Propulsion Test Engineer II

Relativity Space; Mississippi; On-site; USD 112,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and equity

Generous PTO and sick leave policy

Annual learning and development stipend

Job summary

Relativity Space in Mississippi is looking for a Propulsion Test Engineer II to design and operate test stands for Terran R engines. This role involves hands-on engineering tasks and working collaboratively with a team to ensure readiness for flight. Applicants should have a relevant degree and at least 2 years of experience in engineering.

Compensation is between $112,000 and $143,000, along with a competitive benefits package including PTO, parental leave, and continuous learning opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of engineering experience in a related field.
• Demonstrated drive to deliver on tight schedules.
• Requires a valid driver’s license for vehicle operation on test site.

Responsibilities

• Design advanced propulsion test stands and supervise construction.
• Conduct complex propulsion test operations and optimize test sequences.
• Directly control telemetry from test stands and test articles.

Skills

Engineering fundamentals in thermal analysis

Engineering fundamentals in structural analysis

Hands-on fabrication experience using power tools

3D modeling proficiency (GD&T)

Ability to work night shifts

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

Fluids P&IDs knowledge

Metalworking and welding skills

Fluid components knowledge

Job description

About the Team:

The Stennis Test team designs, builds, and operates Relativity’s propulsion and stage test stands. Team members are hands‑on with large‑scale, complex systems including fully integrated engines and stage assemblies, pushing hardware to the limits and directly contributing to flight readiness. The work is fast‑paced and highly operational, ideal for those with backgrounds in aviation, automotive, manufacturing, offshore operations, industrial systems, construction, or adjacent industries. You’ll work in a close‑knit, dynamic environment where collaboration between technicians, operators, and engineers is not only encouraged, but expected. As the company scales, the Stennis Test team becomes even more critical to unlocking our next phase of growth: proving out full‑stage systems and paving the way for routine, reliable flights of Terran R.

About the Role:

As a Propulsion Test Engineer II, you will be responsible for designing and operating rocket engine test stands for our Terran R engines and stages. Engineers at our Stennis facility work within a team of engineers and technicians to build and modify test facilities, as well as participate in test campaigns to flight qualify our hardware. You will be directly engaged in daily test operations, maintenance, construction, and commissioning activities in the field. The engineer II role may include aspects of both designing ground systems [Design focus] and conducting test operations [Operations focus], possibly both.

Design focus:

• Design advanced propulsion test stands including 3D modeling, fluids, structural, and thermal analysis, fabrication drawings, fluids P&IDs, component lists, and detailed work instructions
• Supervise the construction, commissioning, and initial operations of these facilities
• Solve a variety of technical problems, across broad ranges of timeframe, complexity, cost, and long‑term impact
• Support operations on and perform related improvements to existing test stands

Operations focus:

• Create, modify, and optimize test sequences, procedures, and data review processes
• Conduct complex propulsion test operations to assess performance of rocket engines and stages
• Directly control and receive telemetry from the test stand and test articles through GUIs and an integrated software suite for control, automation, and data visualization
• Help develop new rocket engine propulsion designs based on real test data
• Potentially travel to production and launch locations, up to 25%

About You:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field
  • Prior experience in aerospace is not required
  • Varied perspectives & backgrounds strengthen our team
• Minimum of 2 years of engineering experience in a related field
• Demonstrated engineering fundamentals in thermal, structural, and fluids analysis
• Demonstrated drive to deliver on tight schedules, especially when unconventional & creative solutions are necessary
• Hands‑on fabrication experience using common power tools for projects at work/home/school
• Ability to work occasional night shifts
• This position requires a valid driver’s license in order to operate vehicles on the test site

Nice to haves but not required:

• Proficiency in 3D modeling and drafting, including GD&T
• Hands‑on experience with metalworking, welding, hydraulics, manufacturing, etc.
• Working knowledge of fluid components such as valves, regulators, and instrumentation
• Ability to understand and develop fluid P&IDs (Plumbing and Instrumentation Diagrams) for large‑scale test stands and supporting ground equipment
• Experience safely operating complex fluid systems, including high‑pressure gas, cryogenic fluids, flammables, and hydraulics
• Ability to work occasional night shifts

Successful candidates must clear a background check administered by the US government to obtain clearance for on‑site work at our government partner location in Stennis, Mississippi.

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.

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