Combustion Devices- Propulsion Design Engineer II

Relativity Space; 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, where your role in developing propulsion systems will shape the future of space exploration. As part of a passionate team, you’ll take ownership of combustion devices and systems, driving innovative projects from concept to implementation. This is a unique opportunity to influence a fast-growing startup, working in an environment that fosters growth and embraces challenges. If you thrive in ambiguity and are eager to make a significant impact in the aerospace industry, this role offers a chance to elevate your career while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in rocket technology.

Benefits

Generous PTO and sick leave policy

Parental leave

Annual learning and development stipend

Equity options

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in propulsion or combustion components development.
• Strong foundation in thermodynamics, structural, and fluid analysis.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Thermodynamics

Structural Analysis

Fluid Dynamics

Project Management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a science or engineering field

Job description

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. While 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 be someone who thrives 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
• 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! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.

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.