Staff Avionics Mechanical Engineer

Relativity Space; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 207,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO and sick leave policy

Parental leave

Annual learning and development stipend

Job summary

A space technology company is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of mechanical hardware for next-gen avionics platforms. The role requires at least 6 years of experience in mechanical design and expertise in CAD tools like SolidWorks. The engineer will ensure avionics are optimized for launch environments and work in a fast-paced prototype-heavy setting, making significant contributions to innovative projects. Competitive salary range is offered.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in mechanical design or packaging for aerospace.
• Ability to deliver mechanical systems from concept to flight.
• Experience with structural and thermal performance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Own the design and development of mechanical hardware for avionics platforms.
• Ensure avionics survive launch and space environments.
• Rapidly iterate on designs and lead flight-ready system delivery.

Skills

Mechanical design

Thermal management

Communication skills

Hands-on experience

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Job description

About the Team

The Interplanetary Sciences Program was established to expand access to scientific exploration across our solar system. Its mission is to make planetary research faster, more affordable, and more capable than ever before by rethinking how science missions are designed, built, and operated. The program aims to enable scientists to send instruments to distant worlds without decades of development or prohibitive costs. By creating a sustainable model for interplanetary exploration, we are transforming space science from an occasional event into a continuous process of discovery that accelerates knowledge, broadens participation, and inspires the next generation of explorers.

About the Role

As a Staff Mechanical Engineer, you will own the design, development, and delivery of all mechanical hardware supporting our next‑generation space science avionics platforms. This includes enclosures, mounting structures, thermal accommodations, and interfaces to spacecraft systems. You will be responsible for ensuring the delivered Avionics can survive launch and space environments, and for solving complex thermal and structural challenges in tight, mass‑efficient packaging.

This is a hands‑on role for a self‑driven engineer who thrives in a fast‑paced, prototype‑heavy environment. You’ll work from first principles to rapidly iterate on designs, perform analysis and testing, and lead the delivery of flight‑ready avionics mechanical systems.

About You

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 6+ years of experience in mechanical design, packaging, or thermal management for aerospace or ruggedized electronic systems
• Proven ability to deliver mechanical systems from concept through qualification and flight
• Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent) and analysis tools for structural and thermal performance
• Hands‑on experience building, testing, and debugging hardware in a lab environment
• Strong communication skills and comfort working cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced, rapidly iterating team environment

Nice to haves but not required

• Familiarity with NASA or other spaceflight structural verification standards, environmental testing and qualification
• Experience designing mechanical systems for spaceflight avionics or payloads
• Experience with high‑density electronics cooling (conduction, heat pipes, cold plates)
• Knowledge of materials and processes for vacuum and radiation environments

Benefits and Compensation

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!

Hiring Range: $150,000 – $207,000 USD

Equal Opportunity Employer

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].