Senior Fluid Systems Engineer

As a Senior Fluid Systems Engineer at Relativity Space, your primary responsibilities will include designing and analyzing fluid systems for the Terran R rocket. This involves conducting trade studies to create architectures, performing thermal and fluid dynamics analyses, leading test campaigns to validate system performance, and ensuring integration with various teams. Your role is critical in ensuring that all fluid systems operate efficiently and reliably throughout the launch process.

To qualify for the Senior Fluid Systems Engineer position at Relativity Space, candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field, along with a minimum of five years of experience in fluid systems engineering. Experience in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics is essential, as is familiarity with thermal modeling tools and programming skills in languages like Matlab, Python, or C++.

The Senior Fluid Systems Engineer plays a vital role in the Terran R rocket project by designing critical fluid systems that power the vehicle. This includes ensuring the proper functioning of liquid oxygen and natural gas systems, collaborating with various engineering teams for integration, and leading testing processes to confirm system performance. Your expertise helps drive the success of a reusable rocket designed for commercial space launches.

As a Senior Fluid Systems Engineer at Relativity Space, you can expect significant opportunities for growth and increased responsibility. You will actively lead projects, which requires a high degree of autonomy and decision-making. The role allows you to influence major developments in a fast-paced startup environment, empowering you to shape the future of aerospace technology and enhance your professional skills.

Relativity Space provides an attractive benefits package for Senior Fluid Systems Engineers, which includes competitive salaries, equity options, generous paid time off, sick leave, parental leave, and an annual stipend for learning and development. The company is committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in compensation practices and values diversity within its workforce.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you've designed or analyzed fluid systems. Make sure to include the methodologies you used, any fluid modeling tools you're familiar with, and how your work contributed to the project outcomes.

Discuss the techniques you utilize for thermal analysis, such as 1D steady-state or transient analysis, and the importance of accurate predictions in system performance. Emphasize your analytical skills and any relevant software tools you have experience with.

Outline your systematic approach to trade studies, including gathering requirements, evaluating options based on performance and cost, and how you make decisions based on data analysis. Providing a specific example will strengthen your answer.

Talk about your experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as propulsion and avionics. Emphasize good communication practices, regular meetings, and how you handle any conflicts or discrepancies that arise during the design phase.

Choose a project that highlights your problem-solving skills. Discuss the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and what you learned from the process. This shows your resilience and ability to adapt to unexpected situations.

Mention languages like Matlab, Python, or C++ that you are familiar with and provide examples of how you have utilized them in your previous projects to perform analyses, automate processes, or enhance team productivity.

Explain your process for drafting comprehensive test plans, executing tests, and analyzing results. Discuss how you document your findings and the importance of using data to validate design decisions and improve future designs.

Discuss the critical impact of fluid systems on overall vehicle performance, touching on factors like propulsion efficiency, reliability, and safety. Relate it to the specific systems used in the Terran R rocket for a personalized touch.

Describe your dedication to professional development through industry publications, discussions with peers, attending seminars, and being active in relevant engineering organizations. This shows your commitment to continuous learning.

Share your enthusiasm for the collaborative and dynamic nature of startups, where every team member's contribution is significant. Highlight how this environment fuels your motivation to innovate and tackle complex challenges in aerospace engineering.