Relativity Space
Aerospace
Lead,PropulsionTestResponsibleEngineer
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Lead candidates.
“Lead, Propulsion Test Responsible Engineer at Relativity Space. Skills: Propulsion test responsible engineering, Component testing, Engine development and certification, Team leadership. Serve as a Responsible Engineer for propulsion test articles (primarily combustion devices, but may also include valves, heat exchangers, or other components). Develop test plans in collaboration with product owners”
What You'll Achieve.
Deliver highly performant and manufacturable engines for Terran R; Deliver engines that will successfully propel the Terran rocket to orbit; Support the development of our technical hardware and human teammates; Increase our collective efficiency; Achieve commercial success with Terran R
Industry & Context.
Problem-solving; Troubleshooting technical puzzles; Solving problems that haven’t been solved before; New mysteries to solve
Full-time onsite in Long Beach, CA, Requires an average of 25% travel to our test & launch sites, May occasionally require weekend work or travel for critical milestones
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Applying engineering fundamentals in fluid mechanics & thermodynamics, Problem-solving, Working in a collaborative environment, Exposure to test operations environments, Experience designing, analyzing, testing, or developing at least one of the following: combustion devices, valves, heat exchangers, or instrumentation, Leadership potential, which could be demonstrated e. g. , through mentoring, managing complex interdisciplinary projects, supporting continuous improvement of the people around you, or participating in growing your team through hiring
Nice to Have
Prior experience in aerospace is not required.
What You'll Do.
Serve as a Responsible Engineer for propulsion test articles (primarily combustion devices
but may also include valves
Develop test plans in collaboration with product owners
Execute test campaigns with the Stennis team
Troubleshoot technical puzzles
Own the exploratory operation of new and existing test article designs
Evaluate test hardware behavior in support of continuous engine development and certification
Hands-on work with test articles
Sit console for hotfire tests
Support engine subsystem troubleshooting
Partner team product investigations
Perform engine or component analysis and simulation
Conduct trade studies
Potentially be involved in stage test and flight campaigns
Take ownership of projects to increase collective efficiency
Lead a small team of engineers
Provide technical guidance
Make direct technical contributions
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Collaborate closely with propulsion design engineers, our manufacturing team, our Stennis test team, and our Cape launch team; Collaborate across teams; Collaborate with product owners on test plans; Collaborate with leadership; Collaborate with peers & mentors
Communication Scope
Communicating with leadership
Process & Methodology
Manage complex interdisciplinary projects, Establish priorities, Lead collaborative projects to completion with minimal oversight
Full Job Description
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 Propulsion team at Relativity is focused on developing and delivering highly performant and manufacturable engines for Terran R. Engineers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of their parts, from initial design through production to qualification and flight. The team fosters a culture of bottoms-up decision-making, free from technical gatekeeping, where ownership and accountability are key at all levels. But designing engines with a quarter million pounds of thrust is just the beginning. As the flight configuration enters qualification, the team is now exploring modifications for future engines, including thrust upgrades, new cycles, and design for mass production.. About the Role: This role is
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