Principal Launch Operations Engineer

Relativity Space•Cape Canaveral, FL

2h•$185,000 - $277,000•Onsite

About The Position

As a Principal Launch Operations Engineer, you will support complex propulsion development and launch operations, helping prepare, test, and fly missions. You will operate in the launch control room during live launches, owning critical systems and making real-time decisions to guide a vehicle from initial power-up through liftoff. The role spans hands-on hardware integration, commanding systems through integrated control software, and analyzing live telemetry under pressure. The Launch team works across Terran R stages, payloads, ground systems, launch, landing, and refurbishment. The work evolves from first launch to reuse and high-cadence operations. The position is based around launch operations at Cape Canaveral, Florida; successful candidates must pass a U.S. government-administered background check to obtain clearance for on-site work at a government partner location. Relativity Space states that compensation depends on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. The hiring range is $185,000–$277,000 USD. The company also offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, and an annual learning and development stipend.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, or Software Engineering, or Computer Science.
At least 10 years of relevant engineering experience.
Strong engineering fundamentals across thermal, structural, electrical, and fluid systems.
Ability to collaborate effectively in team environments and perform under high-pressure, schedule-driven conditions.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends, as required by operations.
Must clear a background check administered by the U.S. government to obtain clearance for on-site work at a government partner location in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of rocket subsystems, including structures, mechanisms, high-pressure fluid systems, and avionics.
Hands-on experience supporting propulsion test and launch operations.
Intermediate proficiency in object-oriented programming.
Ability to quickly learn new skills, programming languages, and tools.
Experience developing user interfaces and operator-in-the-loop automation tools for manufacturing and test.

Responsibilities

Conduct complex propulsion tests and launch operations to evaluate rocket engine and stage performance.
Create and optimize automated test sequences, procedures, and data review processes to support safe, efficient, and repeatable execution.
Command and monitor launch pad and flight hardware through GUIs and integrated control, automation, and telemetry systems.
Perform hardware setup, system configuration, and cross-disciplinary troubleshooting.
Analyze test data and partner with design engineering to improve rocket system performance based on real-world results.