Mission Planner & Controller – Stratospheric Balloons

Near Space Labs

Mission Planner managing stratospheric balloon flights for Near Space Labs’ Earth-imaging operations. Monitoring missions, interpreting weather, coordinating airspace, and making real-time launch and recovery decisions.

Posted 8/24/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $65,000 - $85,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in aviation operations, including flight trajectory planning, weather interpretation, and real-time mission management. Proficient in collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance operational processes and ensure compliance with FAA regulations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Aviation Operations ExperienceWeather Forecast InterpretationUS Airspace Regulation KnowledgeFlight Performance Data ManagementReal-Time Mission Management

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Flight Trajectory PlanningWeather Forecasting ToolsFAA RegulationsFlight Performance Data EntryOperational Process Improvement

Soft Skills

Effective Decision MakingTime ManagementProblem SolvingCollaborationCommunication

Tools & Technologies

Internal Planning SoftwareTracking SystemWeather Forecasting Tools

Industry Keywords

Mission ControlAir Traffic ControlNational Airspace SystemARTCC CoordinationEmergency Response Planning

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Collaborate with Mission Controllers, including the Senior Mission Planner and Controller, to execute stratospheric image capture missions
Plan, create, and execute flight trajectories using internal planning software and external software tools
Enter accurate and timely flight-performance data into the tracking system daily
Conduct shift handoffs to maintain flight continuity across 7-day-a-week operations
Evaluate and interpret weather for capture missions and make go/no-go launch calls
Act as the in-flight operator for Swifty missions, monitoring and managing multiple concurrent flights in real time
Make launch timing and clearance, in-flight adjustment, safe descent, and recovery decisions
Maintain the company's relationship with FAA Air Traffic Control - National Airspace System
Coordinate flights with ARTCCs, Approach controls, and local towers
Contribute to Mission Control operational processes, policies, and procedures with internal and external stakeholders
Provide feedback and support continuous improvement in Mission Control and Flight Operations
Generate failure reports for in-flight Swifty malfunctions and abnormalities
Collaborate with Field Operations staff and leaders during mission planning and execution
Participate in team meetings and adapt to evolving processes
Work alongside full-time and part-time Mission Controllers to ensure mission coverage
Assist in training and onboarding new hires
Collaborate with engineering on regulation, airspace, and internal flight planning software technologies
Adjust to changing priorities, multiple demands, and irregular operations, including emergency response planning support

Requirements

What you’ll need

2+ years experience working in an aviation role, ideally operations control center, pilot, dispatcher, FAA controller, meteorology, or related fields
1+ years experience and/or capability to read and interpret weather forecasts via multiple weather forecasting tools
Well versed in US airspace regulation and airspace maps, terrain maps, and street maps
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload effectively
Use of good judgment and effective decision making in stressful situations
Collaborative and a self starter in contributing to long-term regulation projects
Strong time-management skills and experience in deadline-driven environments
Natural problem solver and vocal on process and operational improvements
Ability to mitigate short- and long-term risks while working outside the box in difficult situations
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Ability to learn in a dynamic environment
Willingness to occasionally travel (<10%), with notice, up to 7 days to support operations

Benefits

Comp & perks

Discretionary time off
401K Plan with company match
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Opportunity for equity
Training and development
Opportunities to grow within the organization