Senior Parachute Technician

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth

Who We Are:

Eras of humanity can often be defined by a dominant transportation mode - horse drawn chariots, ocean going boats, or aircraft. These were spurred by a small group of people rigorously focused on building technology to achieve faster access to more of the world. We seek to usher in a new era of humanity defined by universal access to the whole globe free of borders and the presence of a routine way from space to Earth. To do this, we are building highly maneuverable re-entry vehicles that can loiter in orbit before precision landing back on Earth.

What You’ll Do:

As a Parachute Technician at Inversion, you will be responsible for the fabrication, assembly, inspection, packing, and testing of parachute recovery systems critical to the safe return of our re-entry vehicles. You will work hands-on with a variety of parachutes and associated deployment hardware including risers, suspension lines, deployment bags, and pyrotechnic separation systems. Your work will include cutting and sewing parachute canopies and textile components using industrial sewing equipment, performing precision rigging operations, conducting detailed inspections per engineering drawings and quality standards, and executing parachute packing procedures with meticulous attention to detail. You will support parachute deployment tests, assist with failure investigations and root cause analysis, and work closely with design engineers to provide feedback on manufacturability, assembly procedures, and system performance. You will also maintain parachute-specific tooling and equipment, document all build and inspection activities in accordance with aerospace quality requirements, and support the development of work instructions and process improvements. From initial fabric cutting through final pack and vehicle integration, your work will directly support the delivery of reliable space flight hardware.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in parachute rigging, fabrication, packing, or inspection in aerospace, military, or skydiving industries.

• Professional experience with textile fabrication techniques including industrial sewing, cutting, and assembly of parachute canopies or similar soft goods.

• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret technical drawings, sewing patterns, rigging diagrams, and work instructions.

• Track record of attention to detail, good craftsmanship, and taking pride in your work.

• Track record of safe work habits, particularly when working with pyrotechnics, sharp tools, and heavy assemblies.

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted.

• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces.

• Ability to work non-standard shifts, overtime, and weekends as required.

• Position may require extended work hours and weekend work.

Desired Qualifications:

• FAA Senior or Master Parachute Rigger certification, or equivalent military parachute rigging certification.

• Experience with aerospace recovery systems including drogue parachutes, main parachutes, and pilot chute deployment systems.

• Familiarity with parachute design fundamentals, aerodynamics, and deployment dynamics.

• Knowledge of aerospace textile materials, webbing, cordage, and hardware specifications.

• Experience with parachute testing including drop tests, sled tests, and qualification campaigns.

• Familiarity with aerospace quality standards and documentation systems (MES, ERP) - Manufacturo, Epsilon3, Jira, or equivalent.

• Experience with pyrotechnic line cutters, reefing line cutters, or other parachute deployment mechanisms.

• Prior experience working in startups and small independent teams.

• Demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced and constantly adapting environment.

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.

The California annual base salary for this role is currently $30 - 50/ Hour. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

ITAR Compliance:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

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