Propulsion Test Engineer II Verified today
About the Role
As a Propulsion Test Engineer II, you will work with test stands and test articles (high-energy components, engines, and full stages) for Terran R. You'll have the opportunity to see a heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle and its many parts come to life through testing. Test articles are designed and built in our Long Beach factory, then sent to Stennis to undergo rigorous testing.
Engineers at the Stennis facility work in partnership with experienced engineers, technicians, and welders to build and modify test facilities and participate in test campaigns to evaluate complex rocket hardware. You'll solve technical problems across broad ranges of timeframe, complexity, and impact, and continuously improve processes to move faster and more efficiently.
The role includes three focus areas. You'll initially be placed on a team in one focus area, with opportunities to work across focuses as you develop in the role, particularly between Operations and Integration which work closely together.
Design & Build Focus
- Design fluid systems (gas, liquid, cryogenic) including Piping & Instruction Diagrams (P&IDs), analysis, and component selection
- Design structural and mechanical systems including 3D modeling, analysis, and fabrication drawings
- Source components and develop detailed fabrication work instructions
- Bring new test stands to life by managing fabrication, activation, and initial operations
- Design and implement upgrades to operational test stands to enable new test capabilities
- Maintain test stands through preventive maintenance and rapid response to anomalies and equipment failures
Operations Focus
- Conduct test operations on high-energy components, engines, and stages
- Control test stand and test article through GUIs and automation while monitoring cameras and telemetry
- Conduct flight acceptance, qualification, and development testing campaigns to validate designs and continuously improve the rocket
- Develop and optimize GUIs, procedures, control automation, and data review processes
- Prepare test articles for testing through inspections, functional checks, leak checks, and managing non-conformances
- Bring new test stands to life and support modifications and maintenance on existing facilities
Operations Engineers typically work a scheduled morning or evening shift.
Integration Focus
- Manage test articles through test prep, post-test processing, and repairs
- Author work instructions for test articles and coordinate work with technicians and quality inspectors
- Manage non-conformances, author corrective work instructions, and implement part requirements
- Maintain work instructions current with evolving build specifications and drive standardization across sites
- Incorporate feedback and optimize part usage to streamline hardware flow and reduce waste
Integration Engineers typically work a scheduled morning or evening shift.
About You
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field
- No aerospace experience needed - we value unique backgrounds and perspectives
- Demonstrated ability to safely operate common power tools
- Ability to deliver on tight schedules, especially when unconventional and creative solutions are necessary
- This role may require travel to production and launch locations, up to 10%
- Valid driver's license to operate vehicles on the test site
Nice to Haves
- Proficiency in 3D modeling and drafting, including GD&T
- Strong engineering fundamentals in Thermal Fluid Systems and Structures
- Hands-on fabrication experience for complex assemblies
- Working knowledge of fluid components and ability to understand or develop fluid P&IDs for large-scale test systems
- Experience safely operating complex fluid systems, including high pressure gas, cryogenic fluids, flammables, and hydraulics
- Technical writing or documentation experience
Clearance and Background Check
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.
Compensation
Hiring range: $104,000 to $156,000 USD. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more.