Manager, Avionics Rapid Prototyping

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Manager, Avionics Rapid Prototyping

Company: Relativity Space

Location: Long Beach, California

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Operations Management (Avionics Hardware Test)

Date Posted: 2026-07-30

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of electrical test engineers focused on scaling avionics hardware and system test capabilities for rapid prototyping.

• Define and drive comprehensive test strategies for power electronics, low-voltage systems, digital/mixed-signal assemblies, and flight-critical avionics.

• Develop and implement automated test infrastructure, scripted test frameworks, and robust data capture/analysis for efficient hardware validation.

• Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions for electrical components and integrated avionics systems, ensuring high reliability and performance.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, and integration teams to ensure design-for-testability and influence architectural decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits at the intersection of engineering management, hardware testing, and operational efficiency within a rapid prototyping environment. The focus on "Rapid Prototyping" implies a need for agility, quick iteration cycles, and highly efficient testing processes, which are core tenets of operations management and GTM (Go-To-Market) enablement through robust product validation. The emphasis on automation and root-cause analysis directly impacts the speed and quality of product development, aligning it with operational excellence goals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of electrical test engineers, fostering technical and leadership skill development.

• Define and execute comprehensive test strategies for PCBA bring-up, integrated avionics system testing, and automated test development.

• Oversee board-level and system-level validation, including functional, performance, environmental, and fault-injection testing.

• Develop and maintain automated test infrastructure, scripted test frameworks, and automated data capture/analysis for efficient validation.

• Drive rigorous root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions for electrical components and integrated avionics systems.

• Partner with hardware design teams to ensure design-for-testability (DfT) and provide early test insights to influence architecture.

• Manage lab environment, including calibration, equipment readiness, and adherence to robust test processes.

• Develop and manage schedules, resource plans, and cross-functional alignment to meet aggressive development and flight milestones.

• Champion continuous improvement in test methods, automation, documentation, and data-driven decision-making within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of people management, technical leadership, and process ownership. The emphasis on "aggressive development and flight milestones" and "rapid prototyping" indicates a need for highly optimized testing workflows and efficient problem-solving, akin to operational efficiency drivers in a GTM context where product readiness directly impacts market entry and revenue.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• PhD or M.S. in Electrical Engineering (or a B.S. with exceptional, highly relevant experience). Experience:

• Extensive hands-on experience in PCBA bring-up, debugging, validation, and electrical system troubleshooting.

• Strong background in system-level testing of complex electrical systems (e.g., avionics, inverters, OBCs, DC-DC converters, power distribution).

• Deep knowledge of power electronics and low-voltage hardware crucial for mission-critical environments.

• Proficient with electrical lab and measurement equipment, with demonstrated ability to develop test infrastructure.

• Minimum of 3 years leading electrical test engineering teams, including nurturing engineers' technical and leadership skills. Required Skills:

• Electrical Engineering Expertise (System-Level)

• PCBA Bring-Up and Debugging

• Power Electronics and Low-Voltage System Validation

• Automated Test Development & Scripting

• Team Leadership and Mentorship

• Flight-Critical System Testing Methodologies

• Root-Cause Analysis and Problem Solving

• Design-for-Testability (DfT) Principles

• Electrical Lab Equipment Proficiency

• Test Strategy Definition and Execution Preferred Skills:

• Experience developing automated test systems, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) rigs, or advanced scripted test frameworks.

• Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, TVAC, HALT/HASS).

• Knowledge of EMC, power quality, or hardware reliability testing methodologies.

• Experience collaborating with design teams to implement Design for Reliability (DfR).

