Staff Launch Mechanical Engineer - Launch Structures

Relativity Space•Cape Canaveral, FL

2h•$150,000 - $226,000•Onsite

About The Position

As a Launch Mechanical Engineer, you will help create a world-class orbital launch site and own end-to-end hardware design. The role calls for someone who can lead projects through ambiguity and completion, manage trade-offs among schedule, cost, and quality, and maintain attention to detail while aligning work with broader objectives. You will work in the NX CAD environment, conduct finite element analyses using Nastran and/or ANSYS, and perform supporting hand calculations. You will collaborate with launch site civil and fluids engineering teams, vehicle engineering groups, and the test team. You may also contribute to developing and reviewing procedures for testing or operating designed equipment. The role includes coordinating with in-house and external fabrication partners to ensure hardware is delivered successfully. The position is part of Relativity Space’s Launch team, which works across Terran R stages, payloads, ground systems, launch, landing, and refurbishment. The work at Cape Canaveral evolves with program milestones, including first launch, reuse, and high-cadence operations. Candidates must clear a US government-administered background check to obtain clearance for on-site work at the government partner location in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, mechanical, aerospace, or an equivalent engineering discipline.
7+ years of manufacturing experience focused on large precision structural builds.
Experience with CAD, such as NX, Creo, Solidworks, or CATIA.
First-principles and complex structural analysis capabilities, including hand calculations and finite element analysis.
Experience with motion control mechanisms and over-center rotating devices.
Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.
Strong organizational skills and ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to perform technically complex projects using independent judgment and personal initiative.
Ability to recognize and act on opportunities and adjust as requirements or constraints change.
Ability to create drawings and use GD&T effectively.
Must clear a background check administered by the US government to obtain clearance for on-site work at a government partner location in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Nice To Haves

10+ years of experience in a full-cycle design engineering role.
Experience working with AFSPCMAN 91-710.
Experience working with DOD, USAF, and NASA.
Experience in the aerospace (rocket) sector.
Extensive experience with NX.
Experience with ANSYS and FEMAP.
Experience with launch GSE operations.
Experience with large steel or aluminum structures.
Experience with mechanisms.
Experience checking drawings and reviewing GD&T.
Experience with standards including AISC 360, ACI 318, AWS D1.1, ASTM, ASME, NASA, DoD, NFPA, API, and SAE.

Responsibilities

Own end-to-end hardware design for launch site equipment.
Use NX CAD to develop hardware designs.
Conduct finite element analyses using Nastran and/or ANSYS and perform supporting hand calculations.
Collaborate with launch site civil and fluids engineering teams, vehicle engineering groups, and the test team.
Contribute to developing and reviewing procedures for testing or operating designed and analyzed equipment.
Coordinate with in-house and external fabrication partners to ensure successful hardware delivery.
Lead projects through ambiguity and completion while managing trade-offs involving timelines, cost, and quality.