Relativity Space - Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities at Relativity Space: Building the Future of Aerospace

At Relativity Space, we’re not just building rockets—we’re redefining how humanity accesses space. As a pioneer in 3D-printed rocket technology, autonomous manufacturing, and next-generation launch systems, we offer unparalleled career growth for engineers, scientists, and mission specialists who want to shape the future of space exploration, satellite technology, and orbital infrastructure.

Our employees don’t just work on cutting-edge projects—they lead them. Whether you're designing propulsion systems, optimizing orbital mechanics, or developing spacecraft for interplanetary missions, Relativity provides the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to accelerate your career at the speed of innovation.

Career Progression: From Entry-Level to Leadership

Relativity Space is structured to reward technical excellence, leadership, and mission-critical contributions with clear advancement paths. Below are realistic career trajectories, promotion timelines, and role transitions for key disciplines:

#### 1. Aerospace & Propulsion Engineering
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Propulsion Engineer I or Structural Analyst
- Focus: Component testing, CFD analysis, additive manufacturing optimization
- Promotion to Mid-Level (2-4 years): Senior Propulsion Engineer or Lead Thermal Analyst
- Criteria: Successful engine test campaigns, ownership of subsystem design, mentorship of junior engineers
- Senior-Level (4-6 years): Principal Engineer or Propulsion Systems Lead
- Criteria: Leadership on major programs (e.g., Terran R engine development), cross-functional collaboration with mission operations
- Leadership (6+ years): Director of Propulsion or Chief Engineer
- Example: Tim Ellis (Co-Founder & CTO) started as a propulsion engineer before leading the entire Aeon engine program

#### 2. Avionics & Software (Mission Operations & Space Systems)
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Avionics Engineer or Flight Software Developer
- Focus: Embedded systems, GNC (Guidance, Navigation & Control), real-time telemetry
- Promotion to Mid-Level (2-3 years): Senior Avionics Engineer or Mission Operations Lead
- Criteria: Successful flight software deployment, leadership in launch vehicle autonomy
- Senior-Level (4-5 years): Principal GNC Engineer or Director of Mission Software
- Example: Employees who led the autonomous flight termination system (AFTS) for Terran 1 advanced to mission architecture leadership in under 5 years

#### 3. Manufacturing & Additive Technology
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Additive Manufacturing Technician or Production Engineer
- Focus: 3D printing optimization, factory automation, quality control
- Promotion to Mid-Level (2-4 years): Senior Manufacturing Engineer or Factory Automation Lead
- Criteria: Process improvements reducing print time by 30%+, leadership in Stargate printer upgrades
- Senior-Level (5+ years): Director of Factory Operations or VP of Manufacturing Innovation
- Example: Engineers who scaled Stargate from prototype to full production now lead Relativity’s Factory of the Future initiatives

#### 4. Business & Mission Strategy (Non-Engineering Paths)
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Mission Operations Analyst or Business Development Associate
- Focus: Launch manifest planning, customer satellite integration, market analysis
- Promotion to Mid-Level (3-4 years): Senior Mission Manager or Launch Services Lead
- Criteria: Successful customer mission execution, contract negotiations for satellite constellations
- Senior-Level (5+ years): Director of Launch Services or VP of Business Development
- Example: Employees who secured early commercial launch contracts now lead Relativity’s lunar and Mars mission partnerships

Learning & Development: Investing in Your Growth

Relativity Space believes in continuous learning—whether through hands-on experience, formal training, or cross-disciplinary collaboration. Our L&D programs include:

#### 1. Technical Training & Certifications
- Relativity University: Internal courses on rocket engineering, orbital mechanics, and additive manufacturing
- External Certifications: Sponsorship for AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics) courses, Six Sigma, and advanced CAD/CAE training
- Propulsion & Avionics Bootcamps: Intensive 3-month programs for high-potential engineers

#### 2. Conference & Professional Development Budget
- Annual Budget: $5,000 per employee for conferences (e.g., Space Symposium, IAC, SmallSat)
- Speaking Opportunities: Employees are encouraged to present papers (e.g., Relativity engineers have published at AIAA SciTech on 3D-printed rocket structures)

#### 3. Cross-Functional & Special Projects
- Rotation Programs: Engineers can transition between propulsion, avionics, and mission ops to broaden expertise
- Moonshot Initiatives: High-impact projects like Terran R’s reusable second stage or lunar lander studies
- Hackathons & Innovation Sprints: Quarterly events where teams prototype new propulsion concepts or AI-driven mission planning tools

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