Propulsion Components Test Specialist

Relativity Space; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and equity

PTO and sick leave

Parental leave

Learning and development stipend

Job summary

Relativity Space is seeking hands‑on test engineers to build and commission new test assets for the Terran‑R program. You will work across propulsion and manufacturing teams, turning design concepts into testable hardware and rigorous procedures.

The role emphasizes safety, documentation, mentoring technicians, and delivering test campaigns in a fast‑paced environment. This is a critical function in bringing Terran‑R to life.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years of relevant technical experience.
• Experience authoring and executing test procedures.
• Experience building fluid‑mechanical systems.
• Experience operating hazardous equipment.

Responsibilities

• Build & Commission new test assets and systems – incorporating fluid, mechanical, and electrical components – to unlock new capabilities or enhance existing ones
• Author & Optimize test sequences, procedures, and operational processes to support first‑article development and transition into high‑volume production
• Identify & Mitigate hazards in a fast‑paced test environment to ensure the safety of all personnel
• Mentor & Train production technicians on test equipment operation and best practices
• Plan & Execute test campaigns in collaboration with Engineering to achieve Development, Qualification, and Acceptance test objectives

Skills

Test procedures

Fluid-mechanical systems

Hazard analysis

Mentor production technicians

Test campaign planning

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associates Degree or Trade Certification (nice to have)

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Slack

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 mission of the Engine Manufacturing department is to deliver high‑performing products and innovative manufacturing systems while driving continuous improvements in cost, quality, and lead time. Through cross‑functional collaboration, high levels of accountability, and a focus on safety we play a crucial role in building our reusable rocket, Terran‑R. We are responsible for providing design feedback on new hardware iterations, pioneering and implementing advanced manufacturing methods and systems, and ultimately delivering engine and vehicle hardware for testing prior to launch. Over the past year, the Engine Manufacturing Team has successfully developed, iterated, and delivered processes and hardware for the first Aeon‑R development engines. Now, we are entering a critical phase: producing flight engines that will pave the way for Terran‑R’s inaugural launch to orbit.

About the Role

• Build & Commission new test assets and systems – incorporating fluid, mechanical, and electrical components – to unlock new capabilities or enhance existing ones
• Author & Optimize test sequences, procedures, and operational processes to support first‑article development and transition into high‑volume production
• Identify & Mitigate hazards in a fast‑paced test environment to ensure the safety of all personnel
• Mentor & Train production technicians on test equipment operation and best practices
• Plan & Execute test campaigns in collaboration with Engineering to achieve Development, Qualification, and Acceptance test objectives

About You

• At minimum: High School Diploma or GED
• 2+ years of relevant technical experience, including (but not limited to):
  • Authoring & Executing Test Procedures
  • Building Complex Fluid‑Mechanical Systems
  • Operating hazardous equipment with multiple sources of energy
• Proficiency with Basic Office Software (Excel, Word, Outlook, Slack)
• Demonstrated knowledge of safety standards, common test hazards, and appropriate mitigations
• Desire to teach and mentor less experienced team members
• Ability to precisely plan an activity, then execute according to that plan with minimal changes

Nice to haves, but not required:

• Associates Degree or Trade Certifications in pertinent disciplines: e.g., Aviation/Automotive Mechanic
• Familiarity with Industry Test Standards: e.g., SMC‑S‑016, MIL‑STD‑1540D, & MIL‑STD‑810G
• Knowledge of rocket engine components such as pumps, valves, regulators, check valves, as well as electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic valves, actuators, and other fluid system components
• Desire to work hands‑on, as part of a team, in both the development and production phases of a product lifecycle

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:

$31.20 - $46.80 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.