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June 27, 2026

Principal Mechanical Engineer (Structures)

Senior • On-site

225,000 - 245,004 USD/yr

Los Angeles, CA

Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week)

Outpost is building reusable vehicles that transport payloads from orbit back to Earth with precision and speed. The system is in active development, with core technologies advancing toward flight readiness and validated demand across defense, government, and commercial customers.

The Role

The Principal Mechanical Engineer serves as the technical authority for the primary and secondary structures of the Carryall vehicle. This role focuses on designing for full mission cycles including launch vibration, orbital vacuum, and hypersonic re-entry and landing. The engineer owns the structural architecture from trade studies and detailed analysis to hands-on integration.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the mechanical design of the entire vehicle structure, including primary structure, interfaces to the deployable heatshield, secondary structures, and payload bay
  • Perform and sign off on detailed hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS/FEMAP/NASTRAN), ensuring stiffness, buckling, and thermal expansion compatibility
  • Create and approve manufacturing drawings with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (ASME Y14.5)
  • Lead structural test campaigns including static load, random vibration, shock, and deployment testing
  • Collaborate with machine shops, composite vendors, and external partners to resolve fabrication issues and ensure on-time delivery
  • Mentor junior engineers in design best practices, analysis methods, and first-principles thinking

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Structural Engineering
  • 10+ years of experience in design and analysis of complex aerospace structures and mechanisms
  • Experience working on space vehicles or rockets
  • Experience taking primary structures from concept through PDR/CDR to flight
  • Expert-level proficiency in Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or similar parametric modeling tools
  • Experience in structural analysis (FEA) and classical hand calculations
  • Knowledge of aerospace materials including aluminum, titanium, Inconel, and composites in extreme thermal environments
  • Experience designing for manufacturing including CNC machining, sheet metal, welding, and composite layup

Preferred Experience

  • Active U.S. Government Security Clearance
  • Experience with deployable space structures and mechanisms
  • Experience designing for high-heat environments or integrating with Thermal Protection Systems (TPS)
  • Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for design automation or data post-processing
  • Knowledge of aerospace standards such as NASA-STD-5000 series and SMC-S-016

Compensation & Benefits

  • Base salary range: $225,000–$245,000 plus annual performance-based bonuses
  • Equity participation
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage and life insurance
  • Paid time off and 9 paid holidays
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Daily lunch stipend and office refreshments
  • Pet-friendly office and company social events

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The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.About the Team: The Mechanisms Team at Relativity Space designs and delivers the complex, high-performance mechanical systems that enable launch-vehicle flight, landing, and reusability. We own the full lifecycle of mission-critical hardware—actuators, latches, and thrust vector control (TVC) systems—while partnering deeply with Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC), Avionics, and Software to create integrated, operable solutions. Our work spans concept development through design, analysis, test, flight operations, and recovery, always balancing performance, reliability, and build rate. About the Role: As a Senior Mechanisms Systems Engineer, you will be the technical and programmatic owner for large, cross-discipline mechanism systems such as thrust vector control. Reporting directly to the Mechanisms team, you will lead system-level design and integration, guiding requirements, architecture, and verification across hardware and software interfaces.You will: Define system concepts of operations (CONOPS), requirements, and verification plans Lead integrated product activities across mechanical design, actuators, GNC, avionics, and software teams to ensure seamless system performance Drive development tests, functional verification, and flight readiness by authoring test plans, executing tests, and establishing success criteria Anticipate technical and logistical risks, develop mitigation strategies, and align priorities across engineering disciplines and schedules Coordinate the design, manufacturing, integration, and test schedules for complex mechanism systems Take hands-on ownership of emergent challenges—whether designing test fixtures, specifying sensors, writing test automation, or leading root-cause investigations This role occasionally requires travel to test and launch sites and may involve shifted or weekend schedules to support critical milestones About You: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field and 5+ years of relevant experience in design, manufacturing, assembly, or test of complex mechanical or electromechanical systems Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary projects and deliver on ambitious schedules Strong technical judgment and the ability to communicate complex concepts across engineering and leadership audiences Demonstrated experience balancing requirements, cost, and schedule while driving system integration and verification Nice to haves but not required: Background in actuator systems, flight mechanisms, or thrust vector control Experience with motor-control tuning and model-based design using MATLAB/Simulink Experience with integrated hardware/software testing and verification Familiarity with reusability and rapid-iteration development environments 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:$132,000—$181,500 USDWe 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. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.

