Manager, Components Engineering

About the role

You will lead a team of design engineers focused on fluid control hardware for the Terran R vehicle. This position requires you to set the technical direction for complex fluid systems and ensure alignment with vehicle-level objectives. You will manage project schedules, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies specific to the components under your responsibility. A key part of this role involves fostering the professional growth of your direct reports through mentorship and technical guidance. You will act as a primary liaison, collaborating closely with propulsion, avionics, and manufacturing departments to ensure seamless integration. Your decisions will directly influence the reliability and performance of critical fluid control subsystems. You are expected to drive innovation while maintaining rigorous standards for safety and quality. This role is pivotal in translating high-level system requirements into functional, manufacturable hardware solutions.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Manage and mentor a team of design engineers to meet aggressive program milestones for the Terran R vehicle.
• Define rigorous design requirements and project scopes for intricate fluid control devices and subsystems.
• Coordinate proactively with production, test, and integration teams to resolve issues and deliver qualified hardware on schedule.
• Oversee the detailed design of critical fluid control devices including cryogenic, pneumatic, proportional, and solenoid valves.
• Conduct in-depth structural and thermal fluid analyses to predict system behavior under extreme operational conditions.
• Develop comprehensive qualification test plans that validate performance, reliability, and compliance with stringent standards.
• Collaborate extensively with supply chain and manufacturing teams to optimize designs for high-volume production and scalability.
• Drive the execution of design verification and validation activities to ensure all components meet specified requirements.
• Champion the adoption of best practices in engineering documentation and change management processes.
• Facilitate cross-functional design reviews to integrate feedback and refine system architectures early in development.
• Leverage data from testing and manufacturing to iterate on designs and resolve recurring issues efficiently.
• Ensure all engineering activities adhere to company standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality protocols.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in an engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• Possess 7+ years of hands-on experience designing and analyzing complex fluid control devices, valves, or related precision mechanisms.
• Demonstrate proven leadership background, including successfully hiring, mentoring, and guiding interdisciplinary project teams.
• Show proficiency in core engineering fundamentals encompassing thermodynamics, structural analysis, fluid dynamics, and basic electronics.
• Have direct experience with hands-on structural and fluid development testing, including test planning and data interpretation.
• Bring a background working in high-volume manufacturing environments, with an understanding of production constraints and scalability.
• Exhibit competency in industry-standard CAD software, FEA, CFD, and GD&T practices for mechanical design.
• Capability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with frequent shifts in project priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills necessary for coordinating with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Willingness to comply with company policies, safety procedures, and ethical business practices.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without requiring current sponsorship for this position.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment in alignment with Relativity values.

Nice to have

• Accumulate 5+ years of direct experience in the broader rocket development or testing lifecycle.
• Bring a background specifically in liquid propulsion engine component development and system integration.
• Demonstrate expertise in the design and manufacturing of precision regulators, actuators, motors, and solenoids.
• Have hands-on experience testing and designing cryogenic systems and understanding associated thermal challenges.
• Familiarity with powder bed additive manufacturing processes and design for additive manufacturing principles.

Practical notes

This role operates on a full-time schedule during standard business hours, requiring availability during core operational times in Long Beach, California. Travel is not expected to be a routine part of this position unless dictated by unforeseen project needs. The compensation range provided reflects the base salary expectation for this location and does not include equity or other potential bonuses. Relativity is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or any other protected status. Requests for reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process should be directed to accommodations@relativityspace.com. The company maintains a policy of only accepting direct applications, and unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the advancement of aerospace technology through the development of critical fluid control systems. You will be part of a team that values innovation, precision, and execution. The role demands a high level of responsibility and ownership over the component design lifecycle. Success in this position will be measured by the successful delivery of hardware that meets performance, schedule, and cost targets. You will play a key role in ensuring that the Terran R vehicle has reliable and efficient fluid control solutions. The compensation package is designed to reflect the scope of responsibility and the technical expertise required for this role. Joining this team requires a commitment to continuous learning and problem-solving in a challenging engineering environment.