Propulsion Test Engineer I

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. The work is fast-paced and highly operational, ideal for those with backgrounds in aviation, automotive, manufacturing, offshore operations, industrial systems, construction, or adjacent industries. You’ll work in a close-knit, dynamic environment where collaboration between technicians, operators, and engineers is not only encouraged, but expected. As the company scales, the Stennis Test team becomes even more critical to unlocking our next phase of growth: proving out full-stage systems and paving the way for routine, reliable flights of Terran R.

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. Entry level engineers at our Stennis facility work in partnership with experienced operations and ground systems 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 entry level role may include aspects of both designing ground systems [Design focus] and conducting test operations [Operations focus].

[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 in order to operate vehicles while 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/school
• This role requires a valid driver's license in order to operate vehicles while 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 (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 evening shifts

Successful candidates must clear a background check administered by the US government to obtain clearance for on-site work at our government partner location in Stennis, Mississippi.