Senior Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer, Combustion Devices

Company Overview:  

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 engine manufacturing department's mission is to product high performing products & manufacturing systems by continuously innovating on cost, quality, and lead time. Through cross-functional collaboration, high levels of accountability, and a focus on safety we support the Terran R program. We are responsible for providing design feedback on new hardware iterations, developing new manufacturing methods and systems, and ultimately building engine and vehicle hardware for testing prior to our first launch. Our team's highlights from the last 6 months include the MDC of the first Aeon-R engine, completing thousands of hours of PBF printing, building and testing over 50 valves of 26 different iterations, and implementing large scale process improvements along the way.

About the Role: 

We are looking for a talented Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer who will contribute to the scaling and optimization of Aeon-R combustion device manufacturing, as well as the development of manufacturing processes for the Terran-R vehicle. A high degree of autonomy and initiative is required. As a Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer, you will own the manufacturing trades and then develop the processes for fabricating, testing, and delivering critical Aeon-R hardware and subassemblies. You will serve as the main point-of-contact between the manufacturing and design teams as we optimize Aeon-R architecture and scale manufacturing operations. To be successful in this role, you should be someone who is organized, thrives in the presence of ambiguity and is able to drive their own projects to completion. You should be comfortable working in a startup environment. You must have the passion, tenacity and resolve to work through challenging issues unique to 3D printed and machined components. Ideally, you are familiar with a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment, having worked hands-on with hardware while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary groups. You're someone who can work with design engineers to ensure hardware meet all aspects of the intended design, with a focus towards manufacturability and ever-improving quality. Someone who can develop processes and procedures for post-processing of 3D printed parts and recommend design adaptations to improve reliability and throughput.

About You:  

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related technical field and 6+ years of direct experience working with combustion devices or related hardware
• Ability to effectively investigate, resolve and screen hardware non-conformances and drive failure investigation efforts, root cause analysis and implementation of corrective action(s)
• Ability to work with and train technicians and provide design feedback that improves product manufacturability
• Knowledge of general assembly and test procedures, including tolerance stack-up analysis, structural proof testing, pressurized leak checks, and pressurized fluid flow testing
• Experience with GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and industry specifications
• Experience with Siemens NX or other CAD and analysis tools to drive tooling design, including conceptualization, modeling and drafting, and detailed analysis

Nice to haves but not required:  

• Experience working in a propulsion development program with a demonstrated track record of delivering results leading complex manufacturing development projects from conceptual development through qualification / early production
• Experience designing and implementing complex pressurized fluid testing procedures for engine components
• Experience working with additively manufactured engine hardware
• Experience with Vendor / Supplier Management

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.