Avionics Test Systems Engineer, Ground Systems

Relativity Space; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Relativity Space is seeking an Avionics Test System Engineer, Ground Systems to design and deploy robust ground support that interfaces with flight hardware. You’ll lead development for electrical and mechanical test systems used in vehicle integration and launch, with high ownership and fast iteration.

You will collaborate with avionics, propulsion, software, and test teams to ensure reliability, safety, and operability. A strong background in test systems and NASA/AF standards is valuable.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Electrical/Computer/Mechanical/Aerospace engineering or related field.
• 1+ years hands-on experience designing and deploying test systems in aerospace or high-reliability environments.
• Strong knowledge of electrical signal integrity, grounding, shielding, and power systems.
• Hands-on experience designing, building, and commissioning electromechanical ground systems.
• Familiarity with Ethernet, RS-422, CAN, MIL-STD-1553 and ground systems standards (ASME, API, NASA/AF).
• Familiarity with data acquisition and control platforms such as NI, Beckhoff, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Design, development, build, and integrate critical ground systems that support engine test, vehicle integration, and launch operations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with vehicle, propulsion, avionics, software, test, and operations teams to deliver robust, scalable systems on tight timelines.
• Oversee fabrication, bring-up, and validation of test systems, including electrical testing, calibration, and functional checks.
• Author interface control documents (ICDs) and engineering release drawings to ensure alignment between electrical ground support equipment and flight/avionics hardware.
• Work with safety, operations, and launch teams to ensure systems are compliant and operable under high-stakes conditions.

Skills

Electrical grounding

Signal integrity

Electromechanical systems

Data acquisition & control

Communication protocols

Test system design

Education

EE/CE/ME/Aerospace BS/MS/PhD

Tools

NI

Beckhoff

NX

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 Avionics team is responsible for the full lifecycle of Terran R's nervous system, designing, building, testing, installing, and operating the hardware that connects and controls every major electrical system on the vehicle and ground. The team's structure intentionally combines avionics design, manufacturing, and test to enable rapid iteration and feedback loops. Engineers are deeply embedded into other functions within Relativity, working closely with propulsion, GNC, fluids, and stage engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and operation. Now is a unique time to join: you'll get to help shape Terran R's fundamental avionics architecture and be given a high degree of ownership on components that will fly.

About the Role:

We are seeking Avionics Test System Engineer, Ground Systems supporting our vehicle ground test support systems. Candidates with strong experience in designing, building, and deploying test systems that interface directly with flight hardware. In this role, you'll lead the development of robust electrical and mechanical systems that support vehicle test, integration, and launch in challenging environments. You’ll work cross-functionally with avionics, propulsion, structures, test, and software teams to ensure our ground systems are reliable, flexible, and safe. This position is ideal for someone who thrives on high ownership, fast iteration, and seeing their systems go from concept to launchpad. As an Avionics Test System Engineer, Ground Systems you will:

• Design, development, build, and integrate critical ground systems that support engine test, vehicle integration, and launch operations
• Collaborate cross-functionally with vehicle, propulsion, avionics, software, test, and operations teams to deliver robust, scalable systems on tight timelines
• Oversee fabrication, bring-up, and validation of test systems, including electrical testing, calibration, and functional checks
• Author interface control documents (ICDs) and engineering release drawings to ensure tight alignment between electrical ground support equipment and flight/avionics hardware
• Work closely with safety, operations, and launch teams to ensure systems are compliant and operable under high-stakes conditions

About You:

• Undergraduate or graduate degree (BS/MS/PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 1+ years of hands‑on experience designing and deploying test systems or electrical integration systems in aerospace or high‑reliability environments
• Strong knowledge of electrical signal integrity, grounding schemes, shielding, and power systems
• Hands‑on experience designing, building, and commissioning electromechanical ground systems
• Familiarity with common communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet, RS-422, CAN, MIL-STD-1553) and ground systems standards (ASME, API, and NASA/AF).
• Familiarity with data acquisition and control system platforms such as NI, Beckhoff, or similar

Nice to haves but not required:

• Experience with wire harness design tools such as Zuken
• Experience with CAD tools such as NX and Teamcenter
• Familiarity with a PCB design modeling tool such as Altium Designer
• Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python or MATLAB for data acquisition/recording and analysis
• Familiarity with common communication protocols such as Ethernet, CAN, UART, SPI, etc.
• Familiarity with data acquisition and control system platforms such as NI, Beckhoff, or similar

Compensation and Benefits:

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:

$106,000 - $160,000 USD

Equal Opportunity Statement:

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.

Disability Accommodation:

If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at [e-mail].