Aerodynamics Engineer I

6w1 month ago

Relativity

Long Beach, US · Full-time · $90,000 – $124,500

About this role

At Relativity Space, the Aerodynamics Engineer I helps build Terran R to deliver payloads to orbit while advancing science and exploration. The role centers on shaping reusable launch vehicle products through complex aerodynamic challenges across every flight phase.

Daily work includes developing CFD analyses for entry stability and control plus validating approaches for ascent and entry. The engineer scopes aerodynamics databases that incorporate uncertainty from CFD, wind tunnel, and empirical sources.

The Integrated Performance team owns the holistic vehicle view and embeds directly with partner teams to solve multi-disciplinary problems. Members engage hands-on with hardware and operations while influencing design from concept through post-flight review.

Relativity offers autonomy and ownership at every level during a unique early stage where individual contributors can shape the product, process, and culture. The most meaningful work of your career awaits on a tangible vehicle gaining momentum.

Requirements

Strong foundation in external and compressible flows
Proficiency with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for launch vehicle applications
Experience with wind tunnel testing and reduced-order modeling
Ability to incorporate flight data into aerodynamic analyses
Skill in collaborating with hardware engineers on design and integration
Capacity to address aerodynamic challenges across all flight phases

Responsibilities

Develop and execute CFD analyses to solve novel challenges in vehicle entry stability and control
Validate CFD approaches and establish CFD best practices for ascent and entry phases of flight
Scope and develop aerodynamics databases for ascent and entry including uncertainty quantification from CFD, wind tunnel, and empirical data sources
Drive the design of major Terran R system elements like fins, flaps, and primary structure to meet criteria for control, stability, heating, and pressure
Guide and mentor responsible hardware engineers to ensure hardware meets aerodynamics and system-level requirements
Mature Relativity’s tools for developing and communicating aerodynamics data, including custom and commercial code, databases, and documentation