Senior Avionics Test Systems Engineer, HITL at Relativity Space

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Avionics Test Systems Engineer, HITL
Company: Relativity Space
Location: Long Beach, California
Job Type: On-site
Category: Aerospace Engineering
Date Posted: 2025-08-02
Experience Level: 5-10 years

🚀 Role Summary

Design and develop Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) testbeds for avionics subsystems at Relativity Space.
Collaborate with avionics and flight software teams to understand testing needs and develop appropriate test systems.
Support vehicle troubleshooting and validate changes by creating and executing integrated testing on HITL.
Develop, document, and execute Avionics system verification/validation plans.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Design and Build HITL Testbeds: Design and build a Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) testbed to conduct vehicle mission simulations.
Collaborate with Engineering Teams: Work closely with hardware and software engineers to derive simulation platform requirements.
Oversee System Integration: Oversee the integration of Avionics electrical systems, simulation hardware and software, and auxiliary support equipment.
Support Vehicle Troubleshooting: Support vehicle troubleshooting and validate changes by creating and executing integrated testing on HITL.
Develop Verification/Validation Plans: Develop, document, and execute Avionics system verification/validation plans.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: 5+ years of experience with complex system design and architecture.

Required Skills:

Familiarity with data acquisition and control system platforms such as NI, Beckhoff, or similar.
Experience working with electronics test equipment such as power supplies, DMMs, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and electronic loads.
Understanding of engineering requirements capture and the verification/validation test planning process.
Familiarity with common communication protocols such as Ethernet, CAN, UART, SPI, etc.
Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python or MATLAB for data acquisition/recording and analysis.

Preferred Skills:

Wire harness design experience.
Electronics design experience.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in designing and building testbeds for avionics subsystems.
Showcase proficiency in data acquisition platforms, electronics test equipment, and scripting languages.
Highlight collaboration skills with hardware and software engineers.

Technical Documentation:

Provide examples of Avionics system verification/validation plans you've developed and executed.
Include documentation on troubleshooting and testing processes for avionics systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $159,000 - $204,000 USD/year

Benefits:

Competitive salary and equity.
Generous PTO and sick leave policy.
Parental leave.
Annual learning and development stipend.

Working Hours: 40 hours/week

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace and Defense

Company Size: Medium (201-500 employees)

Founded: 2011

Team Structure:

The Avionics team combines avionics design, manufacturing, and test to enable rapid iteration and feedback loops.
Engineers are deeply embedded into other functions within Relativity, working closely with propulsion, GNC, fluids, and stage engineering teams.

Development Methodology:

Relativity follows an Agile development process, with a focus on rapid iteration and continuous improvement.
The company emphasizes cross-functional collaboration and integration.

Company Website: Relativity Space

📝 Enhancement Note: Relativity Space is a rapidly growing aerospace company that values autonomy, ownership, and impact. The company's unique culture encourages creativity and technical rigor, making it an attractive place for engineers looking to make a significant impact on cutting-edge projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Aerospace Engineering Career Level: Senior level with significant experience in avionics test systems and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Manager of Avionics Test Systems.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the design, testing, and integration of avionics systems for Relativity's Terran R vehicle.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Deepen expertise in avionics test systems and HITL testing, with opportunities to lead projects and mentor junior engineers.
Leadership Growth: Potential to transition into a technical leadership role, overseeing a team of avionics test systems engineers.
Architecture Decisions: Influence avionics system architecture and contribute to the overall design of the Terran R vehicle.

📝 Enhancement Note: Relativity Space offers ample opportunities for growth and impact, with a unique moment in time where the company is far enough along that the Terran R vehicle is tangible, but early enough to leave a significant mark on the product, process, and culture.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a collaborative workspace that encourages cross-functional interaction.

Office Location(s): Long Beach, California

Workspace Context:

Relativity's workspace is designed to facilitate collaboration and communication between teams.
The company provides state-of-the-art equipment and tools to support engineering projects.
Relativity values a culture of open communication, with regular team meetings and one-on-one check-ins.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work schedule, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Relativity Space offers a dynamic work environment that balances collaboration and autonomy, with a focus on delivering high-quality products and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss the role and assess cultural fit.
Technical Interview: A deep dive into your technical skills and experience, focusing on system design, architecture, and testing processes.
Behavioral Interview: An assessment of your problem-solving skills, communication, and collaboration abilities.
Final Interview: A meeting with the hiring manager to discuss the role's expectations and your career goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience in designing and building testbeds for avionics subsystems.
Showcase your proficiency in data acquisition platforms, electronics test equipment, and scripting languages.
Demonstrate your ability to collaborate with hardware and software engineers to derive simulation platform requirements.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of avionics systems, communication protocols, and scripting languages.
Familiarize yourself with Relativity's Terran R vehicle and the company's mission and values.

