TARS - Electrical Maintenance Technician

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QinetiQ is seeking an experienced Electrical Maintenance Technician I with specific experience supporting line handling operations for the DHS Customs & Border Protection Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) program. The TARS program leverages aerostat systems to provide persistent surveillance and detection capabilities to the U.S. Government across eight operational sites along the U.S. Southern border and in locations such as Puerto Rico, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

The successful candidate will manage aerostat flight operations on platforms similar in size to the TARS aerostats. You will be part of a comprehensive flight crew activity supporting aerostat pre‑launch, launch, ascent, transition, station‑keeping, and recovery. Secondary responsibilities will include recurring equipment maintenance on aerostat and radar systems and support functions related to site operations (security, landscaping, logistics).

• Flight Crew Member: pre/post flight, launch/recovery, helium topping, snubbing, inflations/deflations, tether inspections, and emergency procedures for both moored and airborne operations.
• Perform corrective and preventive maintenance on aerostat pressure control, power, mechanical, and hydraulic subsystems; aerostat hardware and rigging; tether subsystem; and aerostat envelope.
• Conduct circuit analysis, calculate waveforms, trace signal flow relationships, and use test instruments such as oscilloscopes and Qmeters.
• Operate and maintain enclosed mooring system, winch vehicles, site power generators, stand‑motor vehicles, special man‑lift vehicles, and forklifts with supervision.
• Assist with aerostat system pre‑flight and post‑flight checks and inspections.
• Operate compressed‑gas equipment, including helium transfers for inflation and replenishment.
• Perform corrosion control and site facilities maintenance.
• Drive general‑purpose and special‑purpose vehicles, including man‑lift operations to heights up to 150 ft.
• Maintain understanding of digital radar design: generators, MTI, IF receivers, clutter rejection, mixers, multipliers, low‑noise amplifiers, and digital displays.
• Work in exterior and interior environments, sometimes in inclement weather.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Maintain and understand site documentation such as parts request forms, equipment condition tags, timecards, flight data, and maintenance logs.
• Coordinate resupply and repair logistics for aerostat subsystems.
• Train and certify personnel in selected aerostat subsystem procedures.
• Support security, logistics, and site‑specific requirements as directed, provided they do not conflict with primary duties.

• GED or high school diploma.
• 1–3 years of electrical maintenance experience.
• Ability to obtain flight operator certification.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Fluent English (spoken, read,…