Relativity Space careers in 2026: Terran R, new CEO, and what's changed
Relativity Space careers in 2026: Terran R, new CEO, and what's changed
Relativity Space has approximately 1,500 employees and is building Terran R, a medium-to-heavy lift partially reusable rocket targeting first launch in late 2026 from Cape Canaveral. The company went through a major leadership change in March 2025 when Eric Schmidt (former Google CEO) invested $800M–$1.2B and became CEO, with co-founder Tim Ellis moving to the board.
What's changed under Eric Schmidt
Relativity's original vision — building rockets almost entirely via 3D printing — has been significantly scaled back. Terran 1, the fully 3D-printed rocket, flew once in March 2023 and failed to reach orbit. It was retired.
Terran R uses a hybrid approach: 3D printing (via Relativity's Stargate printer) is still used for engines and complex components, but fuel tanks, fairings, and tank domes are now manufactured using traditional methods (friction stir welding, outsourced suppliers).
Under Schmidt, the company has made a pragmatic pivot:
- Terran R thrust section completed (October 2025)
- Flight production began March 2025
- Launch Complex 16 at Cape Canaveral inaugurated July 2025
- $3B+ in launch service agreements secured (OneWeb, Intelsat, SES)
Relativity peaked at a $4.2B valuation in 2021. Fidelity wrote down its shares by 97% (from $19 to $0.52/share) in November 2024 before Schmidt's intervention. The $800M–$1.2B investment was a significant down-round, giving Schmidt a controlling stake. For employees, this means earlier equity grants may have been substantially diluted.
Current hiring
Relativity has 182–360 open positions (varies by source). The company is hiring across:
- Propulsion — Aeon engines for Terran R
- Structures — Traditional and additive manufacturing
- Avionics — Flight computers, GNC
- Software — Flight software, factory automation, ground systems
- Manufacturing — Production technicians for flight hardware
- Launch operations — LC-16 build-out and activation
All positions are at the Long Beach, CA headquarters or Cape Canaveral, FL launch site.
Salary ranges
| Role | Estimated Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $107K–$162K | Glassdoor; SW engineers rate comp 5.0/5 (small sample) |
| General Engineering | $90K–$160K | Depends on discipline and level |
| Manufacturing/Technician | $51K–$85K | Entry-level production roles |
| Senior Engineering | $150K–$240K | Lead/principal level |
Compensation satisfaction is relatively high (3.8/5 on Glassdoor). However, the down-round raises questions about the current value of equity grants.
Glassdoor ratings
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3.6/5 (178 reviews) |
| Compensation | 3.8/5 |
| Work-Life Balance | 3.2/5 |
| Career Opportunities | 3.4/5 |
| Recommend to friend | 56% |
Should you join?
Arguments for:
- Terran R is the most technically ambitious new rocket since Starship
- Eric Schmidt's investment provides financial stability
- $3B+ in launch contracts means demand exists if the rocket works
- Pre-launch companies offer earlier equity entry if the valuation recovers
Arguments against:
- First launch hasn't happened yet — execution risk is real
- 97% valuation writedown means earlier employee equity may be significantly diluted
- The 3D printing vision that attracted many employees has been substantially scaled back
- 56% recommend rate on Glassdoor is below industry average
Relativity is a high-risk, high-reward career bet. If Terran R succeeds in late 2026 and the company rebuilds its commercial position, early employees could benefit substantially. If the rocket faces significant delays or failures, the path forward becomes uncertain.
Browse launch vehicle jobs on Zero G Talent, or compare with SpaceX careers, Blue Origin careers, or Rocket Lab careers.
