Manager, Vehicle Test Engineering Verified today
About the Team
The Manufacturing team at Relativity Space develops manufacturing processes for Terran R, our next-generation fully reusable rocket. You will work across teams to support Relativity's 3D printing software and robotics technology, interfacing with vehicle engineering to influence rocket design.
About the Role
- Manage a team of 4-5 Test Engineers, including the new Test Infrastructure team responsible for developing GSE, automation, and production tooling. Own all Vehicle Test deliverables for final stage integration workcenters including test plans and planned hours.
- Drive culture of continuous improvement by reducing test cycle time, determining how to meet stage cycle time goals, and improving first-pass yield with the build team.
- Build strong relationships with Stage 1, Stage 2, and Thrust Structure production teams. Manage team engagement with campaign ownership and grow technician capacity in test-based roles.
- Own execution and process for all vehicle and subsystem checkout operations including fluid system leak checks, low voltage and high voltage checkouts, and functional verifications. Oversee test directors and execution owners on the factory floor.
- Develop vehicle test standards for production including asset control, operator qualification, and training plans.
- Partner with systems engineering to define requirements and data reviews. Own test data collection, post-processing, and storage for vehicle checkouts, ensuring the Validation and Verification matrix is complete before shipment to downstream sites.
- Own the strategy and roadmap for vehicle test infrastructure including automation systems, test GUIs, GSE, and checkout racks. Drive development of automated test frameworks and design processes.
- Manage manifest demands through forecasting for your workcenters, working with leadership and program management to maintain schedule alignment and make data-driven decisions.
About You
- Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, manufacturing engineering, or equivalent.
- 6+ years of experience building, testing, and integrating avionics hardware in a manufacturing environment.
- 1+ years of experience managing and growing engineering teams.
- Experience interfacing with design engineering, manufacturing, and production personnel to achieve high-quality output.
- Working knowledge of launch vehicle subsystems including structures, propulsion, mechanisms, and high-pressure gas systems.
- Self-starter who can define and own a process from scratch and communicate effectively to diverse teams.
- Experience with launch vehicle systems testing and checkout operations, with hands-on test operation background.
Nice to Haves
- Experience implementing AS9100 quality practices.
- Experience onboarding MES and ERP systems.
- Experience scaling a product from inception to production.
Compensation
Hiring range: $152,000 to $228,000 USD. Compensation is determined based on experience, qualifications, and job-related factors. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, generous PTO and sick leave, parental leave, annual learning and development stipend, and additional benefits.