Manager, Launch Mechanical Engineering

Relativity Space; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Relativity Space is seeking a Launch Mechanical Manager in California to lead a team that designs, builds, and tests interfaces for flight vehicles and ground systems.

You will set priorities, plan work around launches, mentor engineers, and coordinate with engineering and operations to address risks and resource needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or related field.
• 5+ years engineering experience in launch operations or complex mechanical systems.
• 1+ year experience leading an engineering team and giving feedback.
• Strong fundamentals in structures, mechanical design, and fluid systems.
• Proven track record delivering projects on schedule amid changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of launch mechanical engineers who design, build, and test interfaces and mechanisms.
• Set priorities, plan work around launch schedules and program needs.
• Support engineers with design decisions and practical engineering methods.
• Coordinate staffing, design reviews, risks, and cross‑team collaboration.
• Review launch system designs and drive safe, reliable solutions.
• Hire, train, coach, and report progress, risks, and resource needs.

Skills

Team leadership

Mechanical design

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Job description

The Launch Mechanical team is responsible for building world class launch facilities to support flights of the Terran R launch vehicle. As part of the team, you will take on the challenge of designing, building, testing, and integrating complex mechanical systems that interface directly with the launch vehicle. You will have the opportunity to be part of a small team of engineers who are responsible for the full engineering cycle on projects that involve static structures, dynamic mechanisms, and control systems using fluid, electrical, and combustion powered sources.

About the Role:

• Manage a team of launch mechanical engineers who design, build, and test mechanisms, tools, and interfaces used with flight vehicles and ground systems.
• Set clear priorities for the team and plan work based on launch schedules, program needs, and company goals.
• Support engineers with design decisions, problem-solving, and practical mechanical engineering methods.
• Coordinate staffing, schedules, design reviews, technical risks, and work with other engineering and operations teams.
• Review launch system designs and help the team develop safe, reliable, and practical solutions.
• Hire, train, coach, and evaluate team members, and provide leadership with clear updates on progress, risks, and resource needs.

About You:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in launch operations, testing, ground systems, or other complex mechanical systems.
• 1+ year of experience managing an engineering team, including assigning work, coaching employees, and providing performance feedback.
• Strong engineering fundamentals in structures, mechanical design, and fluid systems
• Experience completing engineering projects on schedule while addressing technical issues and changing priorities.
• Experience mentoring engineers, resolving work-related conflicts, and communicating clearly with technical teams and leadership.

Nice to haves but not required:

• Experience designing, building, testing, or operating launch vehicle interface mechanisms and tooling.
• Familiarity with NASA, Department of Defense, U.S. Space Force, or similar engineering and safety standards.
• Knowledge of structural materials and common manufacturing processes.
• Experience designing fluid systems that use high-pressure gases, cryogenic fluids, flammable fluids, or hydraulics.