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

This role is critical to America's Human Spaceflight Program, helping to pack parachutes for the vehicle that will take astronauts to and from the international space station and beyond. They will also assist in review of the quality and conformance of the input components and subassemblies as well as assist in the rigging of future parachute systems within SpaceX. This role will have a close feedback loop with engineering, production and the greater SpaceX team in our pursuit and relentless drive to making the road to and from space as safe and reliable as possible

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Fold, rig, and pack parachutes for human spaceflight in accordance to SpaceX policies and procedures.
  • Support development of new packing/rigging procedures for new development 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.
  • Validate incoming received parts and materials to approved drawings and specification standards. Create record of 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)
  • FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) airframe and powerplant (A&P) certificate
  • Experience with textiles (cords, webbing, and tapes; broadcloths; thread)
  • Experience in quality department or through quality training
  • Knowledge of quality assurance principles, methods, and processes
  • Experience with high-resolution photography
  • Intermediate level skill with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
  • Intermediate level skill with Windows operating systems
  • Experience with hydraulic equipment and ovens
  • Experience with hand tools
  • Proficiency in other languages (Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to work long hours and weekends/holidays as necessary
  • Must be able to travel to remote sites as needed.
  • Ability to pass Space Force and Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:

Parachute Rigger & Quality Specialist /Level 1: $23.00 - $31.00/hour

Parachute Rigger & Quality Specialist /Level 2: $28.00 - $37.50/hour

Parachute Rigger & Quality Specialist /Level 3: $33.00 - $43.00/hour       

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.

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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.

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