Lead, Manufacturing Engineering

As a Lead in Manufacturing Engineering at Relativity Space, you will oversee the development and production of Combustion Device hardware for the Aeon-R and RVac Engine programs. You will lead a team, manage projects, prioritize tasks, and provide technical guidance. Close collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to drive production progress and ensure timely delivery to meet program targets.

To qualify for the Lead, Manufacturing Engineering role at Relativity Space, candidates should have at least a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering, along with a minimum of 3 years of experience in hardware manufacturing and testing. Strong competencies in authoring work instructions and collaborating across various teams in a manufacturing environment are also important.

The Lead, Manufacturing Engineering plays a vital role at Relativity Space by guiding the team responsible for innovative combustion hardware development, which is crucial for the success of our reusable rockets. This role directly impacts both the short-term production goals and the long-term vision of establishing a human presence beyond Earth, contributing to the fundamental aims of our Terran R project.

While the minimum requirement is 3 years of relevant experience, candidates with over 5 years in building and testing hardware, especially in combustion device design or manufacturing, will find their experience preferred for the Lead, Manufacturing Engineering role at Relativity Space. Familiarity with scaling development to high-rate production is also a valuable asset.

Candidates for the Lead, Manufacturing Engineering position at Relativity Space can expect a competitive salary range of $138,000 to $176,000 USD, depending on their experience and qualifications. The company also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous PTO, parental leave, and continuous learning support, reflecting our commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth.

When answering this question, highlight your passion for innovation and how it aligns with Relativity Space's mission to transform aerospace technology. Share specific experiences that sparked your interest in manufacturing engineering, particularly in additive manufacturing and your enthusiasm for advancing technologies that can change the landscape of space travel.

Provide a detailed example focusing on your leadership role, the project goals, and the outcome. Discuss how you communicated with your team, the challenges faced, and how you ensured the project met timeline and quality expectations. Emphasize skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and your ability to motivate others.

Discuss specific methodologies you are familiar with, such as Lean or Six Sigma, and how you've successfully applied them in past roles. Share examples of improvements made and the impact they had on efficiency, cost-saving, or quality enhancement, showcasing your proactive attitude toward optimization.

Summarize your pertinent experiences, whether it's within combustion devices or similar engineering areas. If possible, mention any hands-on involvement with testing or development phases to illustrate your familiarity with technical requirements and the manufacturing lifecycle associated with these systems.

Describe your approach to project management, such as using prioritization frameworks or tools, and provide an example where you managed competing deadlines successfully. Highlight your ability to balance immediate needs with long-term goals, as well as your communication strategies with stakeholders to keep everyone informed.

Talk about your belief in collaborative effort and how it has influenced your previous projects. Provide specific instances where teamwork led to superior outcomes, emphasizing interpersonal skills and the importance of diverse perspectives in driving innovation in manufacturing processes.

Share a concrete example where you identified a manufacturing challenge during the design phase. Explain how you communicated this to your team, the solutions proposed, and the successful adjustments made to the design, showcasing your advocacy for practical and feasible manufacturability.

Discuss your experiences related to safety compliance, including relevant standards you are familiar with. Share methods you've used to promote a safety culture within your team and any trainings conducted to ensure adherence to best practices, reinforcing the importance of safety throughout manufacturing processes.

Provide an example of a technology initiative you were involved in, detailing the obstacles encountered, your strategies to overcome them, and the outcomes achieved. This showcases your problem-solving abilities and adaptability while demonstrating previous experiences with technology advancement in manufacturing.

Articulate your understanding of how additive manufacturing can enhance the aerospace industry through capabilities like reduced waste, complex geometries, and rapid prototyping. Share your insights on industry trends and how you believe Relativity Space is positioned to capitalize on these advancements, demonstrating your awareness of the sector's evolution.