Lead, Propulsion Analysis
Job description
Space.
About the role
In this position, you will manage a team of analysts responsible for evaluating integrated propulsion hardware on the Aeon R engine, including gimbals, bellows, flex hoses, ducts, manifolds, structures, and tubing. Your group will generate interface loads through engine assembly FEA models that inform component sizing across the entire engine. You will also shape internal standards around analysis methods, design factors, and material allowables while collaborating closely with Combustion Devices, Turbomachinery, Components, Materials, and Design Criteria teams. This role requires you to translate complex system requirements into actionable analysis plans that de-risk the development and production timeline. You will serve as the technical authority for propulsion analysis within the engineering organization, ensuring that all assessments adhere to rigorous safety and performance standards. Your decisions will directly influence hardware qualification and the reliability of flight-critical components under extreme operational conditions. By fostering cross-functional partnerships, you will help align analysis outputs with manufacturing realities and design innovation.
Key facts
Location: USA
Engagement: Full-time
Compensation: $136,000 to $204,000 USD
Team: Propulsion
Compensation includes equity in addition to base salary
Benefits include generous PTO and sick leave, parental leave, and an annual learning and development stipend
Accommodation requests can be sent to accommodations@relativityspace.com
Unsolicited resumes from agencies will not be accepted or compensated
What you'll do
Conduct and oversee thermal, structural, dynamic, and durability analyses (fatigue and fracture) on Aeon R engines and subsystems to validate reliability and performance.
Analyze 3D-printed engine parts, complex mechanical assemblies, and fully integrated engine structures using advanced simulation techniques.
Partner with mechanical designers and manufacturing engineers to identify optimal solutions for engine and vehicle programs while balancing trade studies and risk management.
Plan and run development and qualification tests, including hands-on tasks such as test article integration, instrumentation setup, and data processing.
Mentor team members, set priorities, communicate progress to leadership, and support recruiting efforts to build a high-caliber analytical organization.
Perform detailed engineering calculations and simulations to define load paths, stress concentrations, and failure modes across propulsion hardware.
Collaborate with test engineers to develop test matrices, evaluate test data, and correlate simulation results with physical evidence.
Lead failure investigations and root cause analyses to drive corrective actions and prevent recurrence on future hardware.
Develop and maintain analysis workflows, documentation, and technical reports that meet internal quality standards and regulatory expectations.
Champion the adoption of best-in-class analysis tools and methodologies to improve accuracy, efficiency, and traceability across the team.
Coordinate with external vendors and subsystem partners to ensure compatibility and alignment on analysis assumptions and boundary conditions.
Support the development of qualification test plans and compliance packages required for regulatory approval and customer sign-off.
Apply design optimization strategies to improve component performance while managing mass, cost, and manufacturability constraints.
Track project schedules and technical risks, escalating issues as needed to keep analysis activities on pace with program milestones.
Act as a subject matter expert during design reviews, system safety assessments, and cross-functional decision-making sessions.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, technology, or mathematics
- 5+ years of relevant analysis experience, ideally with complex engineering systems
- Demonstrated mentorship and leadership abilities
- Hands-on experience with Finite Element Analysis
- Proficiency with CAD software
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to deliver on aggressive timelines
- Comfort working through ambiguity and guiding projects to completion
- Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship now or at the time of hire
- Must be legally authorized to accept employment in the United States
- Must be physically able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Willingness to comply with Relativity policies and procedures, including security and confidentiality requirements
- Commitment to maintaining a safe work environment by following all safety protocols and reporting hazards promptly
- Willingness to participate in ongoing training and professional development to keep skills current with industry advances
Nice to have
Track record leading high-performing teams
Background in liquid propulsion component and system design
Familiarity with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, and ANSYS Workbench
Knowledge of industry best practices and aerospace standards
Practical notes
- Compensation includes equity in addition to base salary
- Benefits include generous PTO and sick leave, parental leave, and an annual learning and development stipend
- Accommodation requests can be sent to accommodations@relativityspace.com
- Unsolicited resumes from agencies will not be accepted or compensated
-
Engagement: Full-time
-
Location: Long Beach, California