Technology

Relativity Space

Staff Avionics Hardware Engineer

Senior

On-site

Long Beach, CA

14,583 - 20,083 USD/yr

🏢 Summary: Staff Avionics Hardware Engineer role focused on leading the design, development, integration, and flight qualification of spacecraft avionics systems for deep-space missions. The position involves owning avionics architecture from concept through production and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver reliable, high-performance hardware. The engineer will define technical standards and support the growth of interplanetary avionics capabilities. 🗂️ Requirements: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field, 6+ years of experience in avionics or aerospace electronics design, Experience delivering avionics systems from concept to production, Hands-on experience with schematic capture and PCB layout, Experience with embedded software interfaces, Experience with system-level testing and verification, Ability to lead avionics hardware builds, Experience working in cross-functional engineering teams 📃 Skills: PCB, Schematic, Embedded, Avionics, Electronics, Aerospace, Verification, Integration, Testing, Hardware, Architecture, Harnessing 🏢 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 Interplanetary Sciences Program was established to expand access to scientific exploration across our solar system. Its mission is to make planetary research faster, more affordable, and more capable than ever before by rethinking how science missions are designed, built, and operated. The program aims to enable scientists to send instruments to distant worlds without decades of development or prohibitive costs. By creating a sustainable model for interplanetary exploration, we are transforming space science from an occasional event into a continuous process of discovery that accelerates knowledge, broadens participation, and inspires the next generation of explorers. About the Role: As a Staff Avionics Hardware Engineer within the Interplanetary Program at Relativity Space, you will take ownership of the design, development, and delivery of spacecraft avionics systems from concept through flight. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create reliable, high-performance avionics that enable deep-space exploration. This position requires a highly motivated engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can execute with autonomy. You will help define the foundation of Relativity’s future interplanetary avionics architecture while setting the technical standards for future team growth. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Develop complete avionics systems, including architecture, design, integration, and verification, from initial concept through flight-qualified hardware Collaborate with propulsion, guidance and control, thermal and software teams to ensure seamless integration and performance of avionics systems Implement robust design and test processes that ensure reliability and safety for deep-space missions Lead the technical execution of avionics hardware builds, including PCB design, harnessing, embedded systems, and environmental qualification Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to manage component selection, testing, and delivery schedules Maintain accurate design documentation, test plans, and reports, demonstrating strong communication and organizational skills About You: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field 6+ years of experience designing, developing, and delivering avionics or electronics for aerospace systems or similarly complex environments Demonstrated ability to take a design from concept through production with minimal supervision Hands-on experience with schematic capture, PCB layout, embedded software interfaces, and system-level testing Proven track record of working cross-functionally and communicating technical information clearly to diverse audiences Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced team environment, demonstrating adaptability and problem-solving skills Nice to haves but not required: Direct technical experience in Mars missions is a plus Experience with NASA aerospace systems engineering practices in an applied / new-space manner is a plus Experience with deep-space or high-radiation avionics systems Background in spaceflight hardware environmental testing and qualification 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:$175,000—$241,000 USDWe 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. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.

