Relativity Space
Supervisor, Materials Characterization Technicians (2nd shift)
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 Materials and NDE (Non-Destructive Evaluation) team plays a central role in enabling Terran R to fly, re-fly, and scale: developing, characterizing, and inspecting materials and processes across all parts of the vehicle. From welding and additive manufacturing to advanced composites, the team works at the intersection of innovation and execution, balancing performance and reliability with cost, quality, and schedule. As we move toward first flight and beyond, the challenges become more exciting, offering opportunities to shape how we design and develop for re-use. With ownership across products, systems, and disciplines, engineers gain broad exposure and drive key decisions across design, manufacturing, and operations.
About the Role:
- Supervise 2nd shift Materials Characterization lab technicians and specialists
- Oversee day-to-day operations for mechanical testing, machine shop, and metallography teams to ensure efficient workflow, safety, and quality standards
- Manage lab scheduling, resource allocation, and equipment maintenance to support R&D and production deadlines
- Provide guidance and mentorship to technicians and specialists, resolve conflicts, and build a strong team culture
- Manage 2nd shift performance and ensure accurate timekeeping
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with Engineering, M&P Engineering, and Manufacturing teams
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including process optimization, training programs, and technology upgrades within the Materials Characterization lab
About You:
- Associate’s degree or equivalent work experience (Bachelor’s degree preferred)
- 3+ years of experience in a Supervisor, Lead, or equivalent role
- 6+ years of experience in aerospace or a similar industry
- Experience working in a materials testing or metallurgical lab environment, including material characterization methods and sample prep (machining, mechanical testing, metallography, heat treat)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead diverse technical teams and collaborate cross-functionally
- Solid understanding of industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO) and quality systems, with a focus on data integrity and lab compliance
- Strong hands-on problem-solving skills and a continuous improvement mindset
Nice to haves but not required:
- Familiarity with lab accreditation standards such as ISO or NADCAP
- Proficiency interpreting engineering drawings and material specifications (ASTM, ASME standards)
- Experience in production scheduling or planning
- Experience operating mechanical testing, metallography, machining, or thermal/chemistry analysis equipment
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.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at [email protected].
Top Skills
Relativity Space Long Beach, California, USA Office
Relativity Space The Wormhole Office
Home to Terran R production, cutting-edge manufacturing, and advanced testing infrastructure, our headquarters in the Los Angeles metro area is shaping the future of aerospace. Designed for scalability, this facility is designed to support high-rate production and can adapt to customer demand.
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