Mechanical Engineer II Job Gulfport area,Mississippi USA,Engineering

Mechanical Engineer II

Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you're solving problems that haven't been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you're in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you'll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time.

Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we're writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it's early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum.

The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.

About the Role

As a Propulsion Test Engineer II, you will work with test stands and test articles (high-energy components, engines, and full stages) for Terran R. You'll have the opportunity to see a heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle and its many parts come to life through testing. Test and flight articles are designed and built in our Long Beach factory, then sent to Stennis to undergo rigorous testing.

Entry-level engineers at our Stennis facility work in partnership with experienced engineers, technicians, and welders to build and modify test facilities and participate in test campaigns to evaluate complex rocket hardware. You'll solve a variety of technical problems across broad ranges of timeframe, complexity, and impact, and continuously improve processes to move faster and more efficiently. The role includes three focus areas - Design & Build, Operations, and Integration.

You'll initially be placed on a team in one focus area, with opportunities to work across focuses as you develop in the role, particularly between Operations and Integration which work closely together.

Design & Build Focus

Design fluid systems (gas, liquid, cryogenic) including Piping & Instruction Diagrams (P&IDs), analysis, and component selection

Design structural and mechanical systems including 3D modeling, analysis, and fabrication drawings

Source components and develop detailed fabrication work instructions

Bring new test stands to life by managing fabrication, activation, and initial operations

Design and implement upgrades to operational test stands to enable new test capabilities

Maintain test stands through preventive maintenance and rapid response to anomalies & equipment failures

Operations Focus

Conduct test operations on high-energy components, engines, and stages

Control test stand and test article through GUIs and automation while monitoring cameras and telemetry

Conduct flight acceptance, qualification, and development testing campaigns to validate designs and continuously improve the rocket

Develop and optimize GUIs, procedures, control automation, and data review processes

Prepare test articles for testing through inspections, functional checks, leak checks, and managing non-conformances

Bring new test stands to life and support modifications and maintenance on existing facilities

Integration Focus

Manage test articles through test prep, post-test processing, and repairs

Author work instructions for test articles and coordinate work with technicians and quality inspectors

Manage non-conformances, author corrective work instructions, and implement part requirements

Maintain work instructions current with evolving build specifications and drive standardization across sites

Incorporate feedback and optimize part usage to streamline hardware flow and reduce waste

About You

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field
No aerospace experience needed—we value unique backgrounds and perspectives
Demonstrated ability to safely operate common power tools
Ability to deliver on tight schedules, especially when unconventional & creative solutions are necessary
This role may require travel to production and launch locations, up to 10%
Valid driver's license to operate vehicles on the test site

Nice to haves but not required:

Proficiency in 3D modeling and drafting, including GD&T
Strong engineering fundamentals in Thermal Fluid Systems and Structures
Hands-on fabrication experience for complex assemblies
Working knowledge of fluid components and ability to understand/develop fluid P&IDs for large-scale test systems
Experience safely operating complex fluid systems, including high pressure gas, cryogenic fluids, flammables, and hydraulics
Technical writing or documentation experience

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.

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…