Friction Stir Welding Technician II, First Shift

Relativity Space; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 78,071,000 - 107,166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Wellness stipend

PPE stipend

Free lunch on Mon/Fri

Unlimited onsite snacks

Job summary

Relativity Space in Long Beach, CA is hiring for a 1st shift role focused on FSW operations within the Stage Manufacturing team. You will run welding-related tasks, support lift operations, and implement in-process inspection practices to ensure high-quality builds of Terran R structures.

You’ll use hand and power tools, contribute to safety standards, and collaborate across engineers and technicians to iterate processes.

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience with friction stir welding.
• 1+ years’ experience with crane and rigging operations.
• Proficient in the use of common hand tools and inspection tools.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office or other team communication tools such as Slack (or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Run FSW-related operations including equipment handling, prep of welds and post-weld blending.
• Assist in standard lifts or critical lift operations as needed.
• Perform precision blending/deburring using power or hand tools.
• Carry out in-process inspections using micrometers, calipers, and pi tape.
• Maintain Relativity safety and shop cleanliness standards.
• Foster an inclusive team environment.

Skills

Friction stir welding

Crane and rigging operations

Hand tools

Inspection tools

MS Office / Slack

Machining equipment (mill, lathe)

CNC equipment

Tools

Machining equipment (mill, lathe)

CNC equipment

Job description

Long Beach, California

At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock new opportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyond the known.

Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you’re not just executing tasks; you’re solving problems that haven’t been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you’re in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you’ll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we’re writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it’s early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.

About the Team:

The Stage Manufacturing team turns design into reality, owning the build of Terran R’s primary structures. This isn’t about turning the same bolt every day; it’s about building the systems to build the rocket. Engineers and technicians work side by side, with deep collaboration and real‑time feedback, to shape how we build better and faster. With a manifest and a launch date, it’s up to the team to deliver on Terran R: solving challenges in real time, optimizing for scale, and constantly improving processes. As the vehicle evolves, so will the factory, with opportunities to apply automation, machine learning, and advanced technologies. What we build here sets the blueprint for the future of scaled launch.

This is a 1st shift position with a standard schedule of 5:00am-3:30pm PT, Monday through Friday. Please note that this position is structured around a baseline expectation of a 50-hour workweek, which may include occasional overtime as needed to meet operational goals.

About the Role:

• Responsible for FSW operations which will include running the equipment, prepping welds for welding, and post-weld blending
• Responsible for completing standard lift operations or assisting in critical lift operation
• Perform precision blending/deburring using a combination of standard power tools or hand tools
• Perform in process inspections using hand tools such as micrometers, calipers, and pi tape
• Uphold high Relativity Space standards regarding safety and shop cleanliness
• Foster and inclusive environment for all members of the team

About You:

• 2+years’ experiencewith friction stir welding
• 1+ years’ experience with crane and rigging operations
• Proficient in the use of common hand tools and inspection tools
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office or other team communication tools such as Slack (or equivalent)

Nice to haves but not required:

• Experience with machining equipment (mill, lathe, etc)
• Experience with running CNC equipment or robotics
• Experience with NDT operations
• Previous aerospace experience
• 100% health care coverage on your first day
• Quarterly wellness stipend to use on health and wellness
• Partnership with Modern Health with access to 8 therapy & coaching sessions and mental health resources
• Discounts on gym memberships, travel and entertainment through PerkSpot
• Unlimited onsite snacks
• Free lunch on Mondays and Fridays
• Annual learning and development stipend
• PPE Stipend
• Pet Insurance through Fetch
• Company Paid Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, and Long Term Disability
• Up to 12 weeks salary continuation for paid pregnancy disability leave
• 8 Weeks company paid parental leave
• Access to One Medical

At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job‑related factors.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more!To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.

Hiring Range:

$27.20 - $37.40 USD

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Please note: Relativity Space does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate profiles, or referrals from recruitment agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited submission - via email, our website, social media, or directly to an employee - will be deemed the property of Relativity Space, and no fee will be owed absent a current, fully executed agreement with Talent Acquisition that specifically authorizes submissions for the applicable role.