At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock new opportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyond the known.
Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you're solving problems that haven’t been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you’re in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you’ll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we’re writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it’s early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.
About the Team:
The additive technology team leads research and development of Relativity’s Stargate 3D-printing platform and factory operating system to produce large-scale metal structures for the industrial base. The team works with robotics engineers, data scientists, systems engineers, and welders to advance Relativity’s innovative tech stack, which leverages autonomy, advanced simulation, machine learning, and robotics. Working at the intersection of hardware and software, the team is creating a unified platform that can perform additive manufacturing, in-situ monitoring, NDE, and subtraction capabilities in a single print cell. Progressing in parallel to Terran R development, Relativity’s breakthroughs in large-scale additive manufacturing have the potential to revolutionize the defense industrial base.
About the Role:
The Robotics Team at Relativity Space is responsible for building and refining the hardware that powers our autonomous systems. From advanced robotics for manufacturing and additive processes to specialized robots that support development and deployment, our R&D hardware engineers work in close collaboration with software, automation to develop cutting-edge technologies that push the boundaries of space exploration and industrial manufacturing. As a key member of the team, you’ll bring your hardware expertise to revolutionize the way robotics cooperate and additively manufacture here on earth and off planet.
- Lead the design and development of advanced robotic hardware systems, including manipulation arms, end effector integration, and especially autonomous mobile robots
- Work with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, mechanical designers, and systems integrators, to develop fully integrated robotic solutions
- Develop detailed hardware designs from concept through prototype, focusing on precision, durability, and manufacturability
- Conduct testing of robotic systems, ensuring they meet performance, reliability, and safety standards in both manufacturing and spaceflight environments
- Mentor junior hardware engineers, providing guidance on complex design and integration challenges while fostering a collaborative and creative team environment
- Lead the selection and integration of components, including motors, actuators, sensors, and controllers, to build high-performance robotic systems that meet demanding manufacturing requirements
- Work closely with the Additive Manufacturing and Automation teams to ensure integration of robotics into large-scale production processes
- Push the boundaries of design by incorporating cutting-edge technologies in mechatronics, robotics, and automation for space applications
About You:
- BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field and 7+ years of hands-on experience in robotics hardware design, with a strong focus on AGVs, AMRs, KUKA or other robotic arms, and KUKA Robot Controllers (KRC) using KUKA Robot Language (KRL)
- Proficiency in CAD (NX, SolidWorks, or similar) and hardware design tools for modeling, prototyping, and testing
- Demonstrated experience with actuator and motor selection, sensor integration, and control systems and a Solid understanding of mechanical systems, kinematics, materials, and manufacturing processes
- Experience designing and integrating high-precision robotic systems, such as robotic arms, autonomous mobile robots, or robotic welding systems
- Proficiency in EtherCAT, CANbus, Profinet, and other industrial communication protocols used in robotics and automation and robot safety standards, including functional safety protocols (ISO 10218, ISO/TS 15066) and safety systems design
- Strong background in integrating sensors into robotic systems, including cameras, LiDAR, and other perception sensors, to support autonomous decision-making and navigation
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse, multidisciplinary teams
Nice to haves but not required:
- AI/ML background, especially in developing perception or control algorithms for robotics
- Experience with industrial robot manipulators (KUKA, ABB, UR, etc.
- Experience with robotic welding systems, grinder end effectors, tool changers or other advanced robotic applications in manufacturing
- Experience in additive manufacturing processes, specifically in robotics integration for 3D printing or similar field
- Experience with LiPo battery charging systems and managing power requirements for robotics platforms
- Familiarity with motion capture systems and perception technologies to track and verify robot positions, ensuring high-precision operation
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.
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.
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