Relativity Space
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Propulsion Test Engineer I
role at Relativity Space.
At Relativity Space, we are building rockets to meet today’s launch demand and tomorrow’s space breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, unlocking new opportunities in science, exploration, and innovation. Working here means autonomy, ownership, and impact at every level. You’ll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time.
About The Team The Stennis Test team designs, builds, and operates Relativity’s propulsion and stage test stands. Team members are hands‑on with large‑scale, complex systems—including fully integrated engines and stage assemblies—pushing hardware to the limits and directly contributing to flight readiness. It is fast‑paced and highly operational, ideal for those with aviation, automotive, manufacturing, offshore operations, or adjacent industry experience.
About The Role As an entry‑level Propulsion Test Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and operating rocket engine test stands for our Terran R engines and stages. You will build and modify test facilities, participate in test campaigns to flight‑qualify our hardware, and engage in daily test operations, maintenance, construction, and commissioning activities.
Design Focus
Design advanced propulsion test stands, including 3D modeling, fluids, structural, and thermal analysis, fabrication drawings, fluids P&IDs, component lists, and detailed work instructions.
Supervise the construction, commissioning, and initial operations of these facilities.
Solve a variety of technical problems across broad ranges of timeframe, complexity, cost, and long‑term impact.
Support operations on and perform related improvements to existing test stands.
Operations Focus
Create, modify, and optimize test sequences, procedures, and data review processes.
Conduct complex propulsion test operations to assess performance of rocket engines and stages.
Directly control and receive telemetry from the test stand and test articles through GUIs and an integrated software suite for control, automation, and data visualization.
Help develop new rocket engine propulsion designs based on real test data.
Potentially travel to production and launch locations, up to 25%.
This role requires a valid driver’s license to operate vehicles on the test site.
About You
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field
Prior experience in aerospace is not required.
Hands‑on fabrication experience using common power tools for projects at work, home, or school.
This role requires a valid driver’s license to operate vehicles on the test site.
Nice To Haves But Not Required
Drive to deliver on tight schedules, especially when unconventional & creative solutions are necessary.
Proficiency in 3D modeling and drafting, including GD&T.
Strong engineering fundamentals in thermal, structures, and fluids.
Hands‑on experience with metalworking, welding, hydraulics, manufacturing, etc.
Working knowledge of fluid components such as valves, regulators, and instrumentation.
Ability to understand and develop fluid P&IDs for large‑scale test stands and supporting ground equipment.
Experience safely operating complex fluid systems, including high pressure gas, cryogenic fluids, flammables, and hydraulics.
Ability to work occasional night shifts.
Successful candidates must clear a background check administered by the U.S. government to obtain clearance for on‑site work at our government‑partner location in Stennis, Mississippi.
At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job‑related factors.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.
Hiring Range $97,000—$124,300 USD
We are an equal‑opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.
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Propulsion Test Engineer I
role at Relativity Space.
At Relativity Space, we are building rockets to meet today’s launch demand and tomorrow’s space breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, unlocking new opportunities in science, exploration, and innovation. Working here means autonomy, ownership, and impact at every level. You’ll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time.
About The Team The Stennis Test team designs, builds, and operates Relativity’s propulsion and stage test stands. Team members are hands‑on with large‑scale, complex systems—including fully integrated engines and stage assemblies—pushing hardware to the limits and directly contributing to flight readiness. It is fast‑paced and highly operational, ideal for those with aviation, automotive, manufacturing, offshore operations, or adjacent industry experience.
About The Role As an entry‑level Propulsion Test Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and operating rocket engine test stands for our Terran R engines and stages. You will build and modify test facilities, participate in test campaigns to flight‑qualify our hardware, and engage in daily test operations, maintenance, construction, and commissioning activities.
Design Focus
Design advanced propulsion test stands, including 3D modeling, fluids, structural, and thermal analysis, fabrication drawings, fluids P&IDs, component lists, and detailed work instructions.
Supervise the construction, commissioning, and initial operations of these facilities.
Solve a variety of technical problems across broad ranges of timeframe, complexity, cost, and long‑term impact.
Support operations on and perform related improvements to existing test stands.
Operations Focus
Create, modify, and optimize test sequences, procedures, and data review processes.
Conduct complex propulsion test operations to assess performance of rocket engines and stages.
Directly control and receive telemetry from the test stand and test articles through GUIs and an integrated software suite for control, automation, and data visualization.
Help develop new rocket engine propulsion designs based on real test data.
Potentially travel to production and launch locations, up to 25%.
This role requires a valid driver’s license to operate vehicles on the test site.
About You
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field
Prior experience in aerospace is not required.
Hands‑on fabrication experience using common power tools for projects at work, home, or school.
This role requires a valid driver’s license to operate vehicles on the test site.
Nice To Haves But Not Required
Drive to deliver on tight schedules, especially when unconventional & creative solutions are necessary.
Proficiency in 3D modeling and drafting, including GD&T.
Strong engineering fundamentals in thermal, structures, and fluids.
Hands‑on experience with metalworking, welding, hydraulics, manufacturing, etc.
Working knowledge of fluid components such as valves, regulators, and instrumentation.
Ability to understand and develop fluid P&IDs for large‑scale test stands and supporting ground equipment.
Experience safely operating complex fluid systems, including high pressure gas, cryogenic fluids, flammables, and hydraulics.
Ability to work occasional night shifts.
Successful candidates must clear a background check administered by the U.S. government to obtain clearance for on‑site work at our government‑partner location in Stennis, Mississippi.
At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job‑related factors.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.
Hiring Range $97,000—$124,300 USD
We are an equal‑opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.
#J-18808-Ljbffr