Staff Supplier Development Engineer

About the role

This position involves managing the technical quality and manufacturing standards for components used in the Terran R vehicle. You will oversee the transition of hardware from development into scaled production while ensuring suppliers meet rigorous aerospace requirements. In this capacity, you act as the definitive authority on production readiness and supplier capability for critical hardware. You will be responsible for establishing the processes that ensure flight hardware moves efficiently from prototype to volume manufacturing. The role requires a deep understanding of how design decisions impact manufacturability and supply chain risk. You will partner closely with engineering and program teams to resolve issues before they impact launch commitments. Success in this role means building a robust manufacturing foundation that supports reliability and repeatability at scale.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Act as the primary technical point of contact for rocket assemblies to ensure production schedules remain on track.
• Lead new product introduction by identifying manufacturing methods and vetting potential suppliers.
• Execute design for manufacturing reviews and apply APQP principles to ensure high-quality output.
• Manage supplier sourcing, perform evaluations, and issue corrective actions to maintain compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and NASA standards.
• Develop and document specifications to communicate manufacturing and quality expectations to the supply base.
• Investigate defects using 8D, PPAP, and FAIR processes to drive performance improvements.
• Define acceptance criteria for incoming inspections to ensure only compliant material enters production.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers.
• Coordinate with manufacturing and test teams to validate process changes and update documentation accordingly.
• Support the development of tooling and fixtures that enhance the quality and efficiency of supplier operations.
• Facilitate cross-functional reviews to align technical requirements with cost and schedule objectives.
• Track non-conformance trends and implement systemic fixes to reduce recurrence across the supply chain.
• Interface directly with supplier management to negotiate improvements in delivery and quality performance.
• Maintain up-to-date records of all supplier interactions, audits, and verification activities for compliance purposes.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in engineering, quality, or a related STEM field.
• 10+ years of experience in supplier quality or development engineering.
• Technical expertise in manufacturing processes for space-grade hardware, including machining, cutting, forming, and assembly of stainless and carbon steels.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, PPAP, APQP, FAIRs, and 8D problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience with new product development and PPAP implementation.
• Ability to define and own processes from the ground up and travel up to 50% of the work week.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with technical and managerial audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven aerospace environment.
• Understanding of quality management systems and regulatory requirements for aerospace suppliers.
• Capability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test results.
• Willingness to adhere to company policies and Relativity code of conduct.
• Commitment to safety and compliance in all aspects of supplier management and production support.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with high-volume inspection and data-driven acceptance methods.
• Proficiency in enterprise applications such as PLM, ERP, and MES.
• Strong data analysis capabilities.

Practical notes

• Compensation includes salary and equity.
• Benefits include PTO, sick leave, parental leave, and an annual learning and development stipend.
• For reasonable accommodations during the application process, contact accommodations@relativityspace.com.
• The company does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies.
• Travel up to 50% of the work week may be required for supplier visits, audits, and production support.
• This role is based in Long Beach, California, and is eligible for full benefits upon hire.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for this position.
• Relativity is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diverse candidates to apply.