Staff Engine Systems Development Engineer

Relativity Space•Colorado, USA, CO

5d•$164,000 - $246,000

About The Position

Relativity Space is developing its Terran R launch vehicle to meet demand for orbital launch capacity. The Propulsion team develops and delivers performant, manufacturable engines and supports their full lifecycle, from design through production, qualification, and flight. The team also explores future engine modifications, including thrust upgrades, new cycles, and designs for mass production. The Staff Engine Systems Development Engineer may work across several areas depending on their skills and team needs. The role centers on engine-system architecture and CONOPS trades, management of engine interfaces, negotiation of requirements to optimize the vehicle, and broader engine-system development. Additional work may include system analysis and simulation, engine testing, and tool development. This is a highly technical systems role requiring both collaboration across technical teams and the application of deep technical expertise. The successful candidate will lead collaborative projects to completion with minimal oversight, take initiative to improve and learn about interfacing systems, and contribute to a fast-growing startup environment. The position requires an average of 15% travel to test and launch sites and may occasionally involve shifted schedules or weekend work for critical milestones.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a science, engineering, technology, or mathematics field.
8+ years of relevant experience, preferably in complex engineering system development and/or a test environment.
Experience applying engineering fundamentals in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.
Working knowledge of liquid-propellant rocket engines.
Evidence of ownership, problem-solving skills, and effective team collaboration from school or work experience.
Drive to deliver on ambitious schedules, including when unconventional and creative solutions are necessary.
Ability to travel an average of 15% to test and launch sites.
Willingness to occasionally work shifted schedules or weekends for critical milestones.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Drive engine-system architecture and CONOPS trades.
Manage engine interfaces and negotiate requirements to optimize for the vehicle.
Support engine-system development.
Depending on team needs and skill set, support engine-system analysis and simulation, engine testing, and tool development.
Lead collaborative projects to completion with minimal oversight.
Work with other technical teams while contributing technical expertise to system-level problems.