Moonshot Engineer

About the role

Join a 10-person founding team tasked with identifying, prototyping, and realizing high-impact aerospace concepts. You will navigate ambiguous technical challenges to transform early-stage ideas into functional, scalable products. In this capacity, you will act as the primary technical driver for nascent initiatives, translating abstract mission parameters into concrete engineering realities. You will be responsible for de-risking novel concepts through rapid experimentation and iterative design cycles. The role requires ownership of the full project lifecycle, from initial hypothesis to tangible prototype delivery. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to align technical execution with strategic lab objectives. Success in this position will be defined by your ability to generate actionable insights and build robust systems under conditions of significant uncertainty.

Key facts

Location: USA

Engagement: Full-time

Salary: $144,000 to $307,000 USD

Compensation includes salary and equity.

Team: Dark Matter Lab

What you'll do

• Lead technical projects from initial concept through design, prototyping, and production.
• Manage vendor relationships and purchase orders to support rapid experimentation.
• Coordinate contributions from other lab members to meet project timelines.
• Perform detailed engineering analysis and hands-on testing to validate new technologies.
• Define and execute your own projects while supporting the broader goals of the lab.
• Harnessing test hardware to validate theoretical models and refine system performance.
• Utilize CAD tools to develop detailed mechanical designs and iterate on spatial configurations.
• Implement embedded software and conduct EE/PCB design to integrate complex hardware components.
• Leverage Python scripts to automate data collection, analysis, and reporting workflows.
• Maintain rigorous documentation of experiments, decisions, and outcomes to ensure knowledge retention.
• Troubleshoot unforeseen issues in hardware and software systems during the build and test phases.
• Present technical findings to internal stakeholders to secure alignment and additional resources.
• Explore the feasibility of integrating emerging technologies into next-generation aerospace applications.
• Ensure all project deliverables adhere to strict quality and safety standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of professional experience designing and delivering complex products or systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical efforts and manage expectations in ambiguous environments.
• Deep expertise in at least one core discipline, such as software, electrical, or mechanical engineering.
• Proficiency in hands-on prototyping, including design, build, and test phases.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on collaborative problem-solving.
• Proven capacity to work independently and make critical decisions with minimal supervision.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift frequently.

Nice to have

• History of delivering tangible hardware or products within highly open-ended environments.
• Previous experience in innovation labs or early-phase technology exploration groups like Skunkworks or GoogleX.

Practical notes

• Compensation includes salary and equity.
• Benefits include PTO, sick leave, parental leave, and an annual learning and development stipend.
• Reasonable accommodations are available by contacting accommodations@relativityspace.com.
• Relativity is an equal opportunity employer.

This role is situated within the Dark Matter Lab in Long Beach, California, and operates on a full-time engagement basis. The successful candidate will join a small, dynamic team focused on high-risk, high-reward aerospace projects. You will be expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, managing your time and resources effectively to meet aggressive project milestones. The position demands a unique blend of creativity, technical acumen, and resilience, as you will frequently encounter problems with no obvious solution. You must be comfortable working with incomplete information and making informed decisions based on limited data. The work environment is fast-paced and requires adaptability, as project scopes and technical challenges can evolve rapidly. You will be responsible for not only building prototypes but also for documenting the entire process to facilitate future iterations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for coordinating with team members and stakeholders. The role offers significant professional growth opportunities for individuals who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology. If you are motivated by challenging problems and enjoy building things from the ground up, this is an opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking initiatives. The compensation package reflects the scope and impact of the position, recognizing the level of expertise and responsibility required. Applicants must meet all listed requirements to be considered for the role.