Manager, Avionics Rapid Prototyping

Relativity Space; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 174,000 - 262,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Generous PTO & sick leave

Parental leave

Learning & development stipend

Job summary

Relativity Space in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Manager of Avionics Electrical Test Engineering to lead a team responsible for PCBA bring-up, integrated system test, and automated test development for power electronics and avionics. You will partner across Avionics Hardware, Power Systems, GNC, Manufacturing and Vehicle Integration.

You should have a PhD or MS in Electrical Engineering (or BS with exceptional experience), plus hands-on lab expertise and 3+ years of leadership in electrical test.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS in Electrical Engineering (or B.S. with exceptional relevant experience).
• Extensive PCBA bring-up, debugging, validation, and electrical system troubleshooting.
• Strong experience with system-level testing of avionics and power electronics.
• Deep knowledge of power electronics and low-voltage hardware for mission-critical systems.
• Proficient with electrical lab equipment and test infrastructure development.
• 3+ years leading electrical test engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of electrical test engineers.
• Define test strategies for power electronics and low-voltage avionics.
• Develop automated test infrastructure and data analysis.
• Oversee board-level and system-level validation including environmental tests.
• Drive root-cause analysis across components and systems.
• Collaborate with hardware design to ensure testability.
• Maintain a safe, high-quality lab with calibration and readiness.
• Manage scheduling and cross-functional alignment for milestones.
• Champion continuous improvement of test methods and automation.

Skills

PCBA bring-up

Electrical system testing

Power electronics

Lab measurement equipment

Leadership (3+ years)

Education

PhD or MS in Electrical Engineering

B.S. with exceptional relevant experience

Tools

Test equipment (oscilloscope, multimeter)

Job description

At Relativity Space, we’re building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. OurTerran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launchcapacity. But that’s just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock newopportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyondthe 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. Nowis a unique moment in time where it’s early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, andthe culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The mostmeaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.

About the Team:

As the Manager of Avionics Electrical Test Engineering, you will lead a team responsible for developing and scaling Relativity’s electrical hardware and system test capabilities. You will oversee PCBA bring‑up and debugging, integrated avionics system testing, and the development of automated test solutions for power electronics, low‑voltage systems, digital/mixed‑signal assemblies, and flight‑critical avionics. This role requires a strong technical foundation in electrical engineering, hands‑on lab expertise, and experience managing test teams in fast‑paced development environments. You will partner across Avionics Hardware, Power Systems, GNC, Manufacturing, and Vehicle Integration to define test strategies, drive test automation, and ensure robust electrical system validation throughout the program lifecycle.

About the Role:

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of electrical test engineers responsible for PCBA bring-up, integrated system test, and automated test development
• Define and drive test strategies for power electronics, low‑voltage avionics, digital and mixed‑signal hardware, and multi-box integrated systems
• Develop automated test infrastructure, scripted test frameworks, data capture, and automated result analysis
• Oversee board‑level and system‑level validation including functional, performance, environmental, and fault‑injection testing
• Drive root‑cause analysis and corrective action efforts across electrical components and integrated avionics systems
• Partner with hardware design teams to ensure design‑for‑testability and influence architecture with early test insights
• Maintain a safe, high‑quality lab environment including calibration, equipment readiness, and robust test processes
• Manage scheduling, resource planning, and cross‑functional alignment to support aggressive development and flight milestones
• Champion continuous improvement of test methods, automation, documentation, and data‑driven decision making

About You:

• PhD or M.S. in Electrical Engineering (or B.S. with exceptional relevant experience)
• Extensive experience in PCBA bring‑up, debugging, validation, and electrical system troubleshooting
• Strong background in system‑level testing of complex electrical systems (avionics, inverters, OBCs, DC‑DC converters, power distribution, etc.)
• Deep knowledge of power electronics and low‑voltage hardware used in mission‑critical environments
• Proficient with electrical lab and measurement equipment and comfortable developing test infrastructure
• 3+ years leading electrical test engineering teams, including development of engineers’ technical and leadership skills

Nice to haves but not required:

• Experience developing automated test systems, HIL rigs, or scripted test frameworks
• Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal, vibe, TVAC, HALT/HASS)
• Knowledge of EMC, power quality, or hardware reliability testing methodologies
• Experience collaborating with design teams to implement DfT and DfR (Design for Reliability)

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:

$174,000 — $262,000 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.

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