Friction Stir Welding Technician II, Second Shift

Relativity Space; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 39,812 - 51,522; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% health care coverage on first day

Quarterly wellness stipend

Unlimited onsite snacks

Free lunch on Mondays and Fridays

Annual learning and development stipend

Job summary

Relativity Space in Long Beach, CA is looking for skilled candidates to join their Stage Manufacturing team. You'll work on FSW operations and help build the Terran R rocket while influencing the future of launch technology.

This role includes a 50-hour workweek with a unique schedule, and comes with great benefits such as immediate health coverage, wellness stipends, and a competitive salary commensurate with your experience. The position emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and technical rigor.

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience with friction stir welding.
• 1+ years’ experience with crane and rigging operations.
• Proficient in using common hand tools and inspection tools.

Responsibilities

• Run FSW operations, prepping welds and post weld blending.
• Complete standard lift operations or assist in critical lift operations.
• Perform precision blending/deburring using power or hand tools.

Skills

Friction stir welding

Crane and rigging operations

Common hand tools usage

Inspection tools usage

Microsoft Office proficiency

Tools

Standard power tools

CNC equipment

Machining equipment

Job description

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 2nd shift position with a standard schedule of 3:00 PM – 1:30 AM PT, Monday through Friday. The role includes a 10% shift differential added to the base pay. 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 an inclusive environment for all members of the team

About You

• 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 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

Benefits

• 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

Compensation

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: $28.90 — $37.40 USD

Equal Opportunity

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.

If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at [e-mail].