Spaceflight Laser Reliability Engineer

Career Opportunities with Relative Dynamics

A great place to work.

Relative Dynamics has an exciting opening for a Spaceflight Laser Reliability Engineer to work at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center on the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) project (2035 launch). As a Spaceflight Laser Reliability Engineer, you are part of a cross‑functional team developing, building, testing, and delivering multiple spaceflight lasers for the LISA project.

Reliability Analysis: Apply reliability physics of failure models and statistical methods (Weibull, FMEA, fault tree analysis) to assess risk levels for mission‑critical laser components and systems.

Design for Reliability: Collaborate with design teams to integrate reliability and maintainability into component vendor selection and manufacturing processes.

Verification & Validation Testing: Define, lead, and execute reliability testing campaigns, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, and fault injection testing.

Failure Analysis: Lead anomaly investigations and perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for any failures discovered during testing. Provide corrective design, manufacturing or device operation actions to meet reliability standards.

Data Analysis: Review extensive test data and provide analysis to track performance and identify potential issues.

Risk Management: Represent laser reliability in program‑level reliability and risk discussions with internal teams, management, customers, and vendors, making informed decisions without complete data.

Documentation: Maintain detailed technical records, test reports, reliability analysis, and design specifications.

Oral Presentation: Present key laser reliability methods and findings in project meetings and reviews.

Master's degree or higher in electrical engineering, physics, or relevant field and/or experience.

5+ years’ experience working on laser projects.

Laser and electro‑optic system design and implementation.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

PhD in electrical engineering, physics or relevant field and/or experience.

Knowledge of space flight reliability principles, requirements, and testing.

Proficiency in statistical analysis methods and reliability prediction modeling.

Experience on space flight hardware projects.

Feel stuck as we offer great opportunities to advance and learn.

Feel like a number as we're a close‑knit bunch and always have each other's backs.

A self‑starter who thrives in a fast‑paced environment.

A quick learner who is always ready to gain depth of knowledge.

A reliable worker who knows the importance of showing up when it counts.

Accept assignments with open cooperative positive and team‑oriented attitudes.

Able to plan and execute plans across teams.

Effective communicator both written and verbal.

Competitive wage and benefits package.

Medical, dental, vision and life/disability insurance.

Vacation and paid holidays.

Great 401k with company match.

Employee referral program.

Community involvement investing and giving back to the community.

Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.