Senior Friction Stir Weld Technician, 1st Shift

At Relativity Space, we have two audacious goals: to build the next great commercial launch company with Terran R and to become America's leading force in additive manufacturing innovation. Both contribute to our long-term vision of creating humanity’s industrial base on Mars, paving the way for interplanetary life to expand the possibilities of the human experience. This journey begins right here on Earth – where we design, build, and fly rockets to deliver customer payloads to orbit. Terran R, our medium-to-heavy lift reusable rocket, fulfills the growing demand for launch capacity, thanks to our iterative approach that accelerates design, testing, and development while minimizing costs. While our groundbreaking research and development in 3D printing pushes the boundaries of large-scale additive manufacturing.

Your journey with us is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to shape the future of aerospace technology, additive manufacturing, and the human experience alongside a community of passionate, creative individuals. Join us on this extraordinary journey, as we work together to transform our vision into reality.

About the Team:  

The Manufacturing team at Relativity Space is currently deep in manufacturing trades and process development for Terran R, our next generation, reuseable rocket. This team has a wide variety of responsibilities—from determining the most efficient factory floor layout, to developing and implementing complex tooling and processes, and even interfacing with the vehicle engineering team to heavily influence the design of the rocket. Unique to Relativity, you will get to work across many teams to iterate and support development of the vehicle program.

This is a 1st shift position. Hours: 6:00am-2:30pm PT. 

About the Role: 

• Develop Manufacturing Processes: Collaborate with engineering and technician teams to develop and productionize Friction Stir Welding processes which will include:
  • Bringing new equipment online
  • Aiding in weld parameter and program development
  • Helping set up the production shop floor following 5S principles
  • Completing the first frictions stir welds on both development and flight hardware
• Production Processes: Lead day to day production tasks which will include:
  • Loading and unloading panels and/or barrels with the use of overhead cranes
  • Installing structural mechanical piece parts
  • Performing panel dimensional fitment inspections
  • Accurately use precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, and torque wrenches
  • Operating FSW machinery to execute weld programs
  • Performing visual weld inspections  
  • Perform precision blending using hand tools to prepare metallic surfaces for welding and non-destructive evaluation
  • At times, working on non-FSW processes which may include machining, roll forming, or other aerospace processes.
• Problem Solving: Identify and resolve issues in the manufacturing machinery process, which could include defects in materials, equipment malfunctions, or inefficiencies in production methods.
• Safety: Ensure all operations are being run in accordance to Relativity Space standards
• Teamwork: Foster and inclusive environment for all members of the team. 

About You:  

• 5+ years of aerospace mechanical experience or related field
• 3+ years experience with friction stir welding (Aluminum 2195 preferred)
• Experience in using common inspection tools and torque wrenches
• Ability to adapt in fast paced environments
• Ability to work at heights (reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities)
• Ability to lift 25 lbs (reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities)

Nice to haves but not required:  

• Experience with rigging and crane operations
• P