Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer II

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development and production of Aeon-R Nozzle Extension hardware, ensuring manufacturability and integration with design teams. This role involves managing complex hardware projects and enhancing manufacturing processes in a dynamic environment, contributing significantly to the Terran R rocket's success.

Benefits

Competitive salary and equity

Generous PTO and sick leave policy

Parental leave

Annual learning and development stipend

Qualifications

• 2+ years of direct experience with thrust chamber assemblies or related hardware.
• Experience in a fast-paced, startup manufacturing environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and produce Aeon-R Nozzle Extension hardware.
• Project-manage a wide variety of hardware throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.
• Recommend design adaptations to improve reliability and throughput.

Skills

Welding

Sheet Forming

Machining

Additive Manufacturing

Investigation of Non-conformances

Training Technicians

Assembly and Test Procedures

GD&T

Education

Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related technical field

Job description

At Relativity Space, we have two audacious goals: to build the next great commercial launch company with Terran R and to become America's leading force in additive manufacturing innovation. Both contribute to our long-term vision of creating humanity’s industrial base on Mars, paving the way for interplanetary life to expand the possibilities of the human experience. This journey begins right here on Earth – where we design, build, and fly rockets to deliver customer payloads to orbit. Terran R, our medium-to-heavy lift reusable rocket, fulfills the growing demand for launch capacity, thanks to our iterative approach that accelerates design, testing, and development while minimizing costs. While our groundbreaking research and development in 3D printing pushes the boundaries of large-scale additive manufacturing.

Your journey with us is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to shape the future of aerospace technology, additive manufacturing, and the human experience alongside a community of passionate, creative individuals. Join us on this extraordinary journey, as we work together to transform our vision into reality.

About the Team:

The mission of the Engine Manufacturing departmentis to deliver high-performing products and innovative manufacturing systems while driving continuous improvements in cost, quality, and lead time. Through cross-functional collaboration, high levels of accountability, and a focus on safety we play a crucial role in building our reusable rocket, Terran-R. We are responsible for providing design feedback on new hardware iterations, pioneering and implementing advanced manufacturing methods and systems, and ultimately delivering engine and vehicle hardware for testing prior to launch. Over the past year, the Engine Manufacturing Team has successfully developed, iterated, and delivered processes and hardware for the first Aeon-R development engines. Now, we are entering a critical phase: producing flight engines that will pave the way for Terran-R's inaugural launch to orbit.

About the Role:

You will be responsible for the development and production of Aeon-RVac Nozzle Extension hardware for Terran R. As a Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer, you will own the manufacturing trades and then develop the processes for fabricating, testing, and delivering Aeon-R Nozzle Extension hardware to the vehicle for integration. With a focus on manufacturability and integration, you will serve as the primary point of contact between the manufacturing and design teams as we develop and optimize Aeon-R hardware, ensuring that as-built hardware meets all aspects of the intended design. You will project-manage a wide variety of hardware in varying states of their manufacturing lifecycle, as well as develop processes and procedures for post-processing printed parts and recommend design adaptations to improve reliability and throughput. You have the passion, tenacity, and resolve to work through challenging issues unique to 3D printed and machined components.

About You:

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related technical field and 2+ years of direct experience working with thrust chamber assemblies or related hardware
• Manufacturing Process Experience: Welding, Sheet Forming, Machining, Additive
• Ability to effectively investigate, resolve and screen hardware non-conformances
• Ability to work with and train technicians
• Knowledge of general assembly and test procedures, including tolerance stack-up analysis, structural proof testing and pressurized leak checks
• Experience with GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and industry specifications

Nice to haves but not required:

• Experience with weld engineering, including joint design, process qualification, and NDE
• Familiarity with forgings and related inspection techniques
• Experience working in a fast-paced, startup, high-mix manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated track record of delivering results leading complex manufacturing development projects from conceptual development through qualification / early production
  

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:

$112,000—$143,000 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.