Senior Hardware Engineer, Navigation

Relativity Space; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 148,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and equity

Generous PTO and sick leave

Annual learning and development stipend

Job summary

Relativity Space in Long Beach, California, is hiring for a Navigation System Avionics Engineer to lead the development and integration of navigation avionics for the Terran R launch vehicle. You will collaborate with various teams to ensure seamless integration of critical systems and provide expertise in sensor operations.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in electronics design in demanding environments and a robust understanding of GNSS systems and IMUs. We offer a competitive salary, equity, and generous benefits including PTO and learning stipends.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in electronics for harsh environments.
• In-depth knowledge of GNSS systems and PVT calculation.
• Solid understanding of IMUs and integration with navigation sensors.

Responsibilities

• Own the development and testing of navigation system avionics.
• Conduct architectural trades and develop test plans.
• Work with teams to ensure integrated electronics solutions.

Skills

Navigation system electronics

GNSS systems

IMUs

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Team:

The Avionics team is responsible for the full lifecycle of Terran R’s nervous system, designing, building, testing, installing, and operating the hardware that connects and controls every major electrical system on the vehicle and ground. The team leverages close partnership between avionics design, manufacturing, and test to enable rapid iteration and feedback loops. Engineers are deeply embedded into other functions within Relativity, working closely with propulsion, GNC, fluids, and stage engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and operation. Now is a unique time to join: you’ll get to help shape Terran R's fundamental avionics architecture and be given a high degree of ownership on components that will fly.

About the Role:

In this role you will be responsible for owning the development, test and integration of navigation system avionics used within the Terran R launch vehicle. You will work with cross‑functional partner teams across the company, conducting architectural trades, developing acceptance and qualification test plans, while being responsible for critical sensory infrastructure allowing for the landing, recovery, and reuse of the vehicle booster stage. A strong candidate for the role will have a deep technical background in navigation system electronics and experience integrating GNSS receiver systems and inertial measurement sensors into high‑dynamic environments, while serving as a subject‑matter expert on the navigation sensor suite and its respective operational needs.

About You:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in electronics designed for harsh environments and mission‑critical applications such as launch vehicles, spacecraft, aircraft, or robotics
• In‑depth knowledge of GNSS systems, including PVT calculation, satellite tracking/acquisition, and error sources
• Solid understanding of IMUs, including gyroscopes and accelerometers, their operating principles, error characteristics, and integration with other navigation sensors
• Experience with hardware bring‑up, validation, debugging, and data analysis
• Experience working with highly cross‑functional teams (GNC, mechanical, electrical, software, etc.) to develop integrated electronics solutions

Nice to haves, but not required:

• A deep understanding of navigation principles and mixed signal PCBA design
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, defense or similar industries where precise navigation is critical
• Experience in combining data from various navigation sensors (GPS, IMU, magnetometers, altimeters, LiDAR, etc.) to achieve robust and accurate navigation solutions
• Experience with high‑speed serial interfaces (SPI, PCIe, Ethernet, etc.); memory interfaces; design for SoCs, microcontrollers, and microprocessors

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: $148,000 — $222,000 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].