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 mission of the Machine Shop is to deliver high-precision, high-quality machined components while pioneering advanced manufacturing methods to support the rapid development and production of Terran-R’s reusable launch system. Through cross-functional collaboration, rigorous quality control, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we play a vital role in accelerating aerospace innovation.
We are responsible for machining critical flight hardware, optimizing manufacturing processes, and ensuring efficiency, reliability, and scalability in high-rate production. Over the past year, the Machine Shop team has successfully developed and refined machining processes for complex propulsion components. Now, we are entering a critical phase: scaling our machining operations to support full-rate vehicle production and enable Terran-R’s first launch to orbit.
About the Role:
- Lead and scale a high-performing machine shop, overseeing CNC machining, multi-axis milling, and precision manufacturing to support aerospace-grade component production.
- Drive operational efficiency, throughput, and quality, ensuring machining processes meet aggressive production rate targets while maintaining AS9100/NADCAP standards.
- Develop and implement automation, digital manufacturing, and real-time monitoring solutions to optimize machine utilization and reduce cycle times.
- Build, mentor, and develop a world-class team of machinists, programmers, and technicians, fostering a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to integrate design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles, ensuring manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
- Own full accountability for machine shop performance, driving improvements in lead time, tooling strategies, workflow efficiency, and overall production scalability.
About You:
- 7+ years of experience in machining and precision manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a leadership role overseeing machine shop operations in aerospace, automotive, or other high-precision industries.
- Expertise in CNC machining, high-speed milling, multi-axis machining, and tight-tolerance manufacturing, particularly with aerospace-grade materials like titanium, Inconel, copper, and aluminum.
- Proven ability to lead and optimize high-performing machining centers, driving efficiency, throughput, and process reliability while maintaining strict AS9100/NADCAP quality standards.
- Experience implementing advanced machining technologies such as automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing, ensuring scalability and continuous improvement.
- Strong leadership skills with a track record of building and mentoring high-performing machinist and programming teams, fostering a culture of accountability and technical excellence.
- Hands-on problem-solving mindset, with expertise in DFM, CAM software (e.g., Mastercam, NX), ERP/MES systems, and real-time production monitoring to optimize workflow and machine utilization.
Nice to haves but not required:
- Experience scaling high-rate aerospace machining operations, optimizing cycle times, and implementing lights-out manufacturing with automation.
- Background in additive manufacturing, hybrid machining, or advanced material processing to support next-generation aerospace component production.
- Strong knowledge of aerospace manufacturing standards (AS9100, NADCAP, ITAR compliance) with experience leading teams through rigorous certification and audit processes.
- Expertise with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and statistical process control (SPC) to drive continuous improvement and waste reduction in machining operations.
At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.
Hiring Range:
$192,000—$213,000 USD
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.
Top Skills
Relativity Space Long Beach, California, USA Office
We have two sites in Long Beach, CA's Space Beach: "The Wormhole," a 1M sq. ft. factory, once Boeing C-17's home. Nearby, "The Portal" supports Aeon R engine production for our Terran R launch vehicle.
Similar Jobs at Relativity Space
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
