CNC Machine Operator I

Posted Yesterday
Easy Apply
Be an Early Applicant
Long Beach, CA, USA
In-Office
26-40 Annually
Junior
Aerospace • Hardware • Robotics • Software • Manufacturing
Building reusable rockets to empower science and exploration.
The Role
Set up and operate FANUC-controlled CNC machines to produce rocket components from drawings and work instructions. Load tools, set offsets, verify programs, inspect parts using precision measuring equipment, and adjust feeds, speeds, and offsets to maintain quality and efficiency. Identify issues such as tool wear and dimensional drift, communicate problems, and collaborate with machinists and supervisors. Requires approximately two years of CNC experience, blueprint and measuring-tool proficiency, and familiarity with machining metals.
Summary Generated by Built In

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.

Skills Required

  • Approximately 2+ years of CNC machining experience in a production, job shop, or similar environment
  • Hands-on experience with FANUC controls, including running programs, setting offsets, and basic troubleshooting
  • Ability to read and understand manufacturing drawings and basic GD&T symbols
  • Ability to use basic measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and height gauges
  • Familiarity with machining materials including aluminum, steel, and stainless steel
  • 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 or vocational training in machining
  • Experience with simple setups such as vices, soft jaws, and basic fixtures with minimal supervision
  • Experience with tight tolerances and surface finish requirements
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, or other quality systems
  • Basic experience with CAM programs or DNC systems

Relativity Space Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is presented as comprehensive, including medical, dental, and vision, with company‑funded HSA contributions and mental‑health resources. Access to services like One Medical and strong core insurance are highlighted as standouts.
  • Parental & Family Support — Family-building support includes generous parental leave and a $10,000 stipend for fertility, adoption, and related needs. These programs are repeatedly highlighted as meaningful benefits.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes PTO, sick‑time accruals, 11 company holidays, and personal‑choice holidays. The overall allotment is often characterized as generous.

Relativity Space Insights

Am I A Good Fit?
beta
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.

The Company
HQ: Long Beach, CA
2,200 Employees
Year Founded: 2016

What We Do

Relativity Space is on a mission to better connect humanity to space and the universe beyond our planet. Our medium-to-heavy lift reusable rocket, Terran R, 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.

Why Work With Us

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.

Gallery

Gallery
Gallery
Gallery
Gallery
Gallery
Gallery
Gallery
Gallery
Gallery
Gallery

Relativity Space Offices

OnSite Workspace

At Relativity Space, we are an office-first company. We believe our best work happens in person—where collaboration is faster, problem-solving is sharper, and ideas flow more freely.

Typical time on-site: None
Company Office Image
HQThe Wormhole
Company Office Image
Launch Complex 16
Company Office Image
NASA Stennis Space Center
Company Office Image
Kent, WA
Company Office Image
Washington, DC
Learn more

Similar Jobs

Relativity Space Logo Relativity Space

Design Engineer

Aerospace • Hardware • Robotics • Software • Manufacturing
Easy Apply
In-Office
Long Beach, CA, USA
2200 Employees
132K-198K Annually

Relativity Space Logo Relativity Space

Hardware Engineer

Aerospace • Hardware • Robotics • Software • Manufacturing
Easy Apply
In-Office
Long Beach, CA, USA
2200 Employees
231K-347K Annually

Relativity Space Logo Relativity Space

Staff Turbomachinery Engineer, Turbine Development

Aerospace • Hardware • Robotics • Software • Manufacturing
Easy Apply
In-Office
Long Beach, CA, USA
2200 Employees
164K-246K Annually

Relativity Space Logo Relativity Space

Vehicle Fluids Engineer II

Aerospace • Hardware • Robotics • Software • Manufacturing
Easy Apply
In-Office
Long Beach, CA, USA
2200 Employees
104K-156K Annually

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account