Crew Chief
Mountain View, California
Airship Operations – Ground Operations /
Full-time /
On-site
Responsibilities
- Works under the direction of the Director of Ground Operations, performing duties necessary to maintain safe, efficient operation of the airship.
- Represents the company and airship operations in a professional and appropriate manner in all aspects on and off the job.
- Leads and supports a team of Airship Ground Crew, and Ground Handlers in operational, logistical, and ground handling operating activities.
- Participates in airship launching and landing activities, as well as ground handling duties as required.
- Tends to airship systems management watch in rotational shifts with coworkers, including overnight shifts when the airship is moored on the mast.
- Drives ground support vehicles pertinent to mission objectives.
- Follows all safety regulations in accordance with company policy and the Department of Transportation.
- Assists airship mechanics and hangar technicians in performing tasks as necessary.
- Coaches and provides guidance for hangar operations and maintenance support functions as directed.
- Coaches and provides guidance ground support equipment (GSE) cleaning and maintenance duties as directed.
- Performs additional duties as directed.
- Assists with transit operations and logistics planning as required.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a Class A CDL (valid Class A CDL strongly preferred)
- Previous airship operations and ground handling experience required
- Must be able to pass a TSA background check
- Ability to pass and maintain DOT physical and drug/alcohol screening
- Must be capable of lifting and transporting up to 50 pounds
- Must be capable of sitting and/or standing for long periods of time
- Must be able to work in outdoor-type weather conditions year-round
- Weight restrictions due to equipment limitations: able to work on equipment with a weight limitation of 300 pounds, with tools averaging 30 pounds (total body weight not to exceed 270 pounds)
- Ability to pass and maintain DOT physical and drug/alcohol screening
Physical Requirements:
Preferred Qualifications
- Possess a valid Class A CDL
- Prior Boom lift, scissor lift, telehandler, forklift experience/certifications
What We Offer!
- Relocation assistance
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
- Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
- Parental leave
- Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
- 401(k) matching up to 6%
- Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
- Monthly wellness stipend
- Monthly cell phone stipend
- Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
- Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
- An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields
Compliance Requirements
- Criminal background check clearance
- Drug test clearance wherever applicable
$130,000 - $165,000 a year
The base salary range for this role is $130,000 - 165,000, which is determined based on experience, geography, and qualifications. The base salary is one component of the total compensation package, which includes a very competitive annual bonus, 401K Match, and other generous benefits. While we believe competitive compensation is a critical aspect of your decision to join us, we do hope you also spend time considering why our mission and culture are right for you.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of lighter-than-air aviation and help bring a pioneering airship to market. If you're passionate about certification and regulatory strategy in aviation, and ready to make history—let’s talk.
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LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.
Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.
