Company Overview:

Our mission is to change people’s conception of the way rockets are built and flown. Learn more here!

Team:

Relativity seeks a highly talented Senior Propulsion Test Engineer to join a rapidly growing space startup. This position will help build the core of our propulsion capability via the development and operation of a world-class test facility for components, engines, and integrated launch vehicle stages at Relativity’s Stennis, MS location. A high degree of autonomy and leadership is required. The Propulsion Test Engineer may focus on design, operations, or both.

The Stennis team at Relativity Space is responsible for designing, building, and operating world-class test stands to support the Terran 1 stages, engines, and propulsion components. As part of this team, you will help build and operate massive outdoor test stands at the historic Stennis Space Center on the Gulf Coast, the largest rocket engine test complex in the country. Unique to this location, you will have the opportunity to get hands-on the fully integrated engine and stage assemblies, push the hardware to the limits, and witness rocket engines firing up close and personal! This team is critical to the launch success of Terran 1, among many other firsts!

What you’ll do:

 [Design focus]

• Design advanced propulsion test stands, including 3D modeling, fluids and structural analysis, fabrication drawings, fluids P&IDs, and instrumentation lists.
• Supervise the construction, commissioning, and initial operations of these facilities.
• Solve a wide range of technical challenges, across broad ranges of timeframe, complexity, cost, and long-term impact.
• Support operations on and perform related improvements to existing test stands.
• Potentially travel to production, test, and launch locations.

[Operations focus]

• Create, modify, and optimize test sequences, procedures, and data review processes.
• Lead testing operations under high intensity conditions, with attention to detail, to achieve test objectives.
• Directly control and receive telemetry from the test stand and test articles through GUIs and an integrated software suite for control, automation, and data visualization.
• Help develop new propulsion designs based on real test data.
• Potentially travel to and from production, test, and launch locations.

What you need to know:

In order to be successful in this role, you should be someone who thrives in ambiguity and is able to amplify a growing technical and test operations focused team with a track record of success. Ideally, you are someone who has come from a fast paced, highly technical environment, having completed difficult projects while collaborating effectively with other key groups, particularly from a remote site.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and intense startup environment.
• Experience with 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD).
• Ability to develop and review complex fluid P&IDs.
• Basic knowledge of common fluid & structural components and instrumentation, such as valves, regulators, hydraulic actuators, pressure transducers, thermocouples, flow meters, accelerometers, strain gauges, load cells.
• Ownership of projects from beginning to end, with minimal oversight.
• Hands-on experience, particularly with common power tools, air tools, metalworking, welding, plumbing, hydraulics, manufacturing equipment, etc.
• This position will require occasional night shifts

Nice to haves but not required:

[Design Focus]

• Ownership of a propulsion or structural test related project including design, analysis, construction, and commissioning.
• Experience designing, fabricating, and operating complex fluid systems.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling and drafting, including GD&T.
• Experience with FEA or CFD.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, material selection, inspection, precision measurement, and non-destructive testing.
• Demonstrated safe use of machine tools such as a mill or lathe.
• Experience operating or working near mobile equipment such as forklifts and cranes.
• Experience leading a diverse team of engineers and technicians.

[Operations Focus]

• Experience safely operating complex fluid systems, including high pressure gas, cryogenic fluids, flammables, and hydraulics.
• Familiarity with rocket engine injectors, chambers, nozzles, valves, pumps, and other components.
• Familiarity with data/control systems, specifically programmable logic controllers, data acquisition hardware, and control software.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to safely and efficiently conduct fast-paced hazardous operations on a small ops team
• Ability to observe anomalous conditions in real-time, investigate, and quickly resolve to enable a rapid testing pace.
• Experience leading a diverse team of engineers and technicians.

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.

Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous vacation policy, an annual L&D stipend and more! Learn more here!