Vehicle Mechanisms Engineer I

Relativity Space•Long Beach, CA

3d•$90,000 - $136,000

About The Position

Relativity Space is hiring a Vehicle Mechanisms Engineer I to guide the design of Terran R mechanisms, including stage separation, payload deployment, aerodynamic control features, and landing gear. The role spans the full design cycle: conceptualization, trade studies, design, analysis, manufacturing, and component testing. The engineer will collaborate with structures, avionics, fluids, vehicle design, test, loads, additive, and manufacturing teams to integrate subsystems into the vehicle’s printed primary structure and support development of the additive process. The role includes hands-on ownership of hardware and responsibility for delivering projects on time and within budget. Candidates should be self-motivated, comfortable with ambiguity, able to lead projects through completion, and effective in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in engineering or a related field.
0–2+ years of experience in a full-cycle design engineering role, including CAD, analysis, build, and test.
Active, hands-on involvement in a collegiate design team, such as FSAE or Baja SAE.
Fundamental knowledge of kinematic synthesis, pneumatic/hydraulic actuation, mechatronics, and instrumentation.
Fundamental knowledge of structures strength, stability, and fatigue failure modes.
Technical problem-solving skills and knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and surface treatments.
Hands-on hardware build experience.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to lead discussions on complex technical topics.
Candidates should have completed degree requirements and be available to begin full-time employment within 30–60 days of applying.

Responsibilities

Guide the design of Terran R mechanisms, including stage separation, payload deployment, aerodynamic control features, and landing gear.
Perform the full design cycle for components, including conceptualization, trade studies, design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing.
Design and test the Terran R stage separation or fairing deployment system.
Conceptualize Terran R landing gear or aerodynamic-surface actuation.
Define design criteria and subsystem requirements.
Review static and dynamic load inputs, material properties, and manufacturing processes.
Conduct trade studies on mechanism design concepts and present findings to leadership.
Integrate subsystems within the printed primary structure and support development of the additive process.
Collaborate with vehicle design, test, loads, additive, manufacturing, structures, avionics, and fluids teams.
Deliver projects on time and within budget.