Astronaut Search & Rescue Air Operations Support

The Contract Human Space Flight Support (HSFS) team is integrated with and directly supports the First Air Force Detachment 3 (1 AF Det 3) mission of HSFS for all National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) crewed space programs - Soyuz, Artemis and Commercial Crew - across the Planning, Training, Execution, and Sustainment phases of the HSFS mission.

ARES Corporation is seeking an Astronaut Search & Rescue Air Operations Specialist to join our HSFS team at Patrick SFB, FL.

The candidate shall perform as an Air Operations Planner and Aircraft Capabilities Specialist in support of the Department of Defense’s Human Space Flight Support program. The candidate shall support work on-site at PSFB and/or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCAFS) and temporary duty locations.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assist collaborating with mission partners to integrate common Air Force combat rescue aircraft tactics, techniques and procedures into contingency astronaut rescue operations;
• Assist regular strategy reviews to modify or update strategies for astronaut short- and long-term search and rescue plans;
• Collaborate with mission partners to develop documents, processes, courseware and plans to train aircrews on mission-unique astronaut search and rescue procedures in multiple environments;
• Assist with documenting, refining and implementing processes or procedures to manage risk associated with all aviation rescue operations;
• Collaborate with mission partners to determine interoperability of DoD recue aircraft with air deployable rescue equipment associated with Artemis and CCP crew modules and associated astronaut personal survival equipment;
• Collaborate with mission partners to provide recommendations to improve or optimize communication interoperability between rescue aircraft and associated crew modules;
• Assist development, review and processing of Special Assignment Airlift Mission requests to move personnel and equipment items for training and mission events.

• Assist reception and bed-down efforts of DoD personnel prior to, and during, unit-led training and mission activities
• Provide command and control recommendations for postured alert rescue forces

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• 8+ years of experience as a Rated-officer (pilot or navigator) who achieved qualification as an Instructor in either rotary or fixed-wing Rescue aircraft.
• Possess an expert knowledge of Rescue instructions, tactics, techniques and procedures as well as aircraft capabilities and employment.
• Ability to work well with and communicate effectively with a diverse group of contractor and Government employees team members and mission partners.
• This position requires occasional travel to supported locations in South Carolina and Hawaii.
• Excellent organizational, leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Rated-officer (pilot or navigator) who achieved qualification as an Evaluator in either rotary or fixed-wing Rescue aircraft.
• Certification/qualification as an Air Force Rescue Mission Commander (RMC), Air Force Combat Search and Rescue Coordinator (CSAR-C), Coast Guard On-Scene Coordinator (OSC), or Coast Guard SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC).

Security Clearance Requirements:

• Must have or be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50%.
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.

ARES offers a competitive compensation and benefit package. Full time employees may participate in:

Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• HSA/FSA Accounts
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Paid Time Off & Holidays

ARES is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer and complies with E-Verify.

ARES shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.