Senior Mechanisms Engineer Long Beach, California

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.About the TeamThe Structures and Mechanisms team is responsible for the full design, build, and test lifecycle of Terran R's integrated structures and flight mechanisms. Team members work on multiple parts, not just within a single subsystem, and are empowered to make decisions that directly impact flight hardware.About the RoleGuide the design of Terran R mechanisms such as stage separation, payload deployment, aero control features and landing gear. Collaborate with partner groups such as structures, avionics and fluids; 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 systemInnovative conceptualization of the Terran R landing gear or aero surfaces actuationDefinition of design criteria and subsystem requirementsReview of static and dynamic load inputs, material properties and manufacturing processConduct trade studies on different mechanism design concepts and present to leadershipYour mission will be to deliver on time and budget. Work closely with vehicle design, test and loads teams, as well as additive and manufacturing teams.QualificationsBachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline5+ years of experience in a full cycle design engineering role, including CAD, analysis, build and testFundamental knowledge of kinematic synthesis, pneumatic/hydraulic actuation, mechatronics and instrumentationFundamental knowledge of structures strength, stability and fatigue failure modesBasic knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and surface treatmentsProven track record of technical problem-solving and hands‑on hardware build experienceCommunication and interpersonal skills to lead discussions on complex technical topicsNice to Haves7+ years of aerospace experience or an advanced engineering degreeExperience with launch vehicle mechanisms and multi‑body dynamics analysisExperience with design engineering tools such as NX, TeamCenter, Ansys or Femap, and scripting in Python or MATLABHands‑on experience with fabrication/prototyping such as machining, 3D printing, welding, woodworkingBenefits & CompensationActual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job‑related factors. The compensation range is $132,000 - $181,500 USD. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, generous PTO and sick leave, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more.Hiring Range$132,000 - $181,500 USDEqual Opportunity EmployerWe 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.#J-18808-Ljbffr