Aerospace Platforms Operation Engineer
Full Time
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
About
The Aerospace Platforms Operations Engineer will play a critical role in supporting the infrastructure development, product assembly, testing, and operations for Red Balloon Aerospace’s core platforms - VISTA, ALTIS, and HELIX. This role requires hands-on technical expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to safety and quality while ensuring timely execution of manufacturing and launch operations.
Description
Infrastructure & Facility Development
- Closely monitor infrastructure development (hangars, integration bays, ground equipment) and report progress.
- Ensure adherence to quality, safety, and compliance standards during infrastructure and system development.
- Assist in setting up fabrication tables, gore-cutting machines, sealing machines, and other specialized equipment.
Product Development & Manufacturing
- Support in fabrication, assembly, and testing of envelopes, aerostat hulls, and airship components.
- Perform routine inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting of ground support equipment and payload integration systems.
- Ensure materials handling and storage meet safety and technical requirements.
- Assist engineers in conducting pressure tests, load tests, and endurance trials.
Vendor & Procurement Support
- Play an active role in identifying and evaluating vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
- Assist in the procurement process, including technical review of supplies, consumables, and components.
- Maintain inventory of critical spares and consumables for launches and manufacturing.
Exhibitions, Events & Customer Demos
- Participate in industry exhibitions, events, and customer demonstrations representing Red Balloon Aerospace.
- Assist in the preparation, packing, transport, and setup of systems for live demonstrations.
Launch & Recovery Operations
- Lead and support launch, tracking, and recovery operations.
- Operate ground vehicles, winches, inflation systems, and recovery equipment.
- Maintain logbooks and data records for every launch and recovery mission.
Transport & Logistics
- Handle transportation of Red Balloon systems to customer sites, exhibitions, and launch ranges.
- Support travel arrangements and logistics for technical teams.
Additional Responsibilities
- Follow strict safety protocols during hydrogen/helium handling and high-altitude system operations.
- Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of workshops, labs, and integration areas.
- Provide daily/weekly reports on work progress, equipment health, and operational issues.
- Train interns and junior technicians on basic procedures and equipment handling.
- Support in documentation and checklists for QA/QC and certification purposes.
Requirements
- Diploma/ITI/B.Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or relevant field
- 2–5 years of hands-on technical experience (aerospace, balloons, UAVs, or related industries preferred)
- Practical knowledge of fabrication, assembly, and testing tools
- Ability to work in field conditions (remote launch sites, recovery areas)
- Familiarity with safety protocols in handling gases, heavy equipment, and flight hardware
- Willingness to travel frequently for launches, events, and vendor interactions
Desired
- Hands-on skills with fabrication machines, sealing, welding, or composites
- Knowledge of aerospace ground support systems (winches, inflation systems, tethering)
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a fast-paced team
- Passion for aerospace and new technologies