Sr Materials Characterization Technician (Mechanical)

Long Beach, California

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 & NDE Engineering team is responsible for the development, characterization, and inspection of materials across the Terran R launch vehicle. We specialize in rapid implementation of material systems through robust internal testing capabilities and first principles driven qualification approaches. We have recently made our first primary structure barrel, supported introduction of next generation powder additive alloys in the Aeon-R engine, and developed 100% in-cell NDE inspection capabilities for WAAM manufactured hardware. 

About the Role:

  • Operate MTS and Instron hydraulic test frames for tensile, fatigue, and fracture testing in accordance with safety, industry and project-specific requirements
  • Perform mechanical tests per ASTM standards and other relevant test protocols to ensure consistent and accurate results
  • Collect, analyze, and document test data, ensuring reports comply with industry and internal quality standards
  • Perform routine maintenance and calibrations on testing equipment to ensure operational reliability and accurate measurements
  • Collaborate with engineering teams and internal stakeholders to understand testing requirements and communicate results effectively
  • Troubleshoot equipment issues, implement corrective actions, and contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives for test operations 

About You:

  • 5+ year experience with hands on mechanical testing (tensile, fatigue, Charpy, elevated temp, cryo, etc.)
  • Willingness to safely work with chemicals used in laboratory settings (hydraulic fluid, cryogenic fluid, etc.)
  • High proficiency in maintaining and troubleshooting lab equipment
  • Organized, strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Passion for materials testing and evaluation for Aerospace/Space applications
  • High school diploma or GED 

Nice to haves but not required:  

  • Solid understanding of mechanical test methods including familiarity with ASTM specifications
  • Experience with aerospace materials including high strength aluminum, nickel, copper, and titanium alloys
  • Hands-on experience with MTS and/or Instron test frames including test specimen preparation, using extensometers, selecting appropriate grips/fixtures, performing calibration/alignment checks, running tests and analyzing results
  • Basic knowledge of machining and sample prep for mechanical testing and/or metallography (wire EDM, mill, bandsaw, polishing/grinders, etc.)
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office, Atlassian tools (Jira and Confluence) and MTS/Instron test software. 

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:

$33.15 - $42.90 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.

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