Staff Robotics Engineer - Hardware

About the position

At Relativity Space, we have two audacious goals: to build the next great commercial launch company with Terran R and to become America's leading force in additive manufacturing innovation. Both contribute to our long-term vision of creating humanity’s industrial base on Mars, paving the way for interplanetary life to expand the possibilities of the human experience. This journey begins right here on Earth – where we design, build, and fly rockets to deliver customer payloads to orbit. Terran R, our medium-to-heavy lift reusable rocket, fulfills the growing demand for launch capacity, thanks to our iterative approach that accelerates design, testing, and development while minimizing costs. While our groundbreaking research and development in 3D printing pushes the boundaries of large-scale additive manufacturing. Your journey with us is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to shape the future of aerospace technology, additive manufacturing, and the human experience alongside a community of passionate, creative individuals. Join us on this extraordinary journey, as we work together to transform our vision into reality.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of advanced robotic hardware systems, including manipulation arms, end effector integration, and especially autonomous mobile robots.
• Work with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, mechanical designers, and systems integrators, to develop fully integrated robotic solutions.
• Develop detailed hardware designs from concept through prototype, focusing on precision, durability, and manufacturability.
• Conduct testing of robotic systems, ensuring they meet performance, reliability, and safety standards in both manufacturing and spaceflight environments.
• Mentor junior hardware engineers, providing guidance on complex design and integration challenges while fostering a collaborative and creative team environment.
• Lead the selection and integration of components, including motors, actuators, sensors, and controllers, to build high-performance robotic systems that meet demanding manufacturing requirements.
• Work closely with the Additive Manufacturing and Automation teams to ensure integration of robotics into large-scale production processes.
• Push the boundaries of design by incorporating cutting-edge technologies in mechatronics, robotics, and automation for space applications.

Requirements

• BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field and 7+ years of hands-on experience in robotics hardware design, with a strong focus on AGVs, AMRs, KUKA or other robotic arms, and KUKA Robot Controllers (KRC) using KUKA Robot Language (KRL).
• Proficiency in CAD (NX, SolidWorks, or similar) and hardware design tools for modeling, prototyping, and testing.
• Demonstrated experience with actuator and motor selection, sensor integration, and control systems and a solid understanding of mechanical systems, kinematics, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience designing and integrating high-precision robotic systems, such as robotic arms, autonomous mobile robots, or robotic welding systems.
• Proficiency in EtherCAT, CANbus, Profinet, and other industrial communication protocols used in robotics and automation and robot safety standards, including functional safety protocols (ISO 10218, ISO/TS 15066) and safety systems design.
• Strong background in integrating sensors into robotic systems, including cameras, LiDAR, and other perception sensors, to support autonomous decision-making and navigation.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse, multidisciplinary teams.

Nice-to-haves

• AI/ML background, especially in developing perception or control algorithms for robotics.
• Experience with industrial robot manipulators (KUKA, ABB, UR, etc.).
• Experience with robotic welding systems, grinder end effectors, tool changers or other advanced robotic applications in manufacturing.
• Experience in additive manufacturing processes, specifically in robotics integration for 3D printing or similar field.
• Experience with LiPo battery charging systems and managing power requirements for robotics platforms.
• Familiarity with motion capture systems and perception technologies to track and verify robot positions, ensuring high-precision operation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity.
• Generous PTO and sick leave policy.
• Parental leave.
• Annual learning and development stipend.