Parachute Rigger & Quality Specialist (Starfall)

SpaceX
Bloomfield, CT
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to candidates with technical inspection experience and a background in aerospace or manufacturing working in a collaborative, high-consequence environment.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with FAA or military rigger certifications and textile experience in parachute systems
    — “Senior Riggers License - FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) or military equivalent”
  • Individuals who thrive in roles requiring meticulous procedural work and quality assurance
    — “Experience with high-consequence, meticulous procedural work”
  • Candidates with prior experience in packing and rigging parachutes for spaceflight applications
    — “Fold, rig, and pack parachutes for both human and cargo spaceflight”

Things to consider

  • The role demands long hours and physical stamina, including standing for 8+ hours daily
    — “Must be able to work long hours (10+) and weekends/holidays as necessary”
  • Travel to remote locations like Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg may be required
    — “Ability to pass Space Force and Air Force background checks to support travel to Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg”

How to stand out

  • Emphasize experience with high-resolution inspection photography and technical drawing interpretation
    — “Experience with high-resolution inspection photography”
  • Highlight prior work in quality assurance and process improvement initiatives
    — “Support continuous improvement of work instructions and procedures”
  • Showcase ability to manage and maintain calibrated testing equipment
    — “Manage calibrated equipment and testing equipment”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • pack parachutes for human and cargo spaceflight
  • support development of new packing procedures
  • perform in-process inspections
Typical background
inspection or technician experience in aerospace or manufacturing

Skills & requirements

Required

Parachute RiggingQuality InspectionAssemblyPackaging

Preferred

FAA Senior Riggers LicenseTextile KnowledgeQuality Assurance

Stack & domain

Parachute SystemsTextilesQuality AssuranceInspection PhotographyMicrosoft OfficeCommunicationSenior Riggers License - FAAFAA Airframe And Powerplant (a&p) CertificateAerospaceMilitary

About the role

Original posting from SpaceX via Greenhouse

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

PARACHUTE RIGGER & QUALITY SPECIALIST (STARFALL)

SpaceX is seeking exceptional employees to enable the success of its Starfall and Dragon parachute systems. The Parachute Rigger & Quality Specialist will pack parachutes in accordance with documented procedures across several products. Additionally, this role will assist in reviewing the quality and conformance of numerous other soft goods components that the Bloomfield, Connecticut site produces. This role will have a close feedback loop with engineering, production, and the greater SpaceX team in our pursuit of making access to and from space as safe and reliable as possible.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Fold, rig, and pack parachutes for both human and cargo spaceflight in accordance with SpaceX policies and procedures

Support development of new packing/rigging procedures for new projects

Support continuous improvement of work instructions and procedures

Perform build reviews and drive improvements to product quality and reliability

Perform in-process inspections, final inspections, and post-flight inspections of parachutes and other soft goods, identifying and documenting non-conformances according to SpaceX policies and procedures

Inspection methods include visual inspection and use of scales and micrometers

Validate incoming parts and materials to approved drawings and specification standards. Create record of the quality review

Maintain and promote a quality culture within the organization

Manage calibrated equipment and testing equipment, including coordinating on-time re-calibration

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalency certificate

2+ years of inspection or technician experience in an aerospace, military, or manufacturing environment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Strong communication skills (written and oral)

Senior Riggers License - FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) or military equivalent

Experience with parachute systems (large or cargo canopies preferred, and/or pressure packing canopies)

Experience with textiles (cord, webbing, tape, broadcloth, and thread) and the ability to interpret technical drawings

Experience in a quality department or in quality training

Experience with high-consequence, meticulous procedural work (e.g., FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate or similar)

Knowledge of quality assurance principles, methods, and processes

Experience with high-resolution inspection photography

Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)

Experience with hydraulic equipment, ovens, hand tools, and tension testing

Proficiency in other languages (Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to work long hours (10+) and weekends/holidays as necessary

Must be able to stand for extended periods - 8 hours minimum 

Must be willing to work all shifts and overtime as needed.

Must be able to travel to remote sites if required.

Able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. unassisted

Ability to pass Space Force and Air Force background checks to support travel to Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com. 

Source: SpaceX careers (Greenhouse)

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