Mission Planner & Controller (Stratospheric Balloons)

Location: Remote, United States; day-to-day work is fully remote, with up to one week of in-person training during the first week and occasional travel of less than 10% for up to seven days.

Salary: $65,000–$85,000 per year

Company

hirify.global designs, builds, and operates proprietary stratospheric balloons called Swiftys to capture updated Earth imagery.

What you will do

• Plan, create, and execute flight trajectories using internal and external planning software.
• Monitor and manage multiple concurrent Swifty missions in real time, including launch timing, in-flight adjustments, descent, and recovery.
• Interpret weather conditions and make go/no-go launch decisions for imaging missions.
• Coordinate flights with FAA Air Traffic Control, ARTCCs, approach controls, and local towers.
• Maintain accurate flight-performance data, conduct shift handoffs, and generate reports on malfunctions and abnormalities.
• Collaborate with Mission Control, Field Operations, engineering, and external stakeholders to improve procedures, support regulations, and maintain mission coverage.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience in aviation, such as operations control, piloting, dispatch, FAA control, or meteorology.
• At least 1 year of experience or demonstrated ability to read and interpret weather forecasts using multiple tools.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. airspace regulations, airspace maps, terrain maps, and street maps.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, make sound decisions under stress, and manage short- and long-term risks.
• Strong organizational, communication, time-management, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
• Availability for a variable five-days-on, two-days-off schedule, including some weekends and holidays, with shifts covering U.S. time zones.

Nice to have

• B.S. degree in a STEM-related field.
• Technical understanding of software-embedded hardware.
• Experience working with the FAA or EASA, including Part 101 regulations.
• Startup experience or relevant startup knowledge.

Culture & Benefits

• Fully remote day-to-day work supporting nationwide flight operations.
• Discretionary time off.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Equity opportunity, training and development, and opportunities for growth.