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Parachute Rigger Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Parachute Rigger information

See Alabama salary details

$10K

$43.3K

$65.7K

How much do parachute rigger jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for parachute rigger in Alabama is $43,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,800.00 and $49,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Parachute Rigger vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectParachute RiggerAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsFAA Parachute Rigger CertificateFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate
Work EnvironmentAirports, parachute manufacturing, military basesAirlines, maintenance hangars, repair stations
Industry UsageMilitary, recreational, commercial parachutingAviation, commercial and private aircraft maintenance

Parachute Riggers focus on packing, inspecting, and repairing parachutes, often working in parachuting or military environments. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians perform repairs and inspections on aircraft, ensuring safety and compliance. While both roles require FAA certifications and work in aviation-related settings, their specific duties and certifications differ significantly.

What Does a Parachute Rigger Do?

Parachute riggers pack, unpack, inspect, and repair parachutes and other parachute equipment, such as lines, fabric, and backpacks. You usually find parachute riggers in the armed forces, but they also work in civilian aviation, particularly for small prop planes or skydiving companies. As a parachute rigger, you must understand how to manage and repair the parachute fabrics and hardware, as well as the regulations related to packing up a parachute. Some job duties may vary between military and civilian positions, but all parachute riggers must perform extensive quality assurance and testing to ensure that everyone who uses the parachutes they pack is safe when they make their jumps.

What are Parachute Riggers?

Parachute Riggers are specialized professionals trained to inspect, repair, pack, and maintain parachutes and related equipment to ensure they function safely and reliably. They work with various types of parachutes used in military, sport, and emergency applications. Their responsibilities also include conducting safety checks, replacing worn components, and sometimes providing training on parachute use. Parachute Riggers must be detail-oriented and often require certification to perform their duties legally.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Parachute Rigger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Parachute Rigger, you need strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a solid understanding of aerodynamics, often supported by specialized training and FAA certification. Familiarity with sewing machines, inspection tools, and parachute packing procedures is essential. Excellent problem-solving skills, reliability, and the ability to work under pressure set outstanding riggers apart. These skills ensure the safety and functionality of parachute equipment, which is critical for the lives of users.

What are some common challenges Parachute Riggers face during their daily responsibilities?

Parachute Riggers often encounter challenges such as maintaining meticulous attention to detail under time constraints, as improper packing or inspection can lead to serious safety risks. They must also keep up with rigorous documentation and adhere to strict regulatory standards, which can be demanding. Additionally, Riggers frequently work in environments where teamwork is essential, coordinating closely with pilots, jumpers, and maintenance staff to ensure all equipment is safe and ready for use.
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What job categories do people searching Parachute Rigger jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Parachute Rigger jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Parachute Rigger jobs in AL? For Parachute Rigger jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
AERIAL DELIVERY SPECIALIST (T32) with Security Clearance

AERIAL DELIVERY SPECIALIST (T32) with Security Clearance

Department of the Army

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago


United States Army rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 468 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties (1) Inspects a variety of airdrop equipment such as parachutes, multi loop lines, extraction force transfer couplings, latch assembly couplings, cable assembly couplings, actuator assembly, release cargo parachute M-1, lanyard arming wire, connector parachute, timer delay assembly, link lower suspension, link assembly single suspension type IV, link assembly heavy duty, link 4 point, parachute release single knife, bracket suspension, and tie down cargo quick release. Performs visual, dimensional, hands on, and operational inspection of the above listed equipment at the prescribed times. These inspections are in accordance with warnings, cautions, Army Regulations (AR), Technical Manuals (TM), Field Manuals (FM) and Department of Army Pamphlets (DA PAM, Safety of Use Messages (SOUM), and notes and Ground Precautionary Messages (GPM), for airborne safety.

Makes judgmental decisions on proximity to tolerances and interrelated dimensions on timer delay systems of M-1 release, latch assembly couplings, cable assembly couplings, and actuator assembly. Inspects for burrs, tears, significant fraying, rough spots, corrosion, pits, cracks, welds, cuts, foreign material, bends, damaged threads, adjusting collars, set screws, shank pins, and timers activate within specifications. (2) Prepares and conducts inspections of sling load equipment and sling load operations.

Performs duties as inspector testers, pack-in-process inspector and final inspector. Performs initial inspection on all parachutes, textile and non-textile components, and airdrop containers. Conducts regular testing of parachute and newly issued airdrop equipment.

Drop-tests troop-type personnel parachute to check proficiency. (3) Performs prioritized airdrop inspections, sequential work is determined, and pertinent ARs, TMs, FMs and DA PAMs have been reviewed. Independently performs assignments at the Aerial Delivery Logistics Facility (ADLF) when the supervisor is not present.

Performs three separate inspections of airdrop loads/containers prior to the actual airdrop. (4) Rigs and prepares unilateral airdrop training loads to include type V or other airdrop platforms for airdrops. Fabricates container delivery systems loads, skid boards, and other associated airdrop items.

Receives, unpacks, and inspects unit parachutes. Cleans, dries, inspects, and packs cargo and personnel parachutes after use. Maintains and repairs a variety of fabric, rubber, and metallic equipment.

(5) Performs drop zone control operations as Drop Zone Safety Officer. Conducts weather observations, wind speed, direction determination, marking drop zone with navigation aids and timing points, establishing and maintaining air to ground and point to point radio communications, relaying information to aircraft and to the Range Control Officer. (6) Formulates, implements, and documents programs to train Airborne unit commanders in support of Aerial delivery deployment functions to ensure effective and efficient operations of unit deployment processes.

Develops deployment lesson plans for the following areas: Material Handling Equipment (MHE) such as forklifts, Load Planning Overview, Cargo Preparation/Pallet Build Up, Ramp Coordinator, Cargo Deployment Function work-centers (i.e., In-Check, Cargo Marshalling Yard, Joint Inspection, Hazardous Cargo Handlers, Explosives Safety, Quality Control, and Load Teams). Coordinates with the Unit Movement Officer (UMO) and deploying units requiring hazardous material technical specialist training. (7) Provides subject matter and technical expertise on air transportation and aerial delivery operations to the Division, Brigade, Group, Battalion, and Company CDRs.

In certain cases, service member will provide subject matter and technical expertise to sister services. Makes appropriate recommendations and implements changes within the element and associated processes. (8) Ensures airborne personnel and cargo for transport by air meet proper specifications to maximize safety of aircraft, aircrew, cargo, and passengers.

(9) Serves as the Commander's Subject Matter Expert (SME) for orchestrating daily and long-range utilization of the aerial delivery systems to ensure accomplishment of assigned missions as well as support for future missions and deployment operations. Develops goals and objectives that integrate organization and Readiness objectives. (10) Inspects cargo for airlift to verify eligibility and ensures proper documentation, packaging, and marking in accordance with applicable DOD directives.

Follows prescribed loading and safety procedures, calculates load restraints and secures cargo with appropriate devices and equipment. Performs Joint Airdrop Inspections (JAI) of various cargo loads rigged for airdrop prior to manifesting and loading of items for air shipment. (11) Performs other additional duties as assigned.

PLEASE CONTACT HRO FOR COMPLETE POSITION DESCRIPTION. Requirements Conditions of employment * NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.

* This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard, required prior to the effective date of placement. * Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. * Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement.

* May be required to successfully complete a probationary period. * Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. * May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; overtime may be required.

Qualifications MILITARY REQUIREMENTS: This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military grade in the Alabama Army National Guard. Applicants who are not currently a member of the Alabama Army National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact an Alabama Army National Guard recruiter at 800-464-8273 prior to applying for this position.

MINIMUM MILITARY RANK: PVT MAXIMUM MILITARY RANK: SSG EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Each applicant must fully substantiate (in his/her own words) that he/she meets the requirements of the Specialized Experience listed below: Otherwise, the applicant will be considered unqualified for this position. DO NOT COPY THE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT OR THE POSITION DESCRIPTION. DOING SO MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION FOR THE POSITION.

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Experience or training which demonstrates the knowledge of equipment and practices associated with the type of work to be done. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Experience or training of Aerial Delivery Operations and functions sufficient to plan, coordinate, facilitate, and expedite on-time movement of personnel, and airdrop cargo in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. Must possess skills and knowledge required to be certified to inspect, test, and perform quality assurance with 100% accuracy on all life support systems.

Joint Air Inspection and Jump Master qualifications/currency to identify through prescribed inspection processes to eliminate malfunctions that may affect the safety of aircraft/personnel, to ensure a safe and proper drop of personnel and airdrop load from aircraft, and to insure items offered/accepted for transport by air meet proper specifications. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABIILTIES: --Knowledge of Aerial Delivery Operations and functions sufficient to plan, coordinate, facilitate, and expedite on-time movement of personnel, and airdrop cargo in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. Must possess skills and knowledge required to be certified in order to inspect, test, and perform quality assurance with 100% accuracy on all life support systems.

Joint Air Inspection (JAI) and Jump Master (JM) qualifications/currency to identify through prescribed inspection processes to eliminate malfunctions that may affect the safety of aircraft/personnel, to ensure a safe and proper drop of personnel and airdrop load from aircraft, and to insure items offered/accepted for transport by air meet proper specifications. --Knowledge, skill and competency to handle, process, and ensure compatibility of hazardous materials being transported on aircraft. --Knowledge, skill and ability to train all branches of services and interagency members in Aerial Delivery Operations.

--Skill and ability to analyze and determine causes of malfunctions relating to aerial drops. --Knowledge of drop zone control operations to direct and control drop zone operations. --Knowledge and ability to receive, store, and categorize aerial delivery items IAW with latest logistics DA PAMs and FMs.

--Ability to select and assemble airdrop loads, and to load and offload aircraft. --Ability to operate a variety of materials handling equipment (MHE) utilized in moving cargo within the air terminal and to transport cargo to and from the aircraft (i.e., 4-10K forklifts, 25-60K aircraft loaders, etc.). --Knowledge of aircraft design, configuration, and limitations, obtains maximum utilization of space for Aerial Delivery Operations.

--Knowledge of inspecting and testing of proper aerial delivery fabric materials with 100% accuracy for proper repair maintenance of air items. --Knowledge to interpret detailed specifications and blueprints or patterns for proper maintenance of aerial delivery items. --Knowledge of detailed safety inspection methods for aerial delivery of individual and cargo.

--Knowledge to interpret detailed specifications, blueprints, TMs and FMs in order to maintain, repair, and inspect life support systems for high risk airborne operations High Altitude Low Opening (HALO)/High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) and combat dive airborne operations. --


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National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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