ATS Keywords: Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, HITL Testing, System Design, Architecture, Data Acquisition, Control Systems, Electronics Test Equipment, Engineering Requirements Capture, Verification, Validation, Communication Protocols, Scripting Languages, Python, MATLAB, Relativity Space, Terran R Vehicle.

📝 Enhancement Note: To optimize your resume for the ATS, ensure that your document includes relevant keywords from the provided list, naturally integrated into your experience and skills sections.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Hardware & Software Tools:

Data acquisition and control system platforms such as NI, Beckhoff, or similar.
Electronics test equipment such as power supplies, DMMs, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and electronic loads.
Scripting languages such as Python or MATLAB for data acquisition/recording and analysis.

Avionics Systems:

Familiarize yourself with avionics systems, their components, and their integration into the Terran R vehicle.

Communication Protocols:

Ethernet, CAN, UART, SPI, and other common communication protocols.

Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) Testing:

Develop a strong understanding of HITL testing principles and their application to avionics systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Senior Avionics Test Systems Engineer, HITL, you'll need a solid understanding of avionics systems, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and relevant hardware and software tools. Familiarize yourself with these technologies and their application to Relativity's Terran R vehicle.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Avionics Team Values:

Innovation: Relativity encourages creativity and technical rigor in designing and testing avionics systems.
Collaboration: The Avionics team values open communication and cross-functional collaboration with other engineering disciplines.
Quality: Relativity is committed to delivering high-quality products and maintaining a strong focus on quality assurance and control.
Continuous Learning: The company fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement, with regular training and development opportunities.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Avionics engineers work closely with propulsion, GNC, fluids, and stage engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and operation.
Code Review Culture: Relativity values a culture of code review and peer programming to ensure high-quality and maintainable code.
Knowledge Sharing: The company encourages knowledge sharing and technical mentoring to support the growth and development of its engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Relativity Space's Avionics team values innovation, collaboration, quality, and continuous learning. As a member of this team, you'll be encouraged to contribute to these values and help shape the team's culture and processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

System Complexity: Design and develop HITL testbeds for complex avionics systems, requiring a deep understanding of system architecture and integration.
Testing Scalability: Ensure that the HITL test infrastructure can accommodate the growing complexity and scale of avionics systems.
Performance Optimization: Optimize the performance of avionics systems and HITL testbeds to meet the demanding requirements of the Terran R vehicle.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: Deepen your expertise in avionics test systems and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing, with opportunities to lead projects and mentor junior engineers.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in avionics systems, communication protocols, and scripting languages.
Leadership Development: Develop your leadership skills and prepare for potential technical leadership roles within the Avionics team.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Senior Avionics Test Systems Engineer, HITL, you'll face technical challenges related to system complexity, testing scalability, and performance optimization. To overcome these challenges, you'll need to stay current with emerging technologies and develop your leadership skills to drive innovation and improvement within the Avionics team.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

System Design: Describe your experience designing and developing complex avionics systems and HITL testbeds.
Architecture Decisions: Explain your approach to making architecture decisions for avionics systems and HITL test infrastructure.
Testing Processes: Discuss your experience with Avionics system verification/validation plans and HITL testing processes.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Mission: Explain why you're interested in working at Relativity Space and contributing to the company's mission.
Team Collaboration: Describe your experience working in cross-functional teams and your approach to collaboration and communication.
Problem-Solving: Provide an example of a complex technical challenge you've faced and how you approached solving it.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Testbed Design: Highlight your experience designing and building HITL testbeds for avionics subsystems.
Collaboration Examples: Showcase your ability to collaborate with hardware and software engineers to derive simulation platform requirements.
Testing Documentation: Demonstrate your proficiency in developing, documenting, and executing Avionics system verification/validation plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: To prepare for your interview at Relativity Space, focus on your experience designing and developing avionics systems and HITL testbeds. Highlight your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and demonstrate your problem-solving skills through relevant examples and portfolio pieces.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Avionics Test Systems Engineer, HITL position at Relativity Space:

Update Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with avionics systems, HITL testing, and relevant hardware and software tools.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Showcase your experience designing and building testbeds for avionics subsystems, with a focus on data acquisition platforms, electronics test equipment, and scripting languages.
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Relativity Space's mission, values, and culture to ensure a strong fit with the company's goals and expectations.
Prepare for the Interview: Brush up on your technical skills, review your portfolio, and practice your problem-solving and communication abilities to ace the interview.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Senior Avionics Test Systems Engineer, HITL