Materials Characterization Technician II

Relativity Space•Long Beach, CA

About The Position

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 & Processes team is responsible for the development, characterization, and inspection of materials across the Terran R launch vehicle. We specialize in rapid implementation of material systems through robust internal testing capabilities and first principles driven qualification approaches. We have recently made our first primary structure barrel, supported introduction of next generation powder additive alloys in the Aeon-R engine, and developed 100% in-cell NDE inspection capabilities for WAAM manufactured hardware. About the Role: Operate and program CNC lathes, mills, and wire EDM machines, ensuring precision in machining aerospace metal alloys Utilize CAD software to create and modify designs, implementing CNC programs (G-code) for producing materials test coupons Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate machining equipment, ensuring compliance with aerospace industry standards Communicate effectively with engineering teams and cross-functional stakeholders to translate project requirements into machining solutions Work collaboratively with teams of varying technical expertise to optimize machining processes and troubleshoot manufacturing challenges Develop and enforce standardized workflows for machine shop operations, including shift hand-offs and documentation of machining procedures

Requirements

2+ years of hands-on machining experience operating or programming CNC lathes, mills and/or EDM machines
Experience in machine maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration to ensure optimal performance
Experience in using common inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, etc.)
Ability to interpret and verify engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications using precision measuring instruments
Ability to adapt in fast paced environments

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in CAD/CAM software and G-code programming
Solid understanding of machining best practices for aerospace materials
Strong oral and verbal communication skills
Strong understanding of tolerancing and measurement techniques in accordance with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) standards

Responsibilities

Operate and program CNC lathes, mills, and wire EDM machines, ensuring precision in machining aerospace metal alloys
Utilize CAD software to create and modify designs, implementing CNC programs (G-code) for producing materials test coupons
Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate machining equipment, ensuring compliance with aerospace industry standards
Communicate effectively with engineering teams and cross-functional stakeholders to translate project requirements into machining solutions
Work collaboratively with teams of varying technical expertise to optimize machining processes and troubleshoot manufacturing challenges
Develop and enforce standardized workflows for machine shop operations, including shift hand-offs and documentation of machining procedures