Manufacturing Engineer II, Paint & TPS

Relativity Space; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Relativity Space is building a scalable manufacturing system for the Terran R rocket. The role focuses on applying Paint and Thermal Protection System materials, from design release to installation, with a build flow that enables high throughput.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Build Reliability, and Supply Chain to drive first builds, improve processes, and implement new capabilities, while maintaining safety on the shop floor. This is a hands-on manufacturing role on site in Long Beach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical, mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline with 2+ years progressive and related work experience; 3D & 2D design/drafting per ASME Y14.5M (NX preferred).
• Ability to interface with engineering and manufacturing groups to improve manufacturability.
• Experience with multiple processes such as adhesive bonding, coatings, machining, or composites is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own the application of Paint and TPS materials from design release through installation on Terran R; lay out the build flow for scalable production.
• Drive first build efforts and improve product lines through design integration, assembly sequencing, and BOM development.
• Support shop floor through issue resolution and provide upstream feedback for manufacturing tech.
• Monitor large scale part movements and maintain safety with clear direction.
• Identify and implement new manufacturing capabilities to increase capability, quality, and throughput of TPS processes.
• Develop strong cross-functional relationships with Engineering, Build Reliability, Supply Chain and external partners.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Manufacturing collaboration

Problem solving

Prioritization

Education

Engineering degree + 2+ yrs

Tools

NX CAD

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 Manufacturing team owns all process development, fabrication strategy, and production equipment for Terran R, our next generation, reusable rocket. This team has a wide variety of responsibilities – from factory floor layout, to developing complex tooling for novel processes, and interfacing with our vehicle engineering team to heavily influence design of the rocket. We leverage our deep expertise to translate engineering requirements into highly optimized production lines, working cross functionally to consistently enhance the vehicle program.

About The Role

• Own the application of Paint and Thermal Protection System materials from design release through successful installation onto the Terran R launch vehicle—lay out the build flow to ensure an efficient, high-quality process capable of scaling production rate with time
• Drive first build efforts and improve existing product lines through design integration, assembly sequencing, mBOM development, build work order creation, and specification authoring
• Support the shop floor and production personnel through responsive issue resolution and provide upstream feedback as we innovate the next generation of manufacturing technology
• Monitor large scale part movements and ensure safety through clear and concise direction
• Identify, develop, and implement new manufacturing capabilities to increase capability, quality, and throughput of Paint & Thermal Protection System processes
• Develop strong working relationships with Engineering, Build Reliability, Supply Chain, and external partners to ensure all company objectives can be met

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical, mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline with 2+ years progressive and related work experience 3D & 2D design/drafting working experience per ASME Y14.5M (NX preferred)
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interface with engineering and manufacturing groups to understand process constraints and provide design inputs for improved manufacturability
• Working experience with at least 2 of the following processes: adhesive bonding, soft goods manufacturing, coating processes, machining, mechanical fastening and torquing operations, trim and drill operations, composites manufacturing, critical lifting, tool design and fabrication, work center development
• Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals
• Highly self-motivated and able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment

Nice To Haves, But Not Required

• New product introduction of an aerospace hardware product or process with proven success
• Experience in managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Working knowledge of typical manufacturing execution systems and quality management systems
• Master’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline

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.

Hiring Range

$104,000—$156,000 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.