Field Operations Specialist
WindBorne Systems
Operations
Atlanta, GA, USA
USD 100k-120k / year + Equity
Location
RWC HQ
Employment Type
Full time
Location Type
On-site
Department
Atlas Operations
WindBorne Systems is supercharging weather forecasts with a unique proprietary data source: a global constellation of next-generation smart weather balloons targeting the most critical atmospheric data. We design, manufacture, and operate our own balloons, using the data they collect to generate otherwise unattainable weather intelligence.
Our mission is to eliminate weather uncertainty, and in the process help humanity adapt to climate change, be that predicting hurricanes or speeding the adoption of renewables. We are building a future in which the planet is instrumented by thousands of our microballoons, eliminating gaps in our understanding of the planet and giving people and businesses the information they need to make critical decisions. The founding team of Stanford engineers was named Forbes 2019 30 under 30 and is backed by top-tier investors, including Khosla Ventures and Footwork VC.
You are the field extension of our Head of Launch. While strategy and infrastructure are built at HQ, you execute it on the ground — standing up new launch sites, training local contractors, and building the physical sites. You are equally comfortable running a balloon launch in Argentina and writing a debrief report on the flight home. Critically, you see what isn't working and communicate it clearly so we can improve.
Snapshot of the balloon constellation ON MARCH 31, 2026
Responsibilities
Deploy internationally to build and set up new balloon launch sites per WindBorne's SOPs
Train and certify local launch contractors on operations, equipment, and safety protocols
Launch high-altitude weather balloons and manage compressed gas equipment in strict compliance with safety protocols
Handle complex international logistics: customs clearance, equipment shipping, and vendor sourcing
Maintain meticulous records of site configs, contractor certifications, and equipment inventories
Manage multiple concurrent deployments with strong project management discipline
Debrief HQ after each deployment — what worked, what didn't, and recommended process improvements
Contribute to SOPs, site setup guides, and training materials to make operations faster and more replicable
Skills and Qualifications
Strong background in international field operations, logistics, or project management
Strict adherence to safety procedures and operational protocols — especially around compressed gas or in an aviation environment
Highly organized, able to manage project-level admin across multiple simultaneous international deployments
Excellent communicator — clear written reports, sharp field observations, effective cross-cultural rapport
Comfortable operating independently for extended periods without direct supervision
Passport with visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or ETA access to a minimum of 178 countries
Able to drive manual transmission vehicles
Able to lift up to 50 lbs and work outdoors in varied conditions in remote locations (up to 95F/35C, down to 14F/-10 C)
Multilingual a significant plus (Spanish is the most useful)
Benefits
401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Vision insurance
Unlimited PTO
Stock Option Plan
Office food and beverages
Who You Are
Gritty and resourceful: you don't take no for an answer and find the cleverest path forward
Unshakeable under pressure: customs holdups, broken equipment, and typhoons are just problems to solve
Obsessively organized: your documentation is as reliable as your fieldwork
Excited by travel challenges: interested in new cultures and the challenge of making complex things work in unfamiliar places
Where We Go
Recent deployments: Australia, Guam, Japan, Réunion Island, Kenya, Austria, and across the US
Next 18 months: Uruguay, Argentina, Fiji, Iceland, Saint Helena, the Philippines, Suriname, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Antarctica
Salary
$100k - $120k** We are considering a range of backgrounds and experience levels for this position and adjust our offers accordingly to be competitive with market rates.
Location
1600 Bridge Pkwy, Redwood City, CA. In person (when not traveling) required.