Vehicle Structures Engineer I (Heat Shield)

Relativity Space•Long Beach, CA

About The Position

Relativity Space is hiring a Vehicle Structures Engineer I to support the design, analysis, manufacture, and testing of primary and secondary structures for the Terran R Base Heat Shield. The role covers the full design cycle, from concept development through physical hardware ready for launch. Example components include outer mold line (OML) skins, base panels, high-temperature seals, and internal supporting structures. The engineer will deliver projects on time and within budget while collaborating with Thermal Protection System, Design, Test, and Loads & Dynamics teams. The engineer will review static and dynamic load inputs, material properties and test results, and structural-system requirements; analyze and size flight structures; and support design reviews and drawing release. The role also includes developing and supporting hardware test campaigns, evaluating test results, and supporting manufacturing-process development, including tool and fixture design or analysis. On a weekly basis, the engineer will design flight or ground components using NX/TeamCenter, perform analysis using ANSA/META, ANSYS, and/or hand calculations, create and release drawings, and support component fabrication. Strong organization and documentation, self-direction, and the ability to make recommendations and complete projects in an ambiguous, fast-paced aerospace environment are important.

Requirements

0–2 years of experience in a full-cycle design engineering role iterating aerospace structures; experience with aerodynamically driven assemblies with thermal gradients is preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
Demonstrated knowledge of structural analysis and testing, from hand calculations to advanced analysis.
Demonstrated knowledge of structures strength, stability, and fatigue failure mechanisms.
Demonstrated knowledge of additive and traditional manufacturing processes.
Self-motivated and able to work through ambiguity and lead projects to completion.
Strong organizational skills and ability to document work and make recommendations.
Candidates should have completed degree requirements and be available to begin full-time employment within 30–60 days of applying.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience with NX/TeamCenter.
Expertise using Nastran and ANSYS.
Experience with GD&T and drafting.

Responsibilities

Design, analyze, manufacture, and test primary and secondary Terran R Base Heat Shield structures through the full design cycle.
Review static and dynamic load inputs, material properties and test results, and structural-system and subsystem requirements.
Analyze and size flight structures to support timely design reviews and drawing release.
Develop and support hardware test campaigns, including test integration, operation, and evaluation of results.
Support manufacturing-process development, including the design or analysis of tools and fixtures.
Design flight or ground components using NX/TeamCenter; perform analysis using ANSA/META, ANSYS, and/or hand calculations.
Create and release drawings and support fabrication of components.
Document work, make recommendations when decisions are needed, and deliver projects on time and within budget.
Collaborate with Thermal Protection System, Design, Test, and Loads & Dynamics teams.