Senior Propulsion Test Engineer Verified today
About the Team
The Stennis Test team designs, builds, and operates test sites to evaluate Terran R's high-energy components, rocket engines, and booster and upper stages. Team members are hands-on with large-scale complex systems, pushing hardware to the limits and directly contributing to flight readiness. The work is fast-paced, highly operational, and collaborative. No aerospace experience required. The team welcomes fresh graduates and those with hands-on backgrounds in aviation, automotive, manufacturing, offshore operations, industrial systems, construction, or adjacent industries.
About the Role
As a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer, you will work with test stands and test articles for Terran R. 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.
Design and Build Focus
- Design fluid systems (gas, liquid, cryogenic) including Piping and 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
- Demonstrated ability to safely operate common power tools
- Ability to deliver on tight schedules, especially when unconventional and creative solutions are necessary
- Valid driver's license to operate vehicles on the test site
- This role may require travel to production and launch locations, up to 10%
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 Stennis, Mississippi.
Compensation
Hiring Range: $124,000 to $186,000 USD
Compensation is 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 additional benefits.