Lead, Avionics Test Engineering

About the role

In this leadership role, you will manage a team of test engineers focused on creating automated systems to validate Terran R electronics. This position requires hands-on technical leadership to oversee the full lifecycle of production test assets for our orbital launch vehicle. You will be responsible for setting the technical vision and execution strategy for avionics validation activities. The role demands close collaboration with cross-functional partners to ensure test solutions align with program schedules and product requirements. You will drive the implementation of rigorous test methodologies that ensure flight hardware reliability. This position offers the opportunity to build world-class test infrastructure from the ground up. You will own the technical outcomes and process maturity of the avionics test organization.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead and mentor test engineers on technical standards and professional best practices to elevate team capability.
• Design, build, and implement automated test systems for Terran R hardware across functional domains.
• Collaborate with hardware and software design teams to execute acceptance and qualification testing with traceable results.
• Manage the strategic planning, debugging, and maintenance of production-grade test environments and workflows.
• Oversee environmental and qualification validation, covering shock, vibration, EMI/EMC, and thermal testing to flight standards.
• Define test procedures and verification cases that ensure coverage of avionics functionality and interface requirements.
• Partner with manufacturing to develop test solutions that scale from prototype to high-volume production.
• Analyze test data to identify root causes of failures and drive design improvements with the hardware team.
• Ensure test documentation and configuration management meet stringent aerospace quality and compliance standards.
• Champion the adoption of test tools and frameworks that improve efficiency, repeatability, and data integrity.
• Lead the integration of complex test systems involving custom instrumentation and automated control software.
• Guide the development of test assets that support early vehicle checkout and subsystem-level validation.
• Facilitate test readiness reviews and provide technical leadership to resolve complex validation challenges.
• Serve as the primary technical contact for avionics test execution and issue resolution across the program.

Requirements

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in electronics hardware automation, simulation, or testing in a relevant industry context.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams and mentoring technical professionals.
• Technical ownership of complex test system design for high voltage energy storage, motor drives, DC-DC converters, or load switches.
• Experience managing test systems within a production environment and implementing robust test processes.
• Strong understanding of test engineering principles, measurement systems, and instrumentation integration.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven aerospace environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Willingness to relocate to or work from Long Beach, California, to support program needs.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship for this role at this time.
• Commitment to adhering to company policies, safety standards, and quality management systems.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in Altium Designer for PCB design and schematic capture to review or create test interface documentation.
• Experience with analog sensors including accelerometers, RTDs, and pressure transducers for test system integration.
• Background in embedded software integration for avionics to validate firmware and hardware interfaces.
• Scripting proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data analysis, automation, and acquisition workflows.
• Familiarity with wire harness design and CAD tools like NX to support test fixture and interface development.

Practical notes

Relativity provides a comprehensive benefits package including equity, competitive salary, parental leave, PTO, and an annual learning stipend. We are an equal opportunity employer. For accommodation requests, contact accommodations@relativityspace.com. Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies are not accepted.