Turbomachinery Test Responsible Engineer II
Job description
Turbomachinery Engineer at Relativity.
About the role
The role partners closely with propulsion and manufacturing teams to drive designs through the product lifecycle. Success depends on operating comfortably with ambiguity and independently completing projects while solving unique rocket turbopump challenges.
Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.
Key facts
What you'll do
Design improvements for fuel and oxidizer turbopumps feed into future Aeon-R engine iterations and requirements.
Complex turbomachinery operational issues arising in testing and flight programs are diagnosed and resolved to keep programs on track.
Strong communication skills enable effective interface across multidisciplinary groups throughout the development cycle.
Practical application of turbomachinery fundamentals informs design decisions and trade studies in real-world conditions.
Requirements
An engineering or related technical degree is required for this turbomachinery role.
At least 5 years of relevant industry experience in turbomachinery is expected of candidates.
Structural, thermal, and/or fluid analysis on turbomachinery components is performed as part of the evaluation process.
Turbomachinery design and analysis practices are applied across the development cycle to mature designs.
Clear communication skills support cross-functional collaboration with propulsion, manufacturing, and test teams.
A solid grasp of turbomachinery fundamentals underpins day-to-day decision making and problem solving.
Turbopump assembly procedures, including rotor balancing, interference fits, clearance checks, structural proofing, and leak checks, are executed rigorously.
Complex turbomachinery operational issues are diagnosed and resolved using systematic investigation methods.
Nice to have
Proficiency in Siemens NX and Teamcenter tools is preferred for this role.
Turbomachinery analyses, such as bladed CFD, structural, modal, and rotordynamics, are conducted to refine designs.
Bladed turbopump components, including inducers, impellers, and turbines, are designed and evaluated in this position.
Experience in a startup or agile development environment helps navigate fast-paced delivery.
Contributions within a flight development program support early vehicle programs and milestones.
Practical notes
Hiring range is $104,000 - $156,000 USD. This is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and does not discriminate. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, contact accommodations@relativityspace.com. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Typical interview steps
Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.
Good to know
The role centers on turbomachinery design and analysis for rocket engines.
The work supports Terran R engine development and its first launch in 2026.
General aerospace experience in fast-paced environments is common in this field.
Career growth
Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.