Flight Operations Specialist

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: 

The Flight Operations Specialist 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 (CONUS and occasionally OCONUS).  

The work schedule is dynamic, at times unpredictable, and subject to change based upon the operational needs of the company and our customers. Evenings/nights/weekends as required depending on flight schedule, surge periods, weather, etc. 
 
Work days can consist of long hours driving or long days hiking in the field, or a combination of both. 12-16 hour days are not uncommon on mission days, however not every day will involve flying as operations are dependent on weather conditions, customer support and R&D schedule. 

As a Flight Operations Specialist at Urban Sky, you will play a vital role in the successful execution of high-altitude micro-balloon flight systems for various missions. In general, the ideal candidate is comfortable working both individually and as part of a team. Able to provide continuous effort to improve operations, streamline processes, work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service. Be an overall team player and participate in special projects and other duties as required.  

 

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 both 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. 

• DoW/Customer Support: Comfortable working with military/government clients, supporting, organizing, and ensuring the success of their CONOPs. 

• Customer Training: Become a subject matter expert to educate on the physical employment of Urban Sky flight systems and software.  

• Communication and Responsiveness: Carry and maintain a smartphone at all times when On-Call, responding promptly to notifications. Demonstrate proficiency in Urban Sky technology for flight tracking and communication. 

• Field Presence: Exercise sound judgment, at times in ambiguous situations, as well as navigating field hazards, respecting private property, and representing Urban Sky professionally when interacting with third parties such as property owners, law enforcement, and customers. 

• Work Environment: Work flexible hours, including long days driving or hiking in the field. 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: Possess the physical fitness required to work outdoors in challenging environments for extended periods (8 hours or more per day), with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently. 

• Driving Proficiency: Hold a current and valid driver's license with an insurable Department of Motor Vehicle record, excluding minor driving offenses. Comfortable operating full-size and Super Duty pickup trucks in various environments, including urban and remote/off-trail settings. 

• Tool Proficiency: Familiarity with basic hand and power tools, demonstrating the ability to work with and operate them effectively. 

• Technical Aptitude: Ability to learn and comprehend the function and vocabulary of flight systems, with a keen interest in understanding technical aspects. 

• Communication Skills: Demonstrate clear and concise written and verbal communication skills, providing constructive feedback to Urban Sky Management, Engineering, and Operations Teams. 

• Computer Literacy: Strong computer and data entry skills, with the 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 

• Handling, Fingering, Feeling 

• 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 

• Oral Comprehension 

• Spatial Orientation 

• Written Comprehension 

 

Nice-to-Haves: 

• Aviation, UAV or Flight Operations Experience 

• Experience working in small teams 

• Outdoor experience/hobbies, or remote survival training 

• Field Operations 

• Airframe/Avionics background 

• Electronics or mechanical experience 

• Work with Compressed Gas and Equipment to include 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: Demonstrate respect and professionalism within a team setting, fostering a collaborative work environment. 

• Safety-Focused: Maintain a safety mindset, consistently performing risk assessments in response to changing conditions. 

• Selfless Attitude: Display a selfless attitude, readily jumping in to contribute where needed. 

• Resilient and Positive: Stay positive in challenging situations and uncomfortable conditions, exhibiting a "go with the flow" attitude. 

• Adaptability: Comfortably handle 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: Possess a self-starter mentality, coupled with discipline and organizational skills. 

• Attention to Detail: Demonstrate a strong attention to detail in all aspects of work. 

• Situational Awareness: Exhibit excellent situational awareness and maintain composure under pressure. 

• Good Judgment: Display 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: 

 

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university, technical/rade School, military training/service, or equivalent experience. 

 

Benefits: 

• Salary will be $85,000 - $95,000 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 

• Unlimited Vacation Days 

• Cell Phone Bill Stipend 

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.