Flight Operations Specialist Featured
- Location
- Denver, Colorado
- Wage
- Hourly
- Job ID
- 35759217464
- Posted
- 2026-5-6
Flight Operations Specialist job at Urban Sky in Denver CO
Description, duties, responsibilities
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.
- 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 drivers 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 Skys operations.
- 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)
- Mathematical reasoning
- Memorization
- Oral Comprehension
- Spatial Orientation
- Written Comprehension
- 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
- 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.
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university technical/rade School military training/service or equivalent experience.
- Salary will be $85000 - $95000 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
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
$85000-$95000 USD
NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they dont 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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Urban Sky Company Overview
The following jobs have been promoted on the Aviation Ad Network and are to be considered - current, newsworthy aviation employment information (FYI). No guarantee is made as to the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of any information, projections or opinions in announcements obtained through the promoted jobs. The information contained in this announcement is compiled for the convenience of site visitors and is accepted by the site visitor on the condition that errors or omissions are not the responsibility of Avjobs and shall not be made the basis for any claim, demand or cause of action. Please visit this companys web site for additional details and information. Please reference Avjobs when applying.
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