Technology

Relativity

Staff Avionics Hardware Engineer

Senior

On-site

Long Beach, CA

14,583 - 20,083 USD/yr

🏢 Summary: Staff Avionics Hardware Engineer role focused on leading the end-to-end design, development, integration, and flight qualification of spacecraft avionics systems for deep-space missions. The position involves defining avionics architecture, executing hardware builds, and ensuring reliable, high-performance systems for interplanetary exploration. The engineer sets technical standards and collaborates cross-functionally to deliver flight-ready hardware. 🗂️ Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field, 6+ years of experience in avionics or aerospace electronics development, Experience delivering avionics systems from concept to production, Hands-on experience with schematic capture and PCB layout, Experience with embedded software interfaces, Experience with system-level testing and verification, Ability to lead hardware builds including PCB design and harnessing, Experience with environmental qualification of aerospace hardware 📃 Skills: Avionics, PCB, Schematic, Embedded, Electronics, Aerospace, Integration, Verification, Testing, Harnessing, Architecture, Hardware 🏢 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 Interplanetary Sciences Program was established to expand access to scientific exploration across our solar system. Its mission is to make planetary research faster, more affordable, and more capable than ever before by rethinking how science missions are designed, built, and operated. The program aims to enable scientists to send instruments to distant worlds without decades of development or prohibitive costs. By creating a sustainable model for interplanetary exploration, we are transforming space science from an occasional event into a continuous process of discovery that accelerates knowledge, broadens participation, and inspires the next generation of explorers. About the Role: As a Staff Avionics Hardware Engineer within the Interplanetary Program at Relativity Space, you will take ownership of the design, development, and delivery of spacecraft avionics systems from concept through flight. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create reliable, high-performance avionics that enable deep-space exploration. This position requires a highly motivated engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can execute with autonomy. You will help define the foundation of Relativity’s future interplanetary avionics architecture while setting the technical standards for future team growth. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Develop complete avionics systems, including architecture, design, integration, and verification, from initial concept through flight-qualified hardware Collaborate with propulsion, guidance and control, thermal and software teams to ensure seamless integration and performance of avionics systems Implement robust design and test processes that ensure reliability and safety for deep-space missions Lead the technical execution of avionics hardware builds, including PCB design, harnessing, embedded systems, and environmental qualification Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to manage component selection, testing, and delivery schedules Maintain accurate design documentation, test plans, and reports, demonstrating strong communication and organizational skills About You: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field 6+ years of experience designing, developing, and delivering avionics or electronics for aerospace systems or similarly complex environments Demonstrated ability to take a design from concept through production with minimal supervision Hands-on experience with schematic capture, PCB layout, embedded software interfaces, and system-level testing Proven track record of working cross-functionally and communicating technical information clearly to diverse audiences Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced team environment, demonstrating adaptability and problem-solving skills Nice to haves but not required: Direct technical experience in Mars missions is a plus Experience with NASA aerospace systems engineering practices in an applied / new-space manner is a plus Experience with deep-space or high-radiation avionics systems Background in spaceflight hardware environmental testing and qualification 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:$175,000—$241,000 USDWe 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. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.

Technology

Relativity

Senior Avionics Hardware Engineer

Senior

On-site

Long Beach, CA

12,333 - 16,958 USD/yr

🏢 Summary: Senior Avionics Hardware Engineer role focused on designing, developing, and delivering flight-qualified spacecraft avionics systems for deep-space missions within the Interplanetary Program. The position involves full lifecycle ownership from concept through integration, testing, and launch, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. The engineer will define avionics architecture and technical standards for future interplanetary missions. 🗂️ Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field, 5+ years of experience in avionics or electronics design for aerospace or complex systems, Experience taking hardware design from concept through production with minimal supervision, Hands-on experience with schematic capture and PCB layout, Experience with embedded software interfaces, Experience with system-level testing and verification, Ability to collaborate cross-functionally in fast-paced engineering environments 📃 Skills: Avionics, PCB, Schematic, Embedded, Electronics, Integration, Verification, Testing, Hardware, Aerospace 🏢 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 Interplanetary Sciences Program was established to expand access to scientific exploration across our solar system. Its mission is to make planetary research faster, more affordable, and more capable than ever before by rethinking how science missions are designed, built, and operated. The program aims to enable scientists to send instruments to distant worlds without decades of development or prohibitive costs. By creating a sustainable model for interplanetary exploration, we are transforming space science from an occasional event into a continuous process of discovery that accelerates knowledge, broadens participation, and inspires the next generation of explorers. About the Role: As a Senior Avionics Hardware Engineer within the Interplanetary Program at Relativity Space, you will take ownership of the design, development, and delivery of spacecraft avionics systems from concept through flight. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create reliable, high-performance avionics that enable deep-space exploration. This position requires a highly motivated engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can execute with autonomy. You will help define the foundation of Relativity’s future interplanetary avionics architecture while setting the technical standards for future team growth. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Develop complete avionics systems, including architecture, design, integration, and verification, from initial concept through flight-qualified hardware Collaborate with propulsion, guidance and control, thermal and software teams to ensure seamless integration and performance of avionics systems Implement robust design and test processes that ensure reliability and safety for deep-space missions Lead the technical execution of avionics hardware builds, including PCB design, harnessing, embedded systems, and environmental qualification Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to manage component selection, testing, and delivery schedules Maintain accurate design documentation, test plans, and reports, demonstrating strong communication and organizational skills About You: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field 5+ years of experience designing, developing, and delivering avionics or electronics for aerospace systems or similarly complex environments Demonstrated ability to take a design from concept through production with minimal supervision Hands-on experience with schematic capture, PCB layout, embedded software interfaces, and system-level testing Proven track record of working cross-functionally and communicating technical information clearly to diverse audiences Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced team environment, demonstrating adaptability and problem-solving skills Nice to haves but not required: Direct technical experience in Mars missions is a plus Experience with NASA aerospace systems engineering practices in an applied / new-space manner is a plus Experience with deep-space or high-radiation avionics systems Background in spaceflight hardware environmental testing and qualification 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:$148,000—$203,500 USDWe 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. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.

Technology

Relativity Space

Senior Avionics Hardware Engineer

Senior

On-site

Long Beach, CA

12,333 - 16,958 USD/yr

🏢 Summary: Senior Avionics Hardware Engineer responsible for leading the design, development, integration, and delivery of spacecraft avionics systems for interplanetary missions from concept through flight. The role focuses on building reliable, high-performance hardware for deep-space exploration while defining avionics architecture and technical standards. You will work cross-functionally to ensure successful system integration and flight qualification. 🗂️ Requirements: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field, 5+ years of experience in avionics or aerospace electronics development, Experience delivering avionics systems from concept to production, Hands-on experience with schematic capture and PCB layout, Experience with embedded systems and system-level testing, Experience leading hardware builds and environmental qualification, Ability to work cross-functionally in complex engineering projects 📃 Skills: PCB, Schematic, Embedded, Avionics, Electronics, Aerospace, Testing, Verification, Integration, Harnessing 🏢 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 Interplanetary Sciences Program was established to expand access to scientific exploration across our solar system. Its mission is to make planetary research faster, more affordable, and more capable than ever before by rethinking how science missions are designed, built, and operated. The program aims to enable scientists to send instruments to distant worlds without decades of development or prohibitive costs. By creating a sustainable model for interplanetary exploration, we are transforming space science from an occasional event into a continuous process of discovery that accelerates knowledge, broadens participation, and inspires the next generation of explorers. About the Role: As a Senior Avionics Hardware Engineer within the Interplanetary Program at Relativity Space, you will take ownership of the design, development, and delivery of spacecraft avionics systems from concept through flight. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create reliable, high-performance avionics that enable deep-space exploration. This position requires a highly motivated engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can execute with autonomy. You will help define the foundation of Relativity’s future interplanetary avionics architecture while setting the technical standards for future team growth. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Develop complete avionics systems, including architecture, design, integration, and verification, from initial concept through flight-qualified hardware Collaborate with propulsion, guidance and control, thermal and software teams to ensure seamless integration and performance of avionics systems Implement robust design and test processes that ensure reliability and safety for deep-space missions Lead the technical execution of avionics hardware builds, including PCB design, harnessing, embedded systems, and environmental qualification Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to manage component selection, testing, and delivery schedules Maintain accurate design documentation, test plans, and reports, demonstrating strong communication and organizational skills About You: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field 5+ years of experience designing, developing, and delivering avionics or electronics for aerospace systems or similarly complex environments Demonstrated ability to take a design from concept through production with minimal supervision Hands-on experience with schematic capture, PCB layout, embedded software interfaces, and system-level testing Proven track record of working cross-functionally and communicating technical information clearly to diverse audiences Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced team environment, demonstrating adaptability and problem-solving skills Nice to haves but not required: Direct technical experience in Mars missions is a plus Experience with NASA aerospace systems engineering practices in an applied / new-space manner is a plus Experience with deep-space or high-radiation avionics systems Background in spaceflight hardware environmental testing and qualification 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:$148,000—$203,500 USDWe 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. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.

Technology

Relativity Space

Staff Mechanisms Engineer

Senior

On-site

Long Beach, CA

15,375 - 18,792 USD/yr

🏢 Summary: Senior Mechanisms Design Engineer responsible for leading the full design, analysis, build, and test lifecycle of flight mechanisms for the Terran R rocket, including stage separation, payload deployment, aero actuation, and landing gear systems. The role involves cross-functional collaboration and integration of mechanisms into additively manufactured primary structures. Ownership spans conceptual design through manufacturing and flight-ready hardware delivery. 🗂️ Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field, 8+ years of full-cycle design engineering experience (CAD, analysis, build, test), Experience designing mechanical mechanisms for high-performance systems, Knowledge of kinematic synthesis, pneumatic and hydraulic actuation, mechatronics, instrumentation, Knowledge of structural strength, stability, and fatigue failure modes, Understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and surface treatments, Hands-on hardware build and testing experience, Ability to lead technical projects and conduct trade studies 📃 Skills: CAD, NX, TeamCenter, Ansys, Femap, Python, MATLAB, Kinematics, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Mechatronics, Instrumentation, Structures, Fatigue, Manufacturing, Additive, Machining, Welding, 3Dprinting 🏢 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 Structures and Mechanisms team is responsible for the full design, build, and test lifecycle of Terran R’s integrated structures and flight mechanisms. Whether you're working on highly iterative mechanisms that move or tight-margin structures that shouldn’t, you’ll get hands-on hardware ownership and see the rocket coming to life on the factory floor. Both teams fall under one department, sharing design principles, tools, and an integrated approach that provides a comprehensive view of Terran R. Team members work on multiple parts, not just within a single subsystem, and are empowered to make decisions that directly impact flight hardware. Beyond first flight, you’ll play a critical role in refining for manufacturability and speed. About the Role: To support our mission of changing the way rockets are built and flown, you will guide the design of Terran R mechanisms such as stage separation, payload deployment, aero control features and landing gear. To be successful, you will be working collaboratively with partner groups such as structures, avionics and fluids; and leverage our additive process and design freedom to design and build better products. The scope of work encompasses a full design cycle, including conceptualization, trade studies, design, analysis, manufacturing and testing of components. Here are some examples of projects you could be working on: Design and test the Terran R stage separation or fairing deployment system Innovative conceptualization of the Terran R landing gear or aero surfaces actuation Definition of design criteria and subsystems requirements Review of static and dynamic load inputs, material properties & manufacturing process Conduct trade studies on different mechanism design concepts and present to leadership Your mission will be to deliver on time and budget. You will be challenged to integrate as many subsystems within our printed primary structure, and support the development of our additive process to make this a reality. To achieve this, you will be working closely with our vehicle design, test and loads teams, as well as our additive and manufacturing teams. In order to be successful in this role, you should be someone who is self-motivated, thrives in ambiguity, and is able to lead his or her own projects to completion. Ideally, you are someone who has come from a fast-paced environment, having completed difficult projects with extreme ownership while collaborating effectively with other key groups. About You: Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline 8+ years of experience in a full cycle design engineering role, including CAD, analysis, build and test Fundamental knowledge of kinematic synthesis, pneumatic/hydraulic actuation, mechatronics and instrumentation Fundamental knowledge of structures strength, stability and fatigue failure modes Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and surface treatments Proven track record of technical problem-solving and hands-on hardware build experience Communication and interpersonal skills to lead discussions on complex technical topics Nice to haves but not required: 10+ years of aerospace experience or an advanced engineering degree Experience with launch vehicle mechanisms and multi-body dynamics analysis Experience in a demanding fast pace development environment Experience with design engineering tools such as NX, TeamCenter, Ansys or Femap, as well as engineering scripting language such as Python or MATLAB Hands-on experience with fabrication/prototyping such as machining, 3D printing, welding, woodworking 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:$184,500—$225,500 USDWe 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. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.