Senior Vehicle Manufacturing Engineer, Primary Structures

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

Job summary

An innovative aerospace company is seeking a detail-oriented Manufacturing Engineer to lead the assembly processes for a next-generation reusable rocket. This role offers the chance to work with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and contribute to the future of aerospace. You will be responsible for developing high-quality work instructions, resolving manufacturing challenges, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Join a passionate community dedicated to transforming the aerospace industry while enjoying competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Generous PTO and Sick Leave

Parental Leave

Annual Learning and Development Stipend

Equity Opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing with a relevant engineering degree.
• Expertise in GD&T and CAD software, particularly NX.

Responsibilities

• Own assembly station for Terran R and define operational strategies.
• Generate work instructions and analyze manufacturing non-conformances.

Skills

Manufacturing Processes Knowledge

Work Instructions Authoring

GD&T Mastery

CAD Software (NX)

Problem Solving

Team Leadership

Education

BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering

Relevant Engineering Discipline

Tools

CAD Software (NX)

Welding Tools

Machining Tools

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 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 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 consistently enhance the vehicle program.

About the Role:

1. Own a major primary structure assembly station for Terran R, as well as all associated flight parts and assembly processes, defining operational strategies and working to build upon existing methods.
2. Support the shop floor through live issue resolution and provide upstream feedback as we innovate manufacturing technology.
3. Generate high-quality work instructions, specifications, and best practices across multiple high-fidelity processes. Standardize processes where possible, and partner with the production team to reduce takt time and increase throughput rates. Analyze and disposition manufacturing non-conformances and lead multi-disciplinary teams on root cause analysis and corrective actions.
4. Generate build orders and schedules, and develop creative solutions to stay on track.
5. Support conceptual and detailed design of major tooling assemblies alongside tooling engineering. Support procurement, commissioning, and initial trial builds, ensuring tooling is delivered on time and with the right capabilities.
6. Provide Design for Manufacturing feedback to structures teams during the development phase and through the first prototype and flight builds.

About You:

• BS or MS degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline with 5+ years of related experience. Knowledgeable about cutting-edge manufacturing processes that can add or enhance existing manufacturing capabilities.
• Extensive experience authoring work instructions, dispositioning non-conformant products in a production environment, and resolving complex manufacturing challenges with technician teams. Experienced in bring-up and support of manufacturing work centers.
• Mastery of GD&T and drafting principles, expert familiarity with CAD software such as NX.
• Ability to work autonomously with little supervision in a fast-paced environment, extremely detail-oriented and organized. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated mastery of using first principles to perform trade studies and reason through complex problems, able to make informed decisions using engineering fundamentals.
• Expert level knowledge of at least 2 of the following: Welding (fusion or friction stir welding), machining, precision drilling, mechanical fastening and torquing, tool design and fabrication, NDT, subassembly build, etc.

Nice to haves but not required:

• Experience designing or using tooling for manufacturing large metallic structures, with bonus points for experience with welding turning roll systems.
• Experience with new process introduction in a manufacturing environment and/or building first article assemblies, especially in a startup environment.
• Demonstrated success with improving takt time in a production process, and/or transitioning products from prototype to mass production.
• Experience in capacity analyses, DFMEA/PFMEA, value stream mapping.

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: $130,000—$166,000 USD

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