Junior Mechanical Technician - NASA Ballon Program

Peraton Overview

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Responsibilities

Peraton provides management and technical support for NASA’s scientific balloon program which supports enabling science missions for NASA and universities across the United States and foreign scientific communities. Scientific balloon missions provide researchers inexpensive, relatively quick, long duration access to near space altitudes and environments. Balloon missions cost orders of magnitude less than satellite missions and provide platforms for heavy experiments (some greater than 5000-lbs) to operate for weeks and even months. Balloon missions have provided significant science theories and discoveries about cosmic rays, gamma ray and x-ray astronomy, optical and UV astronomy, atmospheric sciences, and cosmic microwave background studies.

Our staff are located at the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (CSBF) in Palestine, TX where we design, analyze, build and assembly the support hardware and balloon gondola payloads for the missions. We launch the balloons from locations within the United States (Texas, New Mexico, and Hawaii) and around the world including Antarctica, Sweden, New Zealand, and Australia. Our engineers and technician staff support the launches and balloon and payload recoveries in the US and many worldwide locations. Peraton’s NASA Balloon Operations Contract (NBOC) program is seeking an Engineering Technician to join our team in Palestine, Texas.

Our rural campus offers the ability to work in a low-cost of living area, but within an easy drive of Tyler, Dallas and Houston.    

Responsibilities of the position: 

• Assists in fabrication, installation and testing of mechanical units, systems, sub-systems or models from specific drawings and schematic diagrams.
• Operates standard test equipment and instruments and records data.
• Performs preventative maintenance of light vehicles and equipment, documents and files records for same.
• Operates applicable equipment and performs functions to assist with the launch and recovery of scientific payloads and balloons.

Supports field operations which could require travel for periods up to eight weeks or more several times a year both in the United States and overseas.

Specific Requirements / Licensing Special Requirements:

• Must be able to travel to support campaigns in various locations around the world
• Up to 60% travel per year
• Must have or be able to obtain a passport
• Ability to pass the National Science Foundation physical (Medical) requirement to work in Antarctica including latest FLU vaccinations required to qualify. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• High School diploma or GED certificate.
• Two years of related experience mechanical experience  
• Equivalency – Completion of post-secondary degree or certificate may substitute for years of experience.
• Certifications/License – Must possess or have the ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within 3 years of employment.
• Must be a US Citizen
• Must be able to pass a background check to obtain a NASA Personal Identity Verification card (PIV) background check and drug screen required. 

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge/experience with stick and heli-arc welding desired.
• Knowledge with machine shop tools and machines desired.
• Knowledge/experience with forklift and heavy equipment operation desired.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques involved with assembly and testing of mechanical hardware.
• Knowledge of basic mechanical theory and application. 

Target Salary Range

The rate / range per hour below represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

SCA / Union / Intern Rate or Range

N/A

Benefits Statement

Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits.

Application Statements

The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in the role and the Company. During the review of your application, you may be required to participate in an on-camera interview, as well as participate in a process to verify your identity. Use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools of any kind during Peraton interviews is strictly prohibited unless the candidate has obtained prior written authorization. All interview responses must be the candidate’s own.

EEO

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.