About the Role
As a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer, you will work with test stands and test articles (high-energy components, engines, and full stages) for Terran R. You'll have the opportunity to see a heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle and its many parts come to life through testing. Test and flight articles are designed and built in our Long Beach factory, then sent to Stennis to undergo rigorous testing. You'll solve a variety of technical problems across broad ranges of timeframe, complexity, and impact, and continuously improve processes to move faster and more efficiently. The role includes three focus areas - Design & Build, Operations, and Integration. You'll initially be placed on a team in one focus area, with opportunities to work across focuses as you develop in the role, particularly between Operations and Integration which work closely together.
[Design & Build Focus]
Design fluid systems (gas, liquid, cryogenic) including Piping & Instruction Diagrams (P&IDs), analysis, and component selection
Design structural and mechanical systems including 3D modeling, analysis, and fabrication drawings
Source components and develop detailed fabrication work instructions
Bring new test stands to life by managing fabrication, activation, and initial operations
Design and implement upgrades to operational test stands to enable new test capabilities
Maintain test stands through preventive maintenance and rapid response to anomalies & equipment failures
[Operations Focus]
Conduct test operations on high-energy components, engines, and stages
Control test stand and test article through GUIs and automation while monitoring cameras and telemetry
Conduct flight acceptance, qualification, and development testing campaigns to validate designs and continuously improve the rocket
Develop and optimize GUIs, procedures, control automation, and data review processes
Prepare test articles for testing through inspections, functional checks, leak checks, and managing non-conformances
Bring new test stands to life and support modifications and maintenance on existing facilities
Operations Engineers typically work a scheduled morning or evening shift
[Integration Focus]
Manage test articles through test prep, post-test processing, and repairs
Author work instructions for test articles and coordinate work with technicians and quality inspectors
Manage non-conformances, author corrective work instructions, and implement part requirements
Maintain work instructions current with evolving build specifications and drive standardization across sites
Incorporate feedback and optimize part usage to streamline hardware flow and reduce waste
Integration Engineers typically work a scheduled morning or evening shift
About You
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field
No aerospace experience needed—we value unique backgrounds and perspectives
Demonstrated ability to safely operate common power tools
Ability to deliver on tight schedules, especially when unconventional & creative solutions are necessary
This role may require travel to production and launch locations, up to 10%
Valid driver's license to operate vehicles on the test site
Nice to haves but not required
Proficiency in 3D modeling and drafting, including GD&T
Strong engineering fundamentals in Thermal Fluid Systems and Structures
Hands-on fabrication experience for complex assemblies
Working knowledge of fluid components and ability to understand/develop fluid P&IDs for large-scale test systems
Experience safely operating complex fluid systems, including high pressure gas, cryogenic fluids, flammables, and hydraulics
Technical writing or documentation experience
Successful candidates must clear a background check administered by the US government to obtain clearance for on-site work at our government partner location in Stennis, Mississippi.
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
$124,000—$186,000 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 accommodations@relativityspace.com.
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.
