Senior Mechanical Engineer

About the role

Relativity is developing the Terran R rocket to expand orbital launch capacity and push the boundaries of space exploration. You will oversee the design and development of critical flight mechanisms, utilizing additive manufacturing to integrate complex systems into our primary structures. In this capacity, you will own the technical execution and validation of flight-critical hardware while ensuring alignment with program objectives and quality standards. You will act as a key technical leader interfacing across disciplines to translate high-level requirements into robust mechanical solutions. The role demands a hands-on approach to engineering where theoretical analysis meets physical implementation under demanding schedule constraints. You will be responsible for driving innovation in design and manufacturing processes to achieve performance and reliability goals. This position provides the opportunity to directly influence the architecture of next-generation launch vehicle systems. Your work will contribute to the overall success of Terran R through meticulous design, verification, and continuous improvement.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design and validate mechanisms for stage separation, payload deployment, landing gear retraction, and aero control actuation using advanced engineering methods.
• Conduct comprehensive trade studies to define subsystem requirements and design criteria, presenting findings for leadership review and decision-making.
• Perform detailed evaluations of static and dynamic load inputs, material properties, and additive manufacturing process capabilities to inform design choices.
• Partner with avionics, fluids, structures, and additive manufacturing specialists to ensure seamless integration of mechanisms within printed primary structures.
• Execute end-to-end management of the product lifecycle, moving concepts from initial ideation through detailed design, rigorous testing, and final assembly.
• Develop test procedures and analysis models to verify that mechanisms meet stringent performance, reliability, and safety requirements.
• Document design decisions, analysis results, and test outcomes to maintain clear technical records and support future iterations.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts during build and test phases to resolve issues and optimize manufacturability and functionality.
• Apply expertise in kinematic synthesis to define motion paths, linkage arrangements, and actuation strategies for complex mechanisms.
• Incorporate principles of mechatronics to coordinate mechanical components with sensors, controls, and actuators effectively.
• Assess instrumentation and sensing needs to ensure accurate monitoring of mechanism performance in flight and test conditions.
• Explore the use of pneumatic and hydraulic actuation systems where applicable, focusing on integration with primary structures.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in engineering or a related technical field from an accredited institution.
• Possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in full-cycle design engineering, including hands-on work across CAD, analysis, build, and test phases.
• Demonstrate a solid understanding of kinematic synthesis, mechatronics, instrumentation, and pneumatic or hydraulic actuation principles.
• Show knowledge of structural strength, fatigue failure modes, and stability analysis relevant to mechanical systems.
• Have familiarity with materials, surface treatments, and general manufacturing processes, particularly as they apply to aerospace hardware.
• Exhibit a proven ability to solve complex technical problems and build hardware prototypes in a practical, iterative environment.
• Bring strong analytical skills to evaluate design alternatives and make data-driven decisions under uncertainty.
• Communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment on technical goals and constraints.

Nice to have

• Accumulate 7+ years of aerospace industry experience or hold an advanced engineering degree to deepen technical specialization.
• Apply background in multi-body dynamics analysis to the design of launch vehicle mechanisms and motion systems.
• Gain experience working in high-speed development environments where agility and rapid iteration are essential.
• Achieve proficiency with industry-standard tools such as NX, TeamCenter, Ansys, Femap, Python, or MATLAB for design and analysis tasks.
• Obtain practical experience in fabrication or prototyping methods including 3D printing, machining, welding, or woodworking to support hardware development.

Practical notes

• Compensation includes salary and equity.
• Benefits include PTO, sick leave, parental leave, and an annual learning and development stipend.
• For reasonable accommodation requests, contact accommodations@relativityspace.com.
• Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies are not accepted.