Staff Propulsion Engineer, Engine Systems & Test Verified today

About Terran R

Relativity Space is building rockets to deliver customer payloads to orbit. The Terran R vehicle will meet growing demand for launch capacity and unlock new opportunities for science, exploration, and innovation.

About the Propulsion Team

The Propulsion team develops and delivers highly performant and manufacturable engines for Terran R. Engineers own the entire lifecycle of their parts, from initial design through production to qualification and flight. As the flight configuration enters qualification, the team is now exploring modifications for future engines, including thrust upgrades, new cycles, and design for mass production.

The Role

You will drive engine system trades (architecture and CONOPS), manage engine interfaces, and negotiate requirements to optimize for the vehicle. You may also support engine system analysis, simulation, testing, and tool development. You will bring deep technical acumen to bear on problems at the system level, not just coordinate among technical teams.

You will lead collaborative projects to completion with minimal oversight, act as a self-starter always seeking to improve and learn about interfacing systems, and have significant influence on a fast-growing startup company.

This role requires an average of 15% travel to test and launch sites and may occasionally require shifted schedules or weekend work for critical milestones.

Requirements

• 8+ years of relevant experience, preferably in complex engineering system development and/or test environment
• Bachelor's degree in a science, engineering, technology, or mathematics field
• Experience applying engineering fundamentals in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics
• Working knowledge of liquid-propellant rocket engines
• Clear evidence of ownership, problem-solving skills, and effective team collaboration from school or work experience
• Demonstrated drive to deliver on ambitious schedules, even if unconventional and creative solutions are necessary

Nice to Have

• Working knowledge of fluid components such as valves and instrumentation
• Working knowledge of engine subsystems such as combustion devices and turbomachinery

Compensation

Hiring range: $164,000 to $246,000 USD. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, generous PTO and sick leave, parental leave, annual learning and development stipend, and more.