Propulsion Engineer II

Relativity Space; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Relativity Space is seeking an Engine Systems & Test professional to join the team in Long Beach, CA. You will work on simulation, software tools, and system-level architecture, collaborating with propulsion, manufacturing, and test teams to deliver engines for Terran rocket programs.

The role covers test plans, data review, coding, and hands-on testing, including hotfire operations. A degree in a science/engineering field and 2+ years in complex systems are preferred.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a complex engineering system development and/or test environment.
• Nice to have exposure to test operations environments.
• Nice to have working knowledge of combustion devices, valves, heat exchangers, or instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop test plans in collaboration with product owners.
• Execute test campaigns with the Stennis team and troubleshoot technical puzzles.
• Own the exploratory operation of new and existing test article designs; evaluate test hardware behavior to support continuous engine development and certification.
• Write test sequences, review data, and perform hand-on work with test articles—including coding, sitting at consoles for hotfire tests, and designing tooling.
• Support engine subsystem troubleshooting and partner team investigations; conduct engine system analysis, simulation, and trade studies.
• Take ownership of projects of your creation to increase collective efficiency.
• Participate in stage test and flight campaigns, including sitting console for launch operations, defining stage test objectives, and defining flight concepts of operations (CONOPS).

Skills

Engineering experience

Test operations exposure

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science/engineering/technology/mathematics

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 Role

This role is on the Engine Systems & Test Team, working on simulation & software tools; system‑level architecture, requirements, and interfaces; component & integrated system hotfire testing; and more. We collaborate closely with component engineers, the manufacturing team, our Stennis test team, and the Cape launch team to deliver engines that will successfully propel the Terran rocket to orbit. The position may span several areas depending on skill set and team needs. In the test part of the role you will serve as a Responsible Engineer for propulsion test articles, develop test plans in collaboration with product owners, execute test campaigns with the Stennis team, troubleshoot technical puzzles, and own the exploratory operation of new and existing test article designs. You will write test sequences, review data, perform hand‑on work with test articles, write code, sit console for hotfire tests, design tooling, and more. Most test roles also involve systems work, supporting engine subsystem troubleshooting, partner team investigations, engine system analysis and simulation, trade studies, and more. You will also take ownership of projects of your creation to increase collective efficiency. As the vehicle development program progresses, you may be involved in stage test and flight campaigns – including sitting console for launch operations, defining stage test objectives, and defining flight concepts of operations (CONOPS).

Responsibilities

• Develop test plans in collaboration with product owners.
• Execute test campaigns with the Stennis team and troubleshoot technical puzzles.
• Own the exploratory operation of new and existing test article designs; evaluate test hardware behavior to support continuous engine development and certification.
• Write test sequences, review data, and perform hand‑on work with test articles—including coding, sitting at consoles for hotfire tests, and designing tooling.
• Support engine subsystem troubleshooting and partner team investigations; conduct engine system analysis, simulation, and trade studies.
• Take ownership of projects of your creation to increase collective efficiency.
• Participate in stage test and flight campaigns, including sitting console for launch operations, defining stage test objectives, and defining flight concepts of operations (CONOPS).

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a complex engineering system development and/or test environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in a science, engineering, technology, or mathematics field.
• Experience applying engineering fundamentals in fluid mechanics & thermodynamics.
• Problem‑solving skills and experience working in a collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated ability to execute high‑ownership projects on ambitious schedules, especially when unconventional solutions are required.
• Nice to have: Exposure to test operations environments.
• Nice to have: Working knowledge of at least one of the following—combustion devices, valves, heat exchangers, or instrumentation.

Work Schedule & Travel

Full‑time onsite in Long Beach, CA with an average of 25% travel to our test & launch sites. This role may occasionally require weekend work for critical milestones and requires working shifted schedules (1st and 2nd shift) on a rotating basis.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity.
• Generous PTO and sick leave policy.
• Parental leave.
• Annual learning and development stipend.
• Other benefits and perks are available. For more details, please visit the benefits page.

Hiring Range

$104,000—$156,000 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].