Materials Characterization Technician II (CNC programmer/Operator)
Relativity SpaceLong Beach, CaliforniaPosted 7 April 2026
Tech Stack
Job Description
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:
Operate and program CNC lathes, mills, and wire EDM machines, ensuring precision in machining aerospace metal alloys
Utilize CAD software to create and modify designs, implementing CNC programs (G-code) for producing materials test coupons
Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate machining equipment, ensuring compliance with aerospace industry standards
Communicate effectively with engineering teams and cross-functional stakeholders to translate project requirements into machining solutions
Work collaboratively with teams of varying technical expertise to optimize machining processes and troubleshoot manufacturing challenges
Develop and enforce standardized workflows for machine shop operations, including shift hand-offs and documentation of machining procedures
About You:
2+ years of hands-on machining experience operating or programming CNC lathes, mills and/or EDM machines
Experience in machine maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration to ensure optimal performance
Experience in using common inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, etc)
Ability to interpret and verify engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications using precision measuring instruments
Ability to adapt in fast paced environments
Nice to haves but not required:
Proficiency in CAD/CAM software and G-code programming
Proficiency with Esprit, Feature CAM, and NX
Solid understanding of machining best practices for aerospace materials
Strong oral and verbal communication skills
Strong understanding of tolerancing and measurement techniques in accordance with GDT (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 sal ... (truncated, view full listing at source)
Apply Now
Direct link to company career page
AI Resume Fit Check
See exactly which skills you match and which are missing before you apply. Free, instant, no spam.
Check my resume fitFree · No credit card
More jobs at Relativity Space
See all →Principal Commercial Contracts Manager
Long Beach, California · 7 April 2026
Principal Mechanical Engineer, Factory Automation
Long Beach, California · 7 April 2026
Moonshot Engineer
Long Beach, California · 7 April 2026
Principal Propulsion Engineer, Engine Systems & Test
Long Beach, California · 7 April 2026