Materials Characterization Specialist II, SEM

Relativity Space•Long Beach, CA

20h

About The Position

The Materials Characterization Specialist II conducts scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis of additively manufactured metals, metal joining, and other rocket manufacturing and launch hardware. The role also includes SEM fractography of mechanical test specimens, foreign object debris (FOD) and contamination analysis, and SEM powder morphology for additive powder qualification. The specialist works alongside engineers at the SEM, guiding sessions to meet their needs and explaining observations. Responsibilities also include SEM sample preparation, managing requests against committed dates, documenting results, performing routine calibration checks, and carrying out first-line troubleshooting. The role is part of Relativity Space’s Materials and NDE team, which develops, characterizes, and inspects materials and processes across the Terran R vehicle.

Requirements

Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, or Bachelor of Science in a STEM field.
At least 4 years of hands-on SEM and EDX/EDS experience, with SEM as the primary focus.
Comfort running the SEM alongside an engineer and explaining observations.
Experience maintaining a high-vacuum instrument.
Ability to thoroughly document images, parameters, and conditions.

Nice To Haves

Experience running EBSD scans and processing EBSD data.
Prior fractography and FOD analysis experience.
Familiarity with aerospace alloys, including high-strength aluminum, nickel, copper, and titanium.
Experience with metallographic preparation, including cutting, mounting, polishing, etching, and optical microscopy.
Exposure to additive manufacturing and metal joining, including powder bed fusion, welding, and powder characterization.

Responsibilities

Conduct SEM imaging and EDX analysis of additively manufactured metals, metal joining, and other rocket manufacturing and launch hardware.
Conduct SEM fractography of mechanical test specimens.
Perform FOD and contamination analysis.
Work alongside engineers at the SEM and guide sessions according to their needs.
Conduct SEM powder morphology analysis for additive powder qualification.
Prepare SEM samples.
Manage SEM requests against committed dates.
Document results, including images, parameters, and conditions.
Perform routine calibration checks and first-line troubleshooting.