Position Summary

The Parachute & Suspension Systems Engineering will be integral to the team responsible for the engineering and detailed test execution of Spaceship Neptune’s emergency parachute system and the suspension rigging and release systems between the balloon, capsule, launch system, and recovery systems.

The chosen engineer will be integral to the engineering design, analysis, and testing for the Neptune emergency descent system to include suspension and parachute systems. The suspension system and associated rigging are also responsible for virtually all mechanical interfaces for Spaceship Neptune, from launch system hold-downs and release to post-splash capsule recovery. An iterative development and test program from vehicle testing through commercial operations is anticipated, working in a team environment to qualify the vehicle for routine commercial operation.

The Parachute & Suspension Systems Engineer should represent Space Perspective at technical meetings Such as PIA or the AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Technology Conference. Submission of technical papers for peer-reviewed publication describing test results for safety and recovery systems is desired.

Core Accountabilities and Essential Functions

• Engineering skills for parachute systems, suspension, releases, and other associated mechanisms as well as soft goods.
• Lead the technical and engineering aspects of test programs.
• Work with all other IPTs and systems engineering to develop the requirements, interfaces, and overall architecture including launch and recovery operations.
• Design and test systems and iterate as necessary.
• Provide hands-on engineering leadership through flight readiness and recovery.
• Help create and maintain engineering standards for soft goods and rigging.
• Support operations from the flight test campaign through commercial operations.
• Must be willing to work with cross-functional teams to design/develop all launch release methods and procedures.
• Work with the Launch and Recovery team to develop recovery procedures for suspension and parachute systems.
• Must be able to embark on a ship and spend time underway during recovery operations/testing.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with engineering parachute systems, including large round parachutes. Must have a solid background in parachute systems.
• A thorough understanding of parachute design, analysis, and testing to include parachute characteristics and performance with large payloads.
• Experience designing and fabricating in textiles (to include Kevlar, Vectran, spectra, nylon, etc.) preferred.
• Release mechanism design and testing including pyrotechnics, heavy drop experience, and human-rated systems experience preferred.
• Ability to work well in an integrated, fast-paced, dynamic, collaborative team environment and a willingness to work long hours and weekends as needed.
• Good written and verbal communication.
• Practical hands-on skills with rigging soft goods, parachute systems, and release systems.
• Practical experience in a complex operational environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.
• Familiarity with performing work in an iterative design and test environment

Space Perspective is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Space Perspective 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.