Sr Manager, Vehicle Fluids Analysis

About the role

In this position, you will lead a team of analysts providing technical direction for hardware design and operations across thermal and fluid dynamics systems. You will guide cross-functional teams including propulsion, GNC, and component engineering to ensure the success of the Terran R vehicle. This role requires synthesizing complex fluid behavior into actionable engineering decisions that keep program momentum on track. You will act as a technical authority during critical design reviews and trade studies. The position demands clear communication between analysis groups and physical test teams. You will own the fidelity and accuracy of simulation predictions that directly impact vehicle hardware. Success in this role depends on your ability to mentor analysts while maintaining rigorous analytical standards. You will translate program level requirements into detailed analysis plans that de-risk the development timeline.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Direct a high-performing fluids analysis group to meet program milestones for the Terran R vehicle.
• Plan and schedule analysis tasks while ensuring appropriate fidelity for each development phase from concept to flight.
• Manage resources and drive team accountability across multiple concurrent analysis streams.
• Perform thermal-fluid calculations for compressible and incompressible systems using hand calculations, scripts, network solvers, and CFD.
• Execute CFD analyses for propellant management, thermal stratification, complex manifolds, and multiphase feedline flow.
• Validate models against test data and published literature to ensure predictive accuracy.
• Improve internal tools for predicting fluid behavior during ascent, in-space operations, and reentry phases.
• Mentor engineers and support hardware owners by translating analysis results into design guidance.
• Coordinate with test teams to align analysis predictions with test objectives and data collection plans.
• Track technical risks and dependencies related to fluid systems and communicate status to leadership.
• Establish analysis standards and best practices that promote consistency across the Stage Fluids team.
• Collaborate with propulsion engineers to integrate fluid system behavior into vehicle level models.
• Support proposal and bid efforts by developing analysis frameworks that inform technical proposals.
• Represent the Stage Fluids discipline in cross-functional design reviews and decision gates.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in engineering or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Possess 10+ years of relevant experience in fluids or thermal analysis within aerospace applications.
• Include at least one full aerospace vehicle program lifecycle in your background.
• Demonstrate 5+ years of experience managing engineering teams on complex, cross-functional projects.
• Show proficiency in Python or similar languages for scientific computing and data analysis.
• Include experience with 1D modeling of compressible and incompressible flow via hand calculations or tools like GFSSP or FloCAD.
• Provide evidence of architecting and running industry-standard CFD workflows using tools such as STAR-CCM+, Fluent, or FLOW-3D.
• Have a strong understanding of fluid dynamics fundamentals including compressible flow, multiphase flow, and heat transfer.
• Exhibit the ability to read and interpret test data to validate simulation models.
• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation.
• Hold eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship for this position.
• Be willing to relocate to Long Beach, California as required for the role.
• Commit to adhering to Relativity safety and quality standards.
• Understand that this role may require occasional travel to support program activities.

Nice to have

• Experience creating internal compressible flow or volume of fluid CFD models.
• Experience building simulation toolsets and workflows for high-performance computing environments.

Practical notes

Compensation includes salary and equity. Benefits include PTO, sick leave, parental leave, and an annual learning and development stipend. Relativity is an equal opportunity employer. For reasonable accommodation requests, contact accommodations@relativityspace.com. Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies are not accepted.