Senior Propulsion Design Engineer, Engine Systems Design & Analysis

Overview

Senior Propulsion Design Engineer, Engine Systems Design & Analysis at Relativity Space. Join a team building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs, with Terran R advancing customer payloads to orbit. This role involves owning top-level engine CAD models, leading design and analysis efforts, and collaborating across teams to deliver high-performance, manufacturable propulsion systems.

The Propulsion team focuses on developing and delivering highly performant and manufacturable engines for Terran R. Engineers own the entire lifecycle of their parts, from initial design through production to qualification and flight. The team emphasizes bottoms-up decision-making, ownership, and accountability at all levels, exploring future engine modifications and mass production considerations as the program evolves.

As an Engine Assembly Responsible Engineer you will own top-level engine CAD models. Depending on the program phase and engine configuration, responsibilities include:

• Lead CAD release and configuration control for production engine assemblies, ensuring accurate eBOM structures and smooth downstream integration
• Own engine layout and packaging trades, including definition of KiZ (Keep-in-Zone) and KoZ (Keep-out-Zone) boundaries
• Design and analyze Integrated Design hardware (fluid manifolds, tubing, ducting, secondary structures) and execute rapid design tweaks to support engine testing
• Drive cross-functional alignment as the point of contact for Vehicle, Avionics, Manufacturing, Integration, and Test teams
• Define engine assembly tolerances/requirements as defined on Interface Control Diagrams (ICDs). Establish and standardize best practices across Propulsion for fittings, bolts, seals, etc.
• Champion the change management process and help continuously improve it. Own tracking of key engine metrics such as mass and part count
• Partner with the Integration/Manufacturing team by reviewing and improving Process Plans, Work Orders, and Non-Conformances
• Enable increased engine build rates and quality by setting up downstream stakeholders for success and providing floor support as needed

• 5+ years of professional design experience
• Bachelor's degree in an engineering field
• Demonstrated project/technical leadership skills
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in structures, fluids, thermal, and mechanisms
• CAD skills (any platform) and ability to produce high-quality engineering drawings that meet industry standards and leverage GD&T as needed
• Experience with large CAD model management, change management, and configuration management
• Experience owning ambiguous layout and packaging trades, navigating conflicting stakeholder requirements
• Experience designing Integrated Design hardware (manifolds, secondary structure, tubing, etc.)
• Systems thinker with the ability to view the engine design holistically and prioritize engine-wide outcomes
• Ability to understand work of other teams and assess impact on the engine and other components; proactively communicate these assessments
• Attention to detail and thorough follow-through; understands the importance of a flawless eBOM
• Strong Integration/Manufacturing partnership; experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and addressing DFA/DFM feedback

• Experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter
• Experience in the design of liquid propulsion components and systems
• Experience with FEA tools (e.g., Ansys, Abaqus, Nastran)
• Familiarity with aerospace standards (AS, NAS, SAE, etc.)
• Experience creating release, mass, and part count reports and communicating findings to leadership
• Familiarity with Qualification and Acceptance test requirements for flight hardware

Relativity Space is committed to transparency and fairness in compensation. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors. Compensation includes base salary, equity, and a total rewards package with PTO, sick leave, parental leave, an annual learning stipend, and more. For details, please review the benefits information provided by Relativity Space.

$142,000—$181,500 USD

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. 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 accom