Web Handling/Film Converting Expert

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WindBorne Systems is supercharging weather models with a unique proprietary data source: a global constellation of next-generation smart weather balloons targeting the most critical atmospheric data. We design, manufacture, and operate our own balloons, using the data they collect to generate otherwise unattainable weather intelligence.

Our mission is to eliminate weather uncertainty, and in the process help humanity adapt to climate change, be that predicting hurricanes or speeding the adoption of renewables. We are building a future in which the planet is instrumented by thousands of our microballoons, eliminating gaps in our understanding of the planet and giving people and businesses the information they need to make critical decisions. The founding team of Stanford engineers was named Forbes 2019 30 under 30 and is backed by top-tier investors, including Khosla Ventures and Footwork VC.

WindBorne is looking for a Web Handling/Film Converting Expert who knows exactly what those terms mean and why they matter. We need to scale our balloon manufacturing process to meet demand, and we believe your expertise in handling thin films at industrial scales is exactly what we need. If you've spent years wrestling with web tension control systems, designing nip rollers, or optimizing film handling processes, we want your expertise.

This isn't your typical manufacturing role. We're building systems that need to reliably produce ultra-lightweight balloons at scale - combining proven industrial processes with novel challenges unique to our application. You'll be working directly with our CTO and R&D team to not just scale our production 100x, but to fundamentally rethink how we build our balloons. We need someone who can bridge the gap between traditional manufacturing expertise and startup innovation.

The role combines the best aspects of industrial manufacturing (proven processes, rigorous engineering) with the excitement of a cutting-edge startup. You'll have the chance to design entirely new manufacturing systems while drawing on your years of experience in web handling and film converting. Whether you're coming from the packaging industry, plastics manufacturing, or another related field, if you're excited about applying your expertise to new challenges, we'd love to talk.

Snapshot of the balloon constellation ON MARCH 31, 2026

Responsibilities

Design and own a system to help scale our balloon manufacturing process by 100xWork with the CTO and R&D Engineers to make our balloons both more performant and more manufacturableIdentify manufacturing issues and design and implement solutionsInterface with technicians to teach new procedures and tools

Skills And Qualifications

Required

Years of experience designing web handling and/or film converting machinesDesire to join a fast paced startupExcellent communication skillsProficiency in mechanical CAD and 3D modeling (we use SolidWorks)Experience working with outside manufactures and suppliersA solid understanding of physics

Nice to have

Bachelor’s degree or higher in an Engineering field such as Mechanical EngineeringBasic proficiency with the Linux operating systemsExperience with rapid prototyping tools like 3D printing, laser cuttingContacts in the plastics manufacturing industry

Benefits

401(k)Dental insuranceHealth insuranceVision insuranceUnlimited PTOStock Option PlanOffice food and beverages

Salary

$70,000- $150,000** We are considering a range of backgrounds and experience levels for this position and adjust our offers accordingly to be competitive with market rates.

Location

1600 Bridge Parkway, Redwood Shores, CA. In person required.

What our hardware looks like