Relativity Space

Launch Operations Engineer II

Relativity Space$104K — $143K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Software Engineering, or Computer Science
  • Minimum 3 years of relevant engineering experience
  • Strong engineering fundamentals across thermal, structural, electrical, and fluid systems
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively in high-pressure environments
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct complex propulsion tests and launch operations to evaluate rocket performance
  • Create and optimize automated test sequences and procedures for efficient execution
  • Command and monitor launch pad and flight hardware using GUIs and telemetry systems
  • Perform hardware setup, system configuration, and troubleshooting across disciplines
  • Analyze test data and collaborate with design engineers to enhance rocket performance.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary and equity
  • Generous PTO and sick leave policy
  • Parental leave offered
  • Annual learning and development stipend
  • Comprehensive benefits package.
Full Job Description
About the Team:

The Launch team operates at the intersection of every major aspect of Terran R, from stages and payloads to ground systems, launch, landing, and refurbishment. The Cape is the only place where you see it all come together, offering a level of exposure and responsibility unmatched elsewhere in the program. This is where first flights happen, where history is built on top of history, and where the scale of what's underway is unlike anything in modern aerospace. The mission stays the same, but the work evolves with every milestone: from first launch to reuse, high-cadence operations, and beyond. If you're looking to define what's next in space launch and write a new playbook, not just repeat what's already been done, this is where it happens.

About the Role:

As a Launch Operations Engineer II, you will have a front-row seat in the launch control room during one of the most demanding and exhilarating moments in engineering: a live rocket launch. You will not just observe the countdown; you will own critical systems, make real-time decisions, and help guide a vehicle from initial power-up through liftoff. In this role, you will bring structure and disciplined execution to complex propulsion development and launch operations, shaping how missions are prepared, tested, and flown. From hands-on hardware integration in the field to commanding systems through integrated control software and analyzing live telemetry under pressure, you will operate at the intersection of precision, speed, and accountability.
  • Conduct complex propulsion tests and launch operations to evaluate rocket engine and stage performance.
  • Create and optimize automated test sequences, procedures, and data review processes to ensure safe, efficient, and repeatable execution.
  • Command and monitor the launch pad and flight hardware through GUIs and integrated control, automation, and telemetry systems.
  • Perform hardware setup, system configuration, and cross-disciplinary troubleshooting.
  • Analyze test data and partner with design engineering to improve rocket system performance based on real-world results.

About You:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Software Engineering, or Computer Science; aerospace experience not required. We value diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Minimum 3 years of relevant engineering experience.
  • Strong engineering fundamentals across thermal, structural, electrical, and fluid systems.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively in team environments and perform under high-pressure, schedule-driven conditions.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends, as required by operations.

Nice to haves but not required:
  • Working knowledge of rocket subsystems, including structures, mechanisms, high-pressure fluid systems, and avionics.
  • Hands-on experience supporting propulsion test and launch operations.
  • Intermediate proficiency in object-oriented programming.
  • Proven ability to quickly learn new skills, programming languages, and tools.
  • Experience developing user interfaces and operator-in-the-loop automation tools for manufacturing and test.

Successful candidates must clear a background check administered by the US government to obtain clearance for on-site work at our government partner location in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.

Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.

Hiring Range:

$104,000-$143,000 USD

About Relativity Space

Relativity Space is an American aerospace manufacturer that is developing 3D printed rockets. The company was founded in 2015 by Tim Ellis and Jordan Noone, and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Relativity Space's goal is to reduce the cost and time required to produce rockets by using 3D printing technology. The company's rockets are designed to be fully reusable, which could significantly reduce the cost of space launches. Relativity Space has received funding from a number of investors, including Mark Cuban and Playground Global.
Learn more about Relativity Space
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
2016

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Relativity Space

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Launch Operations Engineer II jobs: