherent to our existing flagship fleet of balloon systems.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Mechanical system design: Create CAD models, analyze structures, and oversee fabrication and testing of latex balloon components, inflation systems, and release mechanisms.
  • Electrical & avionics design: Architect the flight electronics stack (power management, sensors, radios), design schematics and PCBs, and integrate with solar or battery systems.
  • Firmware development: Develop embedded firmware for flight control, telemetry, and autonomous functions using C
  • System integration & testing: Build prototypes, conduct ground and flight tests, and iterate designs based on performance data.
  • Cross‑functional collaboration: Partner with payload, software, manufacturing, and operations teams to ensure seamless system integration.
  • Documentation & compliance: Produce design specs, test reports, and user manuals while supporting regulatory compliance and safety standards.

 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • Roughly 3+ years of hands‑on experience designing and building hardware systems.
  • Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion 360), PCB design tools (KiCad, Altium), and embedded development (C/C++).
  • Experience with sensors, wireless comms, power systems, and environmental testing.
  • Demonstrated ability to take products from concept to production within cross‑disciplinary teams.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

 

Nice‑to‑Haves

  • Background in high‑altitude balloons or remote sensing systems.
  • Familiarity with latex or flexible‑membrane structures.
  • Knowledge of control theory, flight dynamics, or autonomy algorithms.

 

Requirements

  • U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (export control compliance).
  • On‑site in Denver, CO; occasional travel for field testing.
  • Comfortable adopting AI‑enabled tools in daily workflow.

 

Benefits

  • Salary range: $90,000 – $140,000 
  • Equity compensation in company stock‑option plan.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Unlimited vacation policy.
  • Cell phone stipend.

 

Urban Sky is required to post this salary range per Colorado law. Your salary will be determined based on your abilities and experience. 

Colorado Pay Transparency

$90,000 - $140,000 USD

We expect all team members to actively leverage and continuously adapt to emerging AI tools as a core part of their daily workflow. Proficiency with job-relevant modern AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot) is expected and integral to success in this role.

NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes that they have the skills and the passion necessary to succeed here to apply for this role. 

This position may require the candidate to deal with commodities, software, technology, defense articles, and/or technical data which are subject to the Export Administration Regulations and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Additional information may be requested so as to determine whether export authorization is required from the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. If authorization is required, employment will be contingent upon the Company successfully obtaining such authorization from the relevant government agency. 

Urban Sky is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

 

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