Senior Propulsion Components Test Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 133,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading aerospace company focused on revolutionizing launch technology. As part of the Engine Manufacturing team, you will design and optimize test systems for the Terran-R rocket. This role offers the chance to work on groundbreaking projects in a collaborative environment, contributing to the future of space exploration.

Benefits

Competitive salary and equity

Generous PTO and sick leave policy

Parental leave

Annual learning and development stipend

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant technical experience in engineering.
• Experience with test procedures and complex fluid-mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and commission new test assets and systems.
• Optimize test sequences and operational processes.
• Review and analyze test data for component performance.

Skills

Fluid Mechanics

Thermal Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Job Description

At Relativity Space, we have two audacious goals: to build the next great commercial launch company with Terran R and to become America's leading force in additive manufacturing innovation. Both contribute to our long-term vision of creating humanity's industrial base on Mars, paving the way for interplanetary life to expand the possibilities of the human experience. This journey begins right here on Earth – where we design, build, and fly rockets to deliver customer payloads to orbit. Terran R, our medium-to-heavy lift reusable rocket, fulfills the growing demand for launch capacity, thanks to our iterative approach that accelerates design, testing, and development while minimizing costs. Our groundbreaking research and development in 3D printing pushes the boundaries of large-scale additive manufacturing.

Your journey with us is more than just a job – it's an opportunity to shape the future of aerospace technology, additive manufacturing, and the human experience alongside a community of passionate, creative individuals. Join us on this extraordinary journey, as we work together to transform our vision into reality.

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:

1. Design and commission new test assets and systems—including fluid, mechanical, and electrical components—to unlock new capabilities or enhance existing ones.
2. Author and optimize test sequences, procedures, and operational processes to support first-article development and transition into high-volume production.
3. Review and analyze test data to evaluate Terran-R & Aeon-R component performance.
4. Define and standardize operational requirements and processes to improve safety, data quality, and test repeatability.
5. Plan and execute projects that enhance test capabilities and operational efficiency in alignment with the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).

About You:

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of relevant technical experience, including:
• Authoring & executing test procedures.
• Designing & commissioning complex fluid-mechanical systems.
• Leading failure & anomaly investigations.
• Experience applying engineering fundamentals in fluid, thermal, mechanical, and electrical domains.
• Experience working with safety standards, common test hazards, and appropriate mitigations.

Nice to haves, but not required:

• Familiarity with industry test standards such as SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-1540D, & MIL-STD-810G.
• In-depth knowledge and experience with test automation, data acquisition, and control systems.
• Knowledge of 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 development and production phases of a product lifecycle.
• Ability to find simple, innovative solutions for difficult problems and make critical decisions under pressure.

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. We offer 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 our website.

Hiring Range: $133,000—$170,500 USD

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.