Staff Materials & Processes Engineer, Propulsion

As a Staff Materials & Processes Engineer at Relativity Space, you will focus on several essential responsibilities. You'll act as the M&P focal point for our key Terran R propulsion and laser powder bed fusion initiatives, qualifying processes and driving part and feature qualifications. Working closely with various teams, you’ll develop technical specifications and engineering standards, while overseeing statistically-driven experimental designs to enhance processes. Your role will also involve troubleshooting manufacturing issues and facilitating operations to ensure the highest quality standards are met.

To qualify for the Staff Materials & Processes Engineer position at Relativity Space, you should hold a Bachelor’s degree in materials science or engineering or a related field, along with at least 8 years of relevant materials experience. Experience in general propulsion hardware M&P activities, especially in material selection and qualification, is crucial. Familiarity with laser powder bed fusion processes and statistical experimental design methods will be beneficial, enabling you to effectively contribute to our innovative engineering efforts.

At Relativity Space, the work culture for a Staff Materials & Processes Engineer is vibrant, inclusive, and collaboration-driven. You will be part of a passionate team of creative individuals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology. We promote open communication and interdisciplinary relationships, enabling you to work alongside experts from various fields. This supportive environment encourages personal growth and innovation while remaining focused on our mission to elevate aerospace design and manufacturing.

The Staff Materials & Processes Engineer position at Relativity Space is unique due to our dual mission of advancing aerospace technology and pioneering additive manufacturing. You'll be directly involved in shaping the future of rocket propulsion systems while working on revolutionary projects like the Terran R rocket. The rapid pace of innovation and the use of cutting-edge technologies, including additive manufacturing processes, provide an exciting platform for materials engineers to make a significant impact on both Earth and beyond.

Relativity Space offers an extensive benefits package for its Staff Materials & Processes Engineers, including competitive salary ranges and equity options. Employees enjoy generous PTO and sick leave policies, parental leave, and an annual stipend for learning and development. Our commitment to transparency and fairness is complemented by a focus on diversity and inclusion, making us an employer of choice for those passionate about aerospace innovation and collaboration.

In answering this question, highlight your specific experiences with material selection processes, focusing on how you assessed material properties, relevant standards, and the implications for propulsion systems. Discuss particular projects or materials you've worked with, explaining how your decisions influenced system performance, reliability, or innovation.

When discussing failure analysis, walk the interviewer through your systematic approach—whether it's identifying failure modes, conducting root cause analysis, or implementing corrective actions. Providing concrete examples from past experiences where you successfully diagnosed and remedied material failures will demonstrate your expertise in this critical area.

Share specific challenges you've encountered while working with laser powder bed fusion systems, explaining the technical problems and how you addressed them. Highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to collaborate with team members to develop effective solutions, showcasing your expertise in materials processes.

Discuss your familiarity with statistical experimental design, explaining how you’ve used various tools and methodologies. Be prepared to provide examples of projects where your use of experimental design led to significant advancements in materials processes or product quality, emphasizing the impact of these efforts.

Reflect on your motivation to join Relativity Space, focusing on how the company's mission aligns with your own professional aspirations. Discuss your passion for innovative materials research, your interest in aerospace, and your excitement about contributing to a transformative organization.

Explain the processes you have in place to uphold compliance with technical specifications. This could include regular audits, collaboration with design and quality assurance teams, and establishing clear documentation practices. Highlight any experiences you have in successfully maintaining standards across various projects.

When asked about significant achievements, choose an accomplishment that showcases your skills and contributions. Briefly share the context, your specific actions, and the results, demonstrating how your work compelled progress in materials development or production practices.

Share your strategies for staying updated with the latest developments in materials science and additive manufacturing. Mention attending conferences, participating in online communities, reading industry publications, or collaborating with peers to ensure you remain on the cutting edge of technological advancements.

Collaboration is critical in materials engineering, particularly when interfacing with diverse teams. Discuss how you systematically build relationships with cross-disciplinary teams, ensuring open communication and sharing knowledge, thus leading to superior outcomes in your engineering projects.

In crafting your response, narrate a specific instance where you encountered a materials-related challenge. Detail the steps you took to analyze the problem, implement solutions, and the skills you employed to navigate through complex issues, highlighting your analytical and critical thinking abilities.