Sr Avionics Test Systems Engineer, Ground Systems

About the Team: 

The Avionics team is responsible for the full lifecycle of Terran R’s nervous system, designing, building, testing, installing, and operating the hardware that connects and controls every major electrical system on the vehicle and ground.

The team’s structure intentionally 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 to ensure seamless integration and operation. Now is a unique time to join: you’ll get to help shape Terran R's fundamental avionics architecture and be given a high degree of ownership on components that will fly.

About the Role:

We are seeking Sr Avionics Test Systems Engineer, Ground Systems supporting our vehicle ground test support systems. Candidates with strong experience in designing, building, and deploying test systems that interface directly with flight hardware. In this role, you'll lead the development of robust electrical and mechanical systems that support vehicle test, integration, and launch in challenging environments. You’ll work cross-functionally with avionics, propulsion, structures, test, and software teams to ensure our ground systems are reliable, flexible, and safe. This position is ideal for someone who thrives on high ownership, fast iteration, and seeing their systems go from concept to launchpad.

As an Sr Avionics Test Systems Engineer, Ground Systems you will:

• Lead design, development, build, and integrate critical ground systems that support engine test, vehicle integration, and launch operations
• Collaborate cross-functionally with vehicle, propulsion, avionics, software, test, and operations teams to deliver robust, scalable systems on tight timelines
• Oversee fabrication, bring-up, and validation of test systems, including electrical testing, calibration, and functional checks
• Author interface control documents (ICDs) and engineering release drawings to ensure tight alignment between electrical ground support equipment and flight/avionics hardware
• Work closely with safety, operations, and launch teams to ensure systems are compliant and operable under high-stakes conditions

About You:

• Undergraduate or graduate degree (BS/MS/PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of hands-on experience designing and deploying test systems or electrical integration systems in aerospace or high-reliability environments
• Strong knowledge of electrical signal integrity, grounding schemes, shielding, and power systems
• Hands-on experience designing, building, and commissioning electromechanical ground systems
• Familiarity with common communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet, RS-422, CAN, MIL-STD-1553) and ground systems standards (ASME, API, and NASA/AF).
• Familiarity with data acquisition and control system platforms such as NI, Beckhoff, or similar

Nice to haves but not required:  

• Experience with CAD tools such as NX and Teamcenter
• Experience with wire harness design tools such as Zuken 
• Familiarity with a PCB design modeling tool such as Altium Designer
• Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python or MATLAB for data acquisition/recording and analysis
• Familiarity with common communication protocols such as Ethernet, CAN, UART, SPI, etc
• Familiarity with data acquisition and control system platforms such as NI, Beckhoff, or similar