Mechanical Engineer II full_time

Company Overview: 

We invented a new approach to design, build, and fly our own rockets, starting with Terran 1 – the world’s first 3D printed rocket and Terran R our reusable next generation 3D printed rocket.

Using our vertically integrated technology platform, leveraging additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and autonomous robotics to deliver superiority over traditional aerospace manufacturing methods, we’re disrupting 60 years of aerospace with our novelty approach to get to space, Mars, and beyond faster, more cost-effective, and more reliable.
 
We believe in a future where interplanetary life fundamentally expands the possibilities for human experience. Our long-term vision is to upgrade humanity’s industrial base on Earth and on Mars. 

Team:  

The Stennis team at Relativity Space is responsible for designing, building, and operating world-class test stands in support of Terran R propulsion components, engines, and integrated stages. As part of this team, you will help build and operate massive outdoor test stands at the historic Stennis Space Center on the Gulf Coast, the largest rocket engine test complex in the country. The scale of Relativity’s projects in Stennis are eclipsed only by the Apollo program 60 years ago! Unique to this location, you will have the opportunity to get hands-on the fully integrated engine and stage assemblies, push the hardware to the limits, develop all aspects of operations, and witness rocket engines firing up close and personal! This team is critical to the development of Terran R and will be a part of so many first milestones! Check out this video to learn more about the Stennis test team.

What you’ll do: 

As a Mechanical Engineer II, you will be responsible for designing and operating rocket engine test stands for our Terran R engines and stages. Engineers at our Stennis facility work within a team of engineers and technicians to build and modify test facilities, as well as participate in test campaigns to flight qualify our hardware. You will be directly engaged in daily test operations, maintenance, construction, and commissioning activities in the field. The engineer II role may include aspects of both designing ground systems [Design focus] and conducting test operations [Operations focus], possibly both.

[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%

What you need to know:  

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field
  • Prior experience in aerospace is not required
  • Varied perspectives & backgrounds strengthen our team
• Minimum of 2 years of engineering experience in a related field
• Strong engineering fundamentals in thermal, structural, and fluids analysis
• Demonstrated drive to deliver on tight schedules, especially when unconventional & creative solutions are necessary
• Hands-on fabrication experience using common power tools for projects at work/home/school
• Ability to work occasional night shifts

Nice to haves but not required:  

• You should still apply even if you don’t have all of these!
• Proficiency in 3D modeling and drafting, including GD&T
• 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 (Plumbing and Instrumentation Diagrams) 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

Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous vacation policy, an annual L&D stipend and more! 

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.