Relativity Space

Senior Materials Characterization Technician, Machine Shop, Second Shift

Relativity Space$64K — $97K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience with CNC mills and lathes; wire EDM experience is a plus.
  • Skilled in performing first article inspections, programming, and making setups.
  • Experience in designing and building custom fixturing and following setup documentation.
  • Proficient in G-code programming, with capability to read and edit existing programs.
  • Familiar with precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers) for dimensional verification.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and operate in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

  • Set up and operate CNC mills and lathes, conducting first article inspections for aerospace components.
  • Program and edit G-code using CAD/CAM software to create precision machining programs.
  • Design and build custom fixturing for machining operations and adhere to established setup sheets.
  • Inspect finished parts for compliance using precision measuring instruments.
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate machining equipment as well as collaborate with engineering teams.
  • Develop and implement standardized workflows for machine shop operations.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary and equity package.
  • Generous PTO and sick leave policy.
  • Parental leave support.
  • Annual learning and development stipend.
Full Job Description
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.

This is a second-shift position with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. PT.

About the Role:
  • Set up and operate CNC mills and lathes, performing first article inspections including programming, setups, dry runs, and program edits for accuracy, to produce precision aerospace metal alloy components and materials test coupons
  • Program and edit G-code and utilize CAD/CAM software to create, modify, and refine CNC programs
  • Design and build custom fixturing to support machining operations, and follow established setup sheets covering fixtures, tooling, and inserts
  • Inspect finished parts and verify dimensions using precision measuring instruments to ensure compliance with engineering specifications and aerospace industry standards
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate machining equipment, and communicate effectively with engineering teams and cross-functional stakeholders to translate project requirements into machining solutions
  • Develop and enforce standardized workflows for machine shop operations, including shift hand-offs and documentation of machining procedures

About You:
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC mills and lathes, including routine maintenance and troubleshooting; wire EDM experience is a plus
  • Proven ability to perform first article inspections, including programming, setups, dry runs, and editing programs for accuracy
  • Ability to design and build custom fixturing and follow setup sheets for fixtures, tooling, and inserts
  • Working knowledge of G-code programming, with the ability to read, understand, and edit existing programs
  • Proficiency with common inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, etc.) to inspect parts and verify dimensions against engineering drawings and specifications
  • Ability to adapt in fast paced environments and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications

Nice to haves but not required:
  • Experience in machine maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration to ensure optimal performance
  • Solid understanding of machining best practices for aerospace materials
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Strong understanding of tolerancing and measurement techniques in accordance with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) standards


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:

$31.20-$46.80 USD

About Relativity Space

Relativity Space is an American aerospace manufacturer that is developing 3D printed rockets. The company was founded in 2015 by Tim Ellis and Jordan Noone, and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Relativity Space's goal is to reduce the cost and time required to produce rockets by using 3D printing technology. The company's rockets are designed to be fully reusable, which could significantly reduce the cost of space launches. Relativity Space has received funding from a number of investors, including Mark Cuban and Playground Global.
Learn more about Relativity Space
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
2016

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