Senior Launch Mechanical Engineer

Company Overview:  

A rocket company at the core, Relativity Space is on a mission to become the next great commercial launch company. Meeting the needs of a growing demand for space infrastructure, our rockets will revolutionize how we connect and communicate on Earth by getting satellites to space. We have developed a vertically integrated technology platform in which we leverage additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and autonomous robotics to 3D print rockets. Our unique approach enables rapid product iteration, allowing us to push the boundaries of what's possible today and unlock the full potential of 3D printing for tomorrow. Join us on this extraordinary journey, as we work together to transform our vision into reality.

Team:  

Relativity is seeking a highly talented Launch Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team in Long Beach, CA.  This role will play an integral part in designing, building and operating the launch site.  As a Launch Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for some of Relativity’s critical launch infrastructure and Ground Support Equipment projects.  This role is part of Relativity’s Launch and Infrastructure team, which oversees launch site design & build, launch operations, and new infrastructure projects including test and recovery sites.  This role will report directly to the Sr. Manager of Launch Mechanical Engineering.

As a Launch Mechanical Engineer, you will have a major role in the development, build, and operation of launch site hardware that interfaces directly with the vehicle, ground support equipment, test fixtures and tooling.  This role is responsible for the entire life cycle of the projects, from conceptualization to design, prototyping, manufacturing, testing, and implementation.

What you’ll do: 

As a Launch Mechanical Engineer, you will be at the forefront of creating a world class orbital launch site. In order to be successful in this role, you should be someone who thrives in ambiguity and is able to lead projects into completion. Ideally, you are someone who has come from a fast paced, aerospace or mechanical engineering environment, having completed difficult projects while collaborating effectively with other key groups. Pressure around timelines, cost, and quality unleash the best in you, while finding creative ways to optimize across trade-offs. This role requires the highest attention to detail, while being able to abstract from day-to-day challenges while ensuring alignment on high-level objectives. Excellent judgement and analytical skills are a must, as well as a high degree of professional ethics and integrity. You bring curiosity for our unique technology and our production processes and are eager to develop a next generation launch site.

Day to day, you will be working within our CAD program (NX) as well as performing some FEA Analysis (Nastran and/or ANSYS) and hand calculations. You will also be working with the launch site civil and fluids engineering teams, various vehicle engineering teams, the test team, and could be involved in writing or reviewing procedures to test or use the equipment you design, analyze, and build. You will also work with in house and outside fabrication companies to get your parts built.

What you need to know:  

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline (mechanical, aerospace, or equivalent)
• 5+ years of experience in a full cycle design engineering role
• Experience with CAD (NX, Creo, Solidworks, CATIA)
• First Principles and complex structural analysis capabilities including hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis.
• Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Must have strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment
• High organizational skills in working on more than one project simultaneously
• Ability to perform technically complex projects using independent judgment and personal initiative
• Recognize and act on opportunities; maintain flexibility to adjust as requirements shift of constraints change
• Ability to create drawings and use GD&T effectively

Nice to haves but not required:  

• 8+ 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/aluminum structures
• Experience with mechanisms
• Experience checking drawings and reviewing GD&T
• Experience with various standards, including American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) 360, American Concrete