Senior Structures Engineer - job 1 of 2

As a Senior Structures Engineer at Relativity Space, your primary responsibilities include the innovative conceptualization of structural load paths, conducting static and dynamic load reviews, and the analysis and sizing of flight structures. You will develop and support hardware testing campaigns and collaborate closely with multiple teams to ensure successful product integration and manufacturing. Your role is foundational in building the Terran R rocket, defining critical structures, and driving innovation in aerospace technology.

To qualify for the Senior Structures Engineer position at Relativity Space, candidates need a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline, coupled with at least 5 years of relevant engineering experience. Proficiency in CAD software, such as NX, Creo, or Solidworks, is essential, alongside solid knowledge of structural analysis methods and tools, including Nastran and ANSYS. Experience with GD&T and drafting is highly beneficial but not mandatory.

Collaboration is key for the Senior Structures Engineer role at Relativity Space, as you will be working alongside various teams in design, testing, and manufacturing. Your ability to communicate effectively and share insights will be crucial in achieving successful project outcomes. This collaborative environment allows for innovative solutions and contributes greatly to the launch success of our rockets, especially the Terran R program.

As a Senior Structures Engineer at Relativity Space, you'll be using industry-standard CAD software like NX, as well as structural analysis tools such as Nastran and ANSYS. Familiarity with project management software, particularly TeamCenter, is also advantageous. These tools will empower you to design, analyze, and evaluate structural components effectively, ensuring the high-quality delivery of our innovative launch vehicles.

The work environment for a Senior Structures Engineer at Relativity Space is dynamic, fast-paced, and highly collaborative. Located in Long Beach, California, the company promotes a culture of innovation and teamwork, and your contributions will directly impact the success of groundbreaking aerospace projects. You'll also experience hands-on testing and manufacturing in our modern facilities, which enhances the practical aspect of your engineering work.

In your response, highlight specific CAD software you've worked with, like NX or Solidworks. Provide examples of projects where you utilized these tools to design complex structures, focusing on the outcomes of your work. Emphasize your adaptability and willingness to learn new software as necessary.

Explain your methodology for structural analysis, mentioning specific tools and techniques, such as Finite Element Analysis. Share a relevant project example where your analysis led to significant design improvements or cost savings, illustrating your problem-solving skills.

Discuss examples where you've introduced unconventional approaches or technologies that led to more efficient designs or processes. Highlight how these innovations not only advanced the project but also contributed to overall team goals.

Share strategies you use for cross-discipline communication, such as regular meetings, progress updates, and utilizing project management tools. Highlight a situation where successful communication led to a positive project outcome.

Discuss your commitment to professional development by mentioning conferences, courses, or publications you follow. Emphasize any relevant knowledge or trends in aerospace engineering that you've integrated into your work.

Detail a specific project that involved various departments, explaining the challenges faced and how you navigated them to achieve success. Highlight your role and the actions you took to foster teamwork and meet deadlines.

Share your time management strategies, such as prioritizing tasks and setting realistic milestones. Use examples from your previous experiences to demonstrate your ability to deliver under pressure while maintaining quality.

Elaborate on the factors you assess when selecting materials, such as weight, strength, and durability. Discuss how you've used this knowledge to inform design decisions in past projects, ensuring they meet specific performance criteria.

Discuss the importance of thorough documentation in engineering and the tools you use for tracking and presenting your work. Provide examples of how your documentation has facilitated project reviews or team collaborations.

Reflect on specific aspects of Relativity Space's mission, culture, or innovation that inspire you. Connect this excitement to your career goals and how you envision contributing to the company’s standout projects like the Terran R rocket.