Weld Technical Specialist II

Relativity; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Relativity Space's Materials and NDE team supports Terran R by developing, qualifying, and executing flight weld processes for Terran‑R, including manual and laser GTAW welding, and by defining weld procedure specifications for development and flight hardware.

You will load and unload hardware with overhead cranes, perform dimensional and visual inspections with precision tools, and collaborate with technicians and engineers to solve manufacturing issues while upholding Relativity Space

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in aerospace welding, weld operations, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience with GTAW or laser welding of aluminum, stainless steel, or Inconel materials.
• Experience in fabrication, including layout, forming, and assembly of metallic components.
• Experience with weld fit-up, weld prep, post-weld blending, repairs, and dimensional inspections.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs, operate in confined spaces, and work at elevated heights.
• Ability to adapt and thrive in fast-paced environments spanning both development and production.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with technician and engineering teams to develop, qualify, and execute flight weld processes for Terran-R, including manual and semi-automated GTAW and GMAW welding and developing weld parameters for new weld procedure specifications
• Bring new welding equipment online and execute weld operations on both development and flight hardware, including manual weld repairs
• Load and unload hardware using overhead cranes or forklifts, and install structural mechanical piece parts and tooling
• Perform dimensional fitment inspections and visual weld inspections, accurately using precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, and torque wrenches
• Perform precision blending using hand tools to prepare metallic surfaces for welding and non-destructive evaluation
• Identify and resolve issues in the manufacturing process, including material defects, equipment malfunctions, or production inefficiencies, ensure all operations comply with Relativity Space standards, and foster an inclusive environment for all team members

Skills

Aerospace welding

GTAW

Laser welding

Welding operations

Fabrication

Dimensional inspection

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 Materials and NDE (Non-Destructive Evaluation) team plays a central role in enabling Terran R to fly, re-fly, and scale: developing, characterizing, and inspecting materials and processes across all parts of the vehicle. From welding and additive manufacturing to advanced composites, the team works at the intersection of innovation and execution, balancing performance and reliability with cost, quality, and schedule. As we move toward first flight and beyond, the challenges become more exciting, offering opportunities to shape how we design and develop for re-use. With ownership across products, systems, and disciplines, engineers gain broad exposure and drive key decisions across design, manufacturing, and operations.

About the Role:

• Work directly with technician and engineering teams to develop, qualify, and execute flight weld processes for Terran-R, including manual and semi-automated GTAW and GMAW welding (equipment, torches, consumables, and weld setup) and developing weld parameters for new weld procedure specifications
• Bring new welding equipment online and execute weld operations on both development and flight hardware, including manual weld repairs
• Load and unload hardware using overhead cranes or forklifts, and install structural mechanical piece parts and tooling
• Perform dimensional fitment inspections and visual weld inspections, accurately using precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, and torque wrenches
• Perform precision blending using hand tools to prepare metallic surfaces for welding and non-destructive evaluation
• Identify and resolve issues in the manufacturing process, including material defects, equipment malfunctions, or production inefficiencies, ensure all operations comply with Relativity Space standards, and foster an inclusive environment for all team members

About You:

• 7+ years of experience in aerospace welding, weld operations, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience with GTAW or laser welding of aluminum, stainless steel, or Inconel materials
• Experience in fabrication, including layout, forming, and assembly of metallic components
• Experience with weld fit-up, weld prep, post-weld blending, repairs, and dimensional inspections
• Ability to lift 25 lbs, operate in confined spaces, and work at elevated heights (training will be provided, and reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities)
• Ability to adapt and thrive in fast-paced environments spanning both development and production

Nice to haves but not required:

• Experience with robotic or semi-automated welding systems
• Experience working with common aerospace materials (Al, Inconel, SS, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of aerospace welding standards and specifications (e.g., AWS D17.1)
• Effective communication skills and team collaboration
• In-depth familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to interpret blueprints and inspections at all assembly levels

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:

$40.40 - $60.60 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