Senior Paraglider & Parachute Engineer

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of the parachute and paraglider recovery system, including canopy sizing, reefing strategies, and riser geometry
• Develop fabrication processes for complex soft goods, including material selection and hardware integration
• Design the deployment sequence for transitioning from heatshield to drogue parachute to stable paraglider flight
• Plan and execute flight tests using crane, aircraft, and balloon platforms
• Collaborate with Avionics and GNC teams to characterize aerodynamic models for autopilot steering
• Perform hands-on fabrication and work with riggers and sewing technicians to prototype designs
• Own the reliability analysis for the recovery system to meet stringent safety requirements

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum 10 years of experience in the design and manufacturing of paragliders, parachutes, or parafoils
• Deep knowledge of soft-goods, textile behaviors, and patterning software
• Experience planning and conducting flight tests, including instrumentation and data analysis
• Familiarity with reefing line cutters, pyrotechnic releases, and multi-stage deployment mechanisms
• Strong understanding of low-speed aerodynamics and dynamic stability of flexible wings

Preferred Qualifications

• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance
• Experience with precision guided aerial delivery systems (JPADS)
• Experience with FAA coordination for flight testing
• US military veterans (paratrooper or cargo aircraft experience)
• Background in skydiving, paragliding, or rigging (FAA Master Rigger certification)
• Experience simulating fluid structure interaction (LS-DYNA or similar)

Benefits

• Competitive compensation: $160,000 - $210,000
• Annual performance-based bonuses
• Meaningful equity in Outpost
• Comprehensive healthcare (Medical, dental, and vision)
• Short- and long-term disability and life insurance
• Paid time off and 9 days of paid holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Daily DoorDash lunch stipend and unlimited snacks
• Pet-friendly office and monthly company social events