Lead, Propulsion Test Responsible Engineer

Relativity Space•Long Beach, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is on the Component Test Team, within the Engine Systems & Test team. Our broader team is responsible for developing the Aeon engine series at the system level. Our work spans thermofluids simulation & software tools; system-level architecture, requirements, and interfaces; component & integrated system hotfire testing; and more. The Component Test Team is primarily responsible for testing of combustion devices. We collaborate closely with propulsion design engineers, our manufacturing team, our Stennis test team, and our Cape launch team to deliver engines that will successfully propel the Terran rocket to orbit. We strive for continuous improvement and support the development of our technical hardware and human teammates alike. This role may span several areas of our team depending on your skillset and the team’s needs at the time. In the test part of your role, you will serve as a Responsible Engineer for propulsion test articles. These will primarily be combustion devices but may also include valves, heat exchangers, or other components. You will develop test plans in collaboration with product owners, and you will execute test campaigns with our Stennis team, troubleshooting technical puzzles along the way. You will own the exploratory operation of new and existing test article designs, diving deep into the evaluation of test hardware behavior in support of continuous engine development and certification. This role is extremely varied day-to-day and, in addition to overall campaign ownership, can include writing test sequences, reviewing data, hands-on work with test articles, writing code, sitting console for hotfire tests, designing tooling, and more. Most test roles also involve systems work – on this side of your role, you may support engine subsystem troubleshooting, partner team product investigations, engine or component analysis and simulation, trade studies, and more. As our vehicle development program progresses, you may have the opportunity to be involved in stage test and flight campaigns. You will take ownership of projects of your creation to increase our collective efficiency. You will also lead a small team of engineers with similar responsibilities as the above. This will require mentorship, project management, establishing priorities, communicating with leadership, providing technical guidance, and recruiting. Leaders at Relativity are expected to be both people leaders & highly technical – you will balance your time between effectively supporting your team’s growth and success at Relativity and making direct technical contributions of your own. You will serve as a mentor to guide the team and will also learn from peers & mentors of your own within propulsion & the broader company. And in addition to learning from each other, we all learn from the engine – Aeon R is a novel engine that’s never been built before, and with every test it gives us new mysteries to solve and challenges to grow from. In order to be successful in this role, you should be capable of leading collaborative projects to completion with minimal oversight. You should also be a self-starter who is always looking for ways to improve yourself & learn more about the systems that interface with yours. Along with these high expectations comes the opportunity to have a significant influence on a fast-growing startup company and to make rapid professional gains in an environment that encourages growth and risk.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a science, engineering, or technology field
4+ years relevant experience in a complex engineering system development and/or test environment
Experience with applying engineering fundamentals in fluid mechanics & thermodynamics
Problem-solving skills
Experience working in a collaborative environment
Exposure to test operations environments
Experience designing, analyzing, testing, or developing at least one of the following: combustion devices, valves, heat exchangers, or instrumentation
Leadership potential, which could be demonstrated e.g., through mentoring, managing complex interdisciplinary projects, supporting continuous improvement of the people around you, or participating in growing your team through hiring

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in aerospace is not required.

Responsibilities

Serve as a Responsible Engineer for propulsion test articles, primarily combustion devices, but potentially including valves, heat exchangers, or other components.
Develop test plans in collaboration with product owners.
Execute test campaigns with the Stennis team, troubleshooting technical puzzles.
Own the exploratory operation of new and existing test article designs, evaluating test hardware behavior for continuous engine development and certification.
Write test sequences, review data, perform hands-on work with test articles, write code, sit console for hotfire tests, and design tooling.
Support engine subsystem troubleshooting, partner team product investigations, engine or component analysis and simulation, and trade studies.
Potentially be involved in stage test and flight campaigns as the vehicle development program progresses.
Take ownership of projects to increase collective efficiency.
Lead a small team of engineers, requiring mentorship, project management, establishing priorities, communicating with leadership, providing technical guidance, and recruiting.
Balance time between supporting team growth and making direct technical contributions.
Serve as a mentor to guide the team and learn from peers and mentors.