Senior Launch Operations Engineer (Integration)
Relativity Space
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 launch site integration team are responsible for all flight hardware processing and horizontal system level checkouts for Terran R, our next generation, reusable rocket. This team requires a multi-disciplinary engineering approach to processing stage level assemblies and performing final checkouts on all of Terran R’s complex sub-systems. We are the problem solvers and innovators who bridge the gap between production and liftoff. Our mission is to make every launch site campaign safer, faster, and more efficient.
About the Role:
- Oversee vehicle processing and checkout activities at the launch site, managing operations from receiving through launch execution. Ensure product quality and readiness across subassemblies and integrated systems.
- Develop and publish detailed build flows, work instructions, and test procedures that support high-quality, repeatable execution for both initial builds and scaling programs.
- Support early-stage hardware builds in a dynamic environment, emphasizing quality and repeatability while creating scalable processes for increased production rates.
- Provide on-the-floor support during build and test operations. Resolve issues in real time, incorporate team feedback, and drive continuous improvement in process discipline and hardware flow.
- Collaborate with teams across design, supply chain, production, and testing to coordinate part readiness, tooling availability, and schedule alignment, ensuring efficient stage-to-stage transitions.
- Contribute to long-term manufacturing systems and infrastructure planning, including tooling strategies, ERP/MES workflows, and documentation standards.
About You:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field, and 5+ years of experience working with hardware in a manufacturing or integration setting.
- Demonstrated experience investigating and resolving hardware issues, implementing root cause analysis, and ensuring corrective actions are executed effectively.
- Familiarity with general assembly and test procedures (e.g., structural proof testing, leak checks on pressurized systems).
- Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and test teams to maintain hardware quality and meet schedules.
- Strong organizational and communication skills with experience implementing new processes and tools to support production and test operations.
- Proficiency in CAD and working knowledge of design/test analysis.
- Experience with one or more of the following areas is preferred: ordnance operations, pressurized checkout operations, sensor checkouts, crane operations, subassembly builds.
- Willingness to perform additional responsibilities in support of launch operations as assigned.
Nice to haves, but not required:
- Experience with new aerospace product introductions or transitioning hardware from development to full production in a high-rate environment.
- Hands-on experience authoring and executing test procedures, including acting as a test conductor for system-level verifications or mechanical operations involving cranes.
- Familiarity with quality management systems such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.
- Understanding of hazardous operations, including fluid system safety or testing in high-risk environments.
- Experience in lean, fast-paced work environments, including direct support of production or test operations, tool development, or small-team leadership through ambiguous builds.
- Willingness and ability to travel to support production and testing efforts.
Successful candidates must clear a background check administered by the US government to obtain clearance for on-site work at our government partner location in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
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.
