Sr Heat Treat Process Engineer Long Beach, California

Relativity; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 181,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO and sick leave

Parental leave

Annual learning and development stipend

Job summary

Relativity is seeking a highly skilled Senior Heat Treat Process Engineer to optimize heat treatment processes for additively manufactured parts in Long Beach, California. This role requires significant hands-on experience and expertise in aerospace heat treatment, focusing on developing and validating processes for rocket components.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of heat treatment metallurgy and possess 5-7 years of relevant experience. The position offers a competitive salary range of $132,000 - $181,500, along with generous benefits.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of heat treatment process engineering in aerospace manufacturing with proven NADCAP and AS9100 experience.
• Deep understanding of heat treatment metallurgy for nickel-based superalloys.
• Hands-on vacuum furnace operations and process validation.

Responsibilities

• Own heat treatment processes for L-PBF additively manufactured Inconel 718 parts.
• Drive experimentation and innovation to meet production goals.
• Lead root cause analysis for thermal processing non-conformances.

Skills

Heat treatment process engineering

Aerospace manufacturing

Technical writing

Material testing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering

Job description

About the Team:

The Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing team pushes the boundaries of rocket propulsion hardware, overseeing development, process, and production from concept to final hardware with rigorous quality and precision. From developing print parameters on state‑of‑the‑art 3D printers to enabling fast iteration for partner departments, the team plays a critical role in taking engine designs from concept to hot fire. The team was instrumental in producing Aeon 1 engines for Terran 1 launch and is now pioneering next‑generation processes and designs for the Aeon R engines that will power Terran R.

About the Role:

Relativity Space seeks a highly skilled Senior Heat Treat Process Engineer to own and optimize heat treatment processes for additively manufactured parts and welded assemblies. This hands‑on role requires expertise in aerospace heat treatment, process development, and the ability to drive innovation in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. You will spend significant time on the manufacturing floor working with furnaces, technicians, and cross‑functional teams to establish world‑class heat treatment operations for next‑generation rocket components.

Key Responsibilities

• Own heat treatment processes for L‑PBF additively manufactured Inconel 718 parts and welded assemblies, including development and validation of heat treatment recipes (solution annealing, aging, HIP) through material testing (hardness, tensile, microstructural evaluation).
• Drive experimentation and innovation beyond industry standards to meet production goals while maintaining aerospace quality requirements.
• Author and maintain process specifications and SOPs in compliance with NADCAP and AS9100 requirements, including temperature uniformity surveys, furnace calibration records, and process validation documentation.
• Lead root cause analysis for thermal processing non‑conformances and develop corrective/preventive actions to prevent recurrence.
• Provide training, guidance, and technical support to heat‑treat technicians while collaborating with materials, quality, and manufacturing teams to resolve issues and implement improvements.
• Interface with suppliers and vendors for heat treatment equipment and services.
• Manage equipment calibration schedules, conduct temperature uniformity surveys, and identify infrastructure needs for capital equipment improvements.
• Design efficient shopfloor workflows with visual management systems to clearly identify part status and required heat treatment cycles, optimizing throughput and first‑time quality.

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 5‑7+ years of heat treatment process engineering in aerospace manufacturing with proven NADCAP and AS9100 experience.
• Deep understanding of heat treatment metallurgy for nickel‑based superalloys (solution annealing, precipitation hardening, stress relief, HIP).
• Knowledge of aerospace heat treatment specifications (AMS2774, AMS2750) and additive manufacturing (L‑PBF) heat treatment requirements.
• Understanding of furnace installation qualification, calibration, temperature uniformity surveys, and thermal processing equipment management.
• Hands‑on vacuum furnace operations, cycle development, and process validation.
• Experience with technical writing: specification, SOP, work instructions.
• Experience training and working with manufacturing technicians.

Nice to haves but not required

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Material characterization proficiency including hardness testing, tensile testing per ASTM E8, and metallographic evaluation.

Compensation and Benefits

Hiring Range: $132,000 - $181,500 USD.

Compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job‑related factors. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, generous PTO and sick leave, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.