Staff Avionics Hardware Engineer

About the Team: 

The Interplanetary Sciences Program was established to expand access to scientific exploration across our solar system. Its mission is to make planetary research faster, more affordable, and more capable than ever before by rethinking how science missions are designed, built, and operated. The program aims to enable scientists to send instruments to distant worlds without decades of development or prohibitive costs. By creating a sustainable model for interplanetary exploration, we are transforming space science from an occasional event into a continuous process of discovery that accelerates knowledge, broadens participation, and inspires the next generation of explorers. 

About the Role:

As a Staff Avionics Hardware Engineer within the Interplanetary Program at Relativity Space, you will take ownership of the design, development, and delivery of spacecraft avionics systems from concept through flight. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create reliable, high-performance avionics that enable deep-space exploration.

This position requires a highly motivated engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can execute with autonomy. You will help define the foundation of Relativity’s future interplanetary avionics architecture while setting the technical standards for future team growth. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Develop complete avionics systems, including architecture, design, integration, and verification, from initial concept through flight-qualified hardware
• Collaborate with propulsion, guidance and control, thermal and software teams to ensure seamless integration and performance of avionics systems 
• Implement robust design and test processes that ensure reliability and safety for deep-space missions
• Lead the technical execution of avionics hardware builds, including PCB design, harnessing, embedded systems, and environmental qualification
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to manage component selection, testing, and delivery schedules
• Maintain accurate design documentation, test plans, and reports, demonstrating strong communication and organizational skills

About You:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field 
• 7+ years of experience designing, developing, and delivering avionics or electronics for aerospace systems or similarly complex environments 
• Demonstrated ability to take a design from concept through production with minimal supervision 
• Hands-on experience with schematic capture, PCB layout, embedded software interfaces, and system-level testing 
• Proven track record of working cross-functionally and communicating technical information clearly to diverse audiences 
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced team environment, demonstrating adaptability and problem-solving skills 

Nice to haves but not required:  

• Direct technical experience in Mars missions is a plus 
• Experience with NASA aerospace systems engineering practices in an applied / new-space manner is a plus 
• Experience with deep-space or high-radiation avionics systems
• Background in spaceflight hardware environmental testing and qualification