Manager, Propulsion Analysis Long Beach, California

Relativity; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO and sick leave policy

Parent leave

Annual learning and development stipend

Job summary

Relativity in Long Beach, California, is seeking a manager for their propulsion analysis team, responsible for overseeing the analysis of Liquid Propellant Rocket Engine hardware. This role involves leading a team, ensuring performance requirements are met, and collaborating closely with various engineering teams.

The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in engineering, excellent leadership skills, and a strong background in applied engineering principles. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant engineering experience on complex systems.
• Proven leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Experience working with liquid propellant rocket engine hardware.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team responsible for analysis of LPRE propulsion hardware.
• Conduct thermal, structural, dynamic, and durability analyses.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams for optimal solutions.

Skills

Leadership experience

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Engineering fundamentals in structures, fluids, and thermodynamics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a science, engineering, technology, or mathematics field

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.

About the Team

The Propulsion team at Relativity is focused on developing and delivering highly performant and manufacturable engines for Terran R. Engineers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of their parts, from initial design through production to qualification and flight. The team fosters a culture of bottoms‑up decision‑making, free from technical gatekeeping, where ownership and accountability are key at all levels. As the flight configuration enters qualification, the team is exploring modifications for future engines, including thrust upgrades, new cycles, and design for mass production.

About the Role

In this role, you will manage a team of analysts that is responsible for the analysis of Liquid Propellant Rocket Engine (LPRE) propulsion hardware. You and your team will:

• Own thermal, structural, dynamic, and durability (fatigue/fracture) analyses for Aeon‑R engines and subsystems to guide design decisions and to ensure performance and reliability requirements are met
• Analyze 3D‑printed engine components, complex mechanical assemblies, and the fully integrated engine for structural integrity
• Partner closely with mechanical design teams and manufacturing teams to develop and iterate optimal engine and vehicle solutions
• Use analysis to drive design iterations and inform engineering decisions
• Sign off on flight hardware readiness and acceptability
• Make analysis‑driven decisions and risk assessments aligned with company risk posture

To be successful in this role, you should thrive in ambiguity and be capable of leading a high‑performing team of propulsion analysts through multiple complex projects in parallel. You will set the team's vision and direction, align priorities with program milestones, delegate effectively, and drive execution with minimal oversight. Additionally, you will provide technical leadership, establish high standards for engineering rigor and quality, and play a key role in recruiting, mentoring, and developing engineers. Success requires strong cross‑functional collaboration and the ability to influence technical approaches, best practices, and engineering standards across the organization.

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in a science, engineering, technology, or mathematics field
• 7+ years of relevant engineering experience, preferably working on complex engineering systems
• Proven leadership experience, demonstrated through mentoring, managing complex interdisciplinary projects, supporting continuous improvement of the people around you, and participating in growing your team through hiring
• Experience applying engineering fundamentals in structures, fluids, and thermodynamics
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Nice to Have

• 2 or more years of direct experience, working on the analysis of liquid propellant rocket engine hardware/components
• Working knowledge of engine subsystems such as combustion devices, turbomachinery, valves, integration hardware, etc.
• Familiarity with industry best practices and aerospace standards
• Exposure to, and knowledge of, powder bed additive manufacturing
• Demonstrated drive to deliver on ambitious schedules, especially if unconventional & creative solutions are necessary to do so

Compensation

Hiring Range: $160,000 - $220,000 USD

Benefits

Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more.

EEO 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. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.