Staff Vehicle Fluid Systems Engineer

About the role

You will own the integrated stage-level fluid architecture and schematics, ensuring seamless functionality across all propellant, pressurant, and pneumatic subsystems. You will lead cross-functional interface definitions and negotiations with partner vehicle teams such as Propulsion, Engine, Structures, GNC, and Avionics to guarantee flawless system integration. You will assist with sizing and fluid 1D steady-state thermofluids analysis at both the system and component levels when necessary to validate performance. You will define development, qualification, and acceptance testing scopes to buy down technical risk prior to vehicle-level integrated testing. You will participate in concept of Operations (CONOPS) development and operation data review to take ultimate ownership of the successful operational philosophy and testing execution of the fluid systems at the integrated vehicle level. You will collaborate closely with manufacturing and test teams on-site to enable rapid iteration and tight feedback loops between design and production. Your voice will help define the stories we are writing together as you solve problems that have not been solved before in a role where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting as you leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture from day one.

Key facts

What you'll do

Define and own the integrated stage-level fluid architecture and schematics for Terran R, ensuring cohesive functionality across propellant, pressurant, and pneumatic subsystems.

Lead cross-functional interface definitions and negotiations with partner vehicle teams including Propulsion, Engine, Structures, GNC, and Avionics to ensure flawless system integration.

Assist with sizing and fluid 1D steady-state thermofluids analysis at both the system and component levels when necessary to validate performance and guide design decisions.

Define development, qualification, and acceptance testing scopes to buy down technical risk prior to vehicle-level integrated testing and flight.

Participate in concept of Operations (CONOPS) development and operation data review to take ultimate ownership of the successful operational philosophy and testing execution of the fluid systems at the integrated vehicle level.

Collaborate with manufacturing and test teams on-site at the factory to enable rapid iteration and tight feedback loops between design and production.

Apply deep expertise in system architecture, complex systems operations, and fluid thermodynamics to guide hardware design, system analysis, manufacturing, validation, and operations.

Serve as the primary technical owner for fluid system functionality within the vehicle product line, driving decisions and accountability from design through flight.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant field.

7+ years of experience working with complex fluids systems.

Strong background in fluid system architecture, operations, and application of engineering fundamentals in system design, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.

Proficient with one or more fluid or thermal modeling tools for internal compressible and incompressible fluid analysis.

Experience using programming languages such as Matlab, Python, or C++ for data analysis or modeling.

Direct experience designing or operating launch vehicle or spacecraft fluid or propulsion systems.

Ability to work on-site at the Long Beach, California factory to enable rapid iteration and close collaboration with manufacturing and test teams.

U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the United States required for this role.

Nice to have

Experience with certification of a vehicle fluid system for NSSL and/or range certification.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position based on-site at the factory in Long Beach, California. U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the United States is required. Relativity does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate profiles, or referrals from recruitment agencies or search firms.

About Relativity

Relativity is hiring for Staff Vehicle Fluid Systems Engineer. The listing location is Long Beach, California.

This Staff Vehicle Fluid Systems Engineer opening is posted for Long Beach, California.