Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanisms Build & Test

ZipRecruiter; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an innovative aerospace company on a mission to revolutionize space travel and manufacturing. As a key member of the Manufacturing team, you'll oversee critical subassemblies for a next-generation reusable rocket. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of aerospace technology while working collaboratively with passionate experts. Your contributions will directly impact the success of ambitious projects, pushing the boundaries of engineering and manufacturing. If you're ready to take on challenges in a fast-paced environment and mentor the next generation of engineers, this position is for you.

Benefits

Generous PTO and Sick Leave

Parental Leave

Annual Learning Stipend

Equity Options

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing environments.
• Extensive experience in authoring work instructions.
• Proficiency in machining and assembly operations.

Responsibilities

• Own major mechanized subassembly from design to integration.
• Drive assembly build and test efforts through design integration.
• Analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies.

Skills

Aerospace Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Problem Solving

Collaboration

Critical Thinking

Process Improvement

Education

BSc in Aerospace Engineering

BSc in Mechanical Engineering

BSc in Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Machining

Precision Drilling

Mechanical Fastening

Pneumatic Assembly

Electromechanical Assembly

Job description

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. Our groundbreaking research and development in 3D printing push 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 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 the design of the rocket. We leverage our deep expertise to translate engineering requirements into highly optimized production lines, working cross-functionally to enhance the vehicle program continually.

About the Role:

1. Own a major mechanized subassembly and its child components from design release through test and successful integration onto the Terran R launch vehicle—lay out the build and test flow to ensure an efficient, high-quality product flow capable of scaling over time.
2. Drive the assembly's build and test efforts through design integration, part sourcing, assembly sequencing, mBOM development, work order creation, and specification authoring.
3. Support workcenter development by considering assembly and test operations, safety, tooling and capital equipment requirements, and company operational goals.
4. Provide hands-on support to the shop floor and production personnel, promptly addressing issues and offering upstream feedback to improve design for manufacturability.
5. Analyze and resolve recurring manufacturing discrepancies and lead multidisciplinary teams on root cause analysis and corrective actions.
6. Foster a culture of critical thinking and imaginative problem-solving, challenging established norms in engineering and manufacturing, and pushing boundaries to achieve efficient production. Mentor junior manufacturing engineers to support their technical and professional growth.

About You:

1. BSc degree in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering with 5+ years of experience building and testing hardware in a manufacturing environment.
2. Extensive experience authoring work instructions and/or test procedures for interdisciplinary mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic assemblies.
3. Experience collaborating with design engineering, manufacturing, and production teams.
4. Proven track record leading and managing large process and quality improvement initiatives with broad scope.
5. Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
6. Proficiency in at least two of the following: machining, precision drilling, mechanical fastening, torquing operations, pneumatic/electromechanical assembly, electrical/pneumatic testing, tooling design and fabrication, subassembly workcenter development.

Nice to Haves:

1. Experience with NPI of aerospace hardware systems into manufacturing, testing, and production, including transitioning from prototype to high-volume production.
2. Knowledge of rocket subsystems such as structures, mechanisms, high-pressure gas systems, and avionics.
3. Expertise in GD&T and drafting principles.
4. Experience with capacity analysis, DFMEA/PFMEA, and value stream mapping.

At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and other factors.

Our total rewards include competitive salary and equity, generous PTO and sick leave, parental leave, an annual learning stipend, and more. For details, please visit our benefits page.

Hiring Range: $130,000—$166,000 USD

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