Staff Mechanisms Engineer

Relativity Space•Long Beach, CA

5d•$164,000 - $246,000

About The Position

Relativity Space is seeking a Staff Mechanisms Engineer to join their Structures and Mechanisms team. This role will be responsible for the full design, build, and test lifecycle of Terran R’s integrated structures and flight mechanisms. The engineer will guide the design of Terran R mechanisms such as stage separation, payload deployment, aero control features, and landing gear. The scope of work encompasses a full design cycle, including conceptualization, trade studies, design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of components. The engineer will collaborate with partner groups such as structures, avionics, and fluids, leveraging additive processes and design freedom to design and build better products. Key projects include designing and testing stage separation or fairing deployment systems, conceptualizing landing gear or aero surfaces actuation, defining design criteria and subsystem requirements, reviewing load inputs and material properties, and conducting trade studies. The mission is to deliver on time and budget, integrating subsystems within printed primary structures and supporting the development of additive processes. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, thrives in ambiguity, and can lead projects to completion, with experience in fast-paced environments and extreme ownership.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline
8+ 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

10+ years of aerospace experience or an advanced engineering degree
Experience with launch vehicle mechanisms and multi-body dynamics analysis
Experience in a demanding fast pace development environment
Experience with design engineering tools such as NX, TeamCenter, Ansys or Femap, as well as 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.
Encompass 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.
Innovative conceptualization of the Terran R landing gear or aero surfaces actuation.
Definition of design criteria and subsystems requirements.
Review of static and dynamic load inputs, material properties & manufacturing process.
Conduct trade studies on different mechanism design concepts and present to leadership.
Deliver on time and budget.
Integrate as many subsystems within our printed primary structure.
Support the development of our additive process to make this a reality.
Work closely with vehicle design, test and loads teams, as well as additive and manufacturing teams.