Senior Propulsion Engineer, Integrated Design

About the role

In this capacity, you will manage the assembly and layout of Aeon-R engines across various development and flight configurations. This position requires leading conceptual design efforts to ensure seamless integration of fluid and structural components while meeting stringent performance goals. You will act as a key technical authority guiding the packaging strategy for propulsion systems. The role demands a high level of ownership over the mechanical integration and spatial arrangement of complex hardware. You will be responsible for translating high-level requirements into tangible mechanical layouts and integration solutions. Collaboration with cross-functional teams will be essential to resolve interface challenges and align design outputs. Your work will directly influence the manufacturability and reliability of the propulsion hardware.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Direct the packaging and layout of Aeon-R engines for all stages and configurations, ensuring optimal use of available space.
• Design and evaluate integration hardware, including tubing, fluid manifolds, custom fittings, and secondary structures to meet system requirements.
• Coordinate with internal sub-system owners to refine engine designs and resolve emerging integration conflicts.
• Lead clean sheet design layouts for future engine upgrades, establishing a clear technical direction for propulsion enhancements.
• Manage and release top-level CAD assemblies for the engine, maintaining strict version control and data integrity.
• Monitor and report mass projections for engine hardware to support vehicle-level performance and payload objectives.
• Maintain Interface Control Documents through coordination with vehicle and test stand teams to ensure alignment across disciplines.
• Oversee configuration and change management processes to handle design iterations and approvals efficiently.
• Partner with integration teams to support increasing production rates and streamline manufacturing workflows.
• Analyze thermal and structural interactions within the propulsion system to validate integration assumptions.
• Develop technical documentation and schematics that clearly communicate design intent to manufacturing and test groups.
• Facilitate design reviews and interface meetings to drive decisions and capture action items.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field as the minimum educational qualification for this position.
• Possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in structural or fluid systems design within a relevant technical environment.
• Demonstrate proficiency in applying mechanical, thermal, structural, and fluid design principles to solve complex engineering problems.
• Show experience working with CAD software to develop detailed models and assemblies.
• Exhibit the ability to manage complex projects with high attention to detail and adherence to technical specifications.
• Provide a proven track record of meeting aggressive schedules through creative problem-solving and disciplined execution.
• Have a strong understanding of engineering tolerances and their impact on system assembly and function.
• Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders to convey design constraints and recommendations.

Nice to have

• Experience with liquid propulsion systems and components, including combustion, cooling, and pressurization subsystems.
• Knowledge of engine subsystems such as turbomachinery, valves, and combustion devices to evaluate integration impacts.
• Proficiency in Siemens NX, Teamcenter, and ANSYS Workbench for design, data, and analysis workflows.
• Experience with large-scale CAD management and configuration control to handle complex design data.
• Familiarity with aerospace standards including NAS, AS, and SAE to ensure compliance with industry practices.

Skills & tools

• CAD software for modeling, drafting, and design validation activities.
• Siemens NX as a primary tool for advanced 3D modeling and assemblies.
• Teamcenter for product data management and lifecycle coordination.
• ANSYS Workbench for simulation-driven design analysis.
• Fluid and structural design expertise to guide integration decisions.
• Configuration management practices to control design changes and baselines.

Practical notes

Relativity provides a comprehensive benefits package including equity, PTO, sick leave, parental leave, and a learning stipend. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, contact accommodations@relativityspace.com. The company does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. This position is based in Long Beach, California, and requires full-time on-site engagement. No specific travel requirements are outlined in the source material. There are no published deadlines for this role in the provided source.