Senior Mechanical Engineer (Mechanisms)

Relativity Space•Long Beach, CA

About The Position

Relativity Space is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in Mechanisms to join their Structures and Mechanisms team. This role involves the full design, build, and test lifecycle of integrated structures and flight mechanisms for the Terran R rocket. The engineer will guide the design of mechanisms such as stage separation, payload deployment, aero control features, and landing gear. The scope includes conceptualization, trade studies, design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing. The position requires close collaboration with structures, avionics, fluids, vehicle design, test, loads, and additive/manufacturing teams. The engineer will be challenged to integrate subsystems within printed primary structures and support the development of additive processes. Success in this role requires self-motivation, thriving in ambiguity, project leadership, and experience in fast-paced environments with extreme ownership and effective collaboration.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline
5+ 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

7+ years of aerospace experience or an advanced engineering degree
Experience with launch vehicle mechanisms and multi-body dynamics analysis
Experience in a demanding fast-paced development environment
Experience with design engineering tools such as NX, TeamCenter, Ansys or Femap
Experience with engineering scripting language such as Python or MATLAB
Hands-on experience with fabrication/prototyping such as machining, 3D printing, welding, woodworking

Responsibilities

Guide the design of Terran R mechanisms such as stage separation, payload deployment, aero control features, and landing gear.
Work collaboratively with partner groups such as structures, avionics, and fluids.
Leverage additive processes and design freedom to design and build better products.
Manage the full design cycle, including conceptualization, trade studies, design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of components.
Design and test the Terran R stage separation or fairing deployment system.
Provide innovative conceptualization for the Terran R landing gear or aero surfaces actuation.
Define design criteria and subsystems requirements.
Review static and dynamic load inputs, material properties, and manufacturing processes.
Conduct trade studies on different mechanism design concepts and present findings to leadership.
Deliver projects on time and within budget.
Integrate subsystems within printed primary structures.
Support the development of additive processes.
Work closely with vehicle design, test, and loads teams, as well as additive and manufacturing teams.