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Salary: USD 70,000 - 110,000 / annual
WindBorne Systems is building a global constellation of next-generation smart weather balloons to supercharge weather forecasting and help humanity adapt to climate change. The company designs, manufactures, and operates its own balloons to collect critical atmospheric data that would otherwise be unattainable, with applications ranging from hurricane prediction to accelerating renewable energy adoption.
You will manage field operations across Central and South America, leading a large team of launch operators spread throughout the region. This is a hands-on role combining strategic execution with direct fieldwork. You will report to the Head of Launch and serve as the field extension of headquarters leadership, translating HQ strategy and infrastructure into on-the-ground execution.
Key responsibilities include managing an international team of launch contractors and resolving performance, interpersonal, and operational challenges; handling complex international logistics including customs clearance, equipment shipping, and vendor sourcing; training and certifying local launch contractors on operations, equipment, and safety protocols; maintaining detailed records of site configurations, contractor certifications, and equipment inventories; contributing to standard operating procedures, site setup guides, and training materials to improve replicability; traveling across the region (10–25% of time) to resolve issues and establish new launch sites, plus annual travel to Redwood City headquarters; launching high-altitude weather balloons and managing compressed gas equipment in strict compliance with safety protocols; and adapting to varying conditions while working independently under ambiguity.
The role involves hands-on outdoor fieldwork on evenings, weekdays, and weekends, with willingness to work long or unusual hours to support team needs.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bilingual English and Spanish fluency (required)
- 5+ years of operational field work experience in Central and South America
- 2+ years of supervisory or management experience, including training and onboarding new employees
- Experience creating training programs, SOPs, and documentation in low-structure environments
- Experience scaling logistics operations
- Excellent organizational and communication skills (clear written reports, sharp field observations, effective cross-cultural rapport)
- Ability to operate independently for extended periods without direct supervision
- Physical capability to lift up to 50 lbs and work outdoors in varied conditions in remote locations (temperature range 14°F to 95°F / –10°C to 35°C)
- Preference given to candidates currently residing in Central or South America
