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 Stage Manufacturing team turns design into reality, owning the build of Terran R’s primary structures. This isn’t about turning the same bolt every day; it’s about building the systems to build the rocket. Engineers and technicians work side by side, with deep collaboration and real-time feedback, to shape how we build better and faster. With a manifest and a launch date, it’s up to the team to deliver on Terran R: solving challenges in real time, optimizing for scale, and constantly improving processes. As the vehicle evolves, so will the factory, with opportunities to apply automation, machine learning, and advanced technologies. What we build here sets the blueprint for the future of scaled launch.

About the Role:

Set up and operate CNC machines with FANUC controls to produce parts per drawings and work instructions.
Load and adjust tools, set work and tool offsets, and verify correct programs are loaded.
Read and interpret blueprints and basic GD&T symbols to understand part requirements.
Perform first-piece and in-process inspections using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and other basic measuring tools.
Monitor offsets, feeds, and speeds and make adjustments as needed to maintain dimensional conformity, required surface finish, and cycle-time efficiency.
Monitor machine operations, identify basic issues (tool wear, chatter, dimensional drift), and communicate problems to senior machinists or supervisors.

About You:

Approximately 2+ years of CNC machining experience in a production, job shop, or similar environment.
Hands-on experience with FANUC controls (running programs, setting offsets, basic troubleshooting).
Ability to read and understand manufacturing drawings and use basic measuring tools.
Familiarity with machining different materials (e.g., aluminum, steel, stainless).
Basic understanding of cutting tools, speeds and feeds, and workholding.
Ability to follow instructions, ask questions when unsure, and work effectively in a team.
High school diploma or GED; technical/vocational training in machining preferred.

Nice to haves but not required:

Experience with simple setups (e.g., vices, soft jaws, basic fixtures) with minimal supervision.
Exposure to tight tolerances and surface finish requirements.
Familiarity with ISO 9001 / AS9100 or other quality systems is a plus.
Basic experience with CAM programs or DNC systems is a plus.

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 salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.

Hiring Range:

$26.92—$40.38 USD

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at [email protected].

Please note: Relativity Space does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate profiles, or referrals from recruitment agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited submission - via email, our website, social media, or directly to an employee - will be deemed the property of Relativity Space, and no fee will be owed absent a current, fully executed agreement with Talent Acquisition that specifically authorizes submissions for the applicable role.

Machine Operator I

Long Beach, CA at a glance

What you need

What you'll do

Optimize your resume for this job

About Relativity Space

See full Technician compensation at Relativity Space

Similar Technician roles