Combustion Devices- Propulsion Design Engineer II

Relativity; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company at the forefront of aerospace technology and additive manufacturing. This entry-level role offers the chance to own the development of propulsion systems for innovative rockets. You will collaborate with passionate teams, applying your engineering skills in a dynamic environment that encourages growth and creativity. As part of a mission-driven team, you will contribute to groundbreaking projects shaping the future of space exploration. With a competitive salary, generous benefits, and a commitment to diversity, this opportunity is perfect for those eager to make an impact in a fast-growing startup atmosphere.

Benefits

Competitive salary and equity

Generous PTO and sick leave policy

Parental leave

Annual learning and development stipend

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in propulsion or combustion components development.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, thermal, structural, and fluids.

Responsibilities

• Own propulsion combustion devices from concept through manufacturing.
• Collaborate across teams to lead projects with minimal oversight.

Skills

Engineering Fundamentals

Thermodynamics

Structural Analysis

Fluid Dynamics

Project Management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a science or engineering field

Job description

Long Beach, California

At Relativity Space, we have two audacious goals: to build the next great commercial launch company with Terran R and to become America's leading force in additive manufacturing innovation. Both contribute to our long-term vision of creating humanity’s industrial base on Mars, paving the way for interplanetary life to expand the possibilities of the human experience. This journey begins right here on Earth – where we design, build, and fly rockets to deliver customer payloads to orbit. Terran R, our medium-to-heavy lift reusable rocket, fulfills the growing demand for launch capacity, thanks to our iterative approach that accelerates design, testing, and development while minimizing costs. Our groundbreaking research and development in 3D printing pushes the boundaries of large-scale additive manufacturing.

Your journey with us is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to shape the future of aerospace technology, additive manufacturing, and the human experience alongside a community of passionate, creative individuals. Join us on this extraordinary journey, as we work together to transform our vision into reality.

About the Team:

The propulsion team at Relativity is responsible for the successful development of the engines that will power the Terran R vehicle. We own their design from concept through to launch and reuse. Our team partners heavily with manufacturing, test, launch, and integration teams, striving to develop our engines in record time and to support Terran R's first launch in 2026. As part of this team, you will help build, test, and iterate on the full product lifecycle of our Aeon-R engine systems, seeing them mature and eventually bring Terran R into space.

About the Role:

You will own propulsion combustion devices and/or systems from concept through manufacturing and implementation. This role involves a range of skillsets: design, analysis (structural, thermal, fluid), manufacturing, test, project management, and communication. You will work across teams and departments and take ownership of projects of your creation. In order to be successful in this role, you should thrive in ambiguity and be capable of leading collaborative projects to completion with minimal oversight. Along with these high expectations comes the opportunity to have a significant influence on a fast-growing startup company and to make rapid professional gains in an environment that encourages growth and risk.

About You:

• Bachelor's degree in a science or engineering field
• 2+ years of experience working in the development of propulsion components, combustion components, or related hardware
• This is an entry-level position and professional work experience is not required
• Experience applying engineering fundamentals in thermodynamics, thermal, structural, and fluids

Nice to haves but not required:

• Experience in a rocket engine development and/or test environment
• Clear evidence of ownership from school or work experience
• Working knowledge of engine subsystems such as combustion devices, heat exchangers, ducting
• Exposure to powder bed additive manufacturing and automation techniques

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!

Hiring Range:

$112,000 - $143,000 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.