Parachute System Engineer

The Exploration Company
CA
RemoteVisa sponsorship

Who this role is best for

Aimed at senior aerospace engineers with expertise in parachute systems who thrive in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments.

Best fit for

  • Senior engineers with hands-on parachute system design and qualification experience.
    — “5 years of experience in space systems engineering, preferably in the development of deceleration systems and/or mechanisms
  • Candidates skilled in structural analysis and mechanism design for space applications.
    — “Good understanding of mechanism design for space application
  • Professionals comfortable leading technical documentation and cross-functional integration.
    — “Own technical documentation, including requirements, design reports, analysis summaries and test plans

Things to consider

  • Requires relocation to California or visa sponsorship for international candidates.
    — “Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable
  • Involves coordination with external suppliers and partners for hardware compliance.
    — “Coordinate with suppliers and external partners for hardware sourcing, qualification, and compliance

How to stand out

  • Highlight specific contributions to parachute system qualification in past roles.
    — “Experience in space systems qualification and integration
  • Showcase programming skills that could aid in tool development.
    — “Programming skills to support internal development of tools is an asset
  • Demonstrate multilingual capabilities if proficient in German, French, or Italian.
    — “German, French or Italian are an asset
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Senior

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

What success looks like

  • lead the conceptual and detailed design of parachute systems
  • own technical documentation
  • support the integration of the system into overall vehicle architecture
  • coordinate with suppliers and external partners
  • support trade-off studies
Typical background
degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering5 years of experience in space systems engineering

Skills & requirements

Required

Aerospace EngineeringMechanical EngineeringStructural AnalysisMechanism DesignSystem-level IntegrationCAD And FEA ToolsSpace Systems Qualification And IntegrationHand Calculations For Structural Sizing

Preferred

Programming SkillsGermanFrenchItalian

Stack & domain

CadFeaHyperworksSiemens NxCommunicationCollaborationProblem-solvingOrganizingPrioritizationAttention To DetailPositive AttitudeFlexibilityAerospaceMechanical EngineeringSpace Systems Engineering

About the role

As a Parachute System Engineer at The Exploration Company, you'll lead the design and development of critical parachute systems for space vehicles, ensuring they meet stringent safety and reliability standards, and you'll thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where innovation and precision are paramount.

Original posting from The Exploration Company via Ashby

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

We are looking for a Parachute System Engineer who will be responsible for the design, development, integration, and qualification of parachute systems and their associated mechanisms for aerospace vehicles.

This role emphasizes structural analysis, mechanism design, and system-level integration, ensuring safe and reliable deployment and operation under demanding flight conditions.

🛠️ KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead the conceptual and detailed design of the different systems involved in the parachute deployment chain.
  • Own technical documentation, including requirements, design reports, analysis summaries and test plans.
  • Support the integration of the system into overall vehicle architecture, collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team (mechanical, thermal, avionics, AIT, etc.) .
  • Evaluate mechanical and thermal loads, material selection, and interface requirements for the development of the systems.
  • Perform sizing calculations for the different assemblies included in the system.
  • Define and execute development test plans, from engineering model concept up to qualification reviews.
  • Define test configuration, instrumentation, and data analysis to validate performance of the systems.
  • Coordinate with suppliers and external partners for hardware sourcing, qualification, and compliance.
  • Support trade-off studies involving weight, cost, reliability, manufacturability, and safety margins.

🎓 WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU

📜 QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
  • 5 years of experience in space systems engineering, preferably in the development of deceleration systems and/or mechanisms.
  • Experience in space systems qualification and integration.
  • Basic Knowledge of CAD and FEA tools (e.g., Siemens NX, Hyperworks), and hand calculations for structural sizing.
  • Good understanding of space design principles and materials.
  • Good understanding of mechanism design for space application.
  • Familiarity with industry standards and DFMR.
  • Programming skills to support internal development of tools is an asset.
  • Fluent in English. German, French or Italian are an asset.

🛠️ SKILLS AND BEHAVIORS:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly and concisely,
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment,
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong organizing and prioritization of tasks
  • Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done,
  • Demonstrates behaviours consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Vision, Competence, Integrity and Passion,

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:  

  • We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind 
  • We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them  
  • We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?  

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly. 

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.

Source: The Exploration Company careers (Ashby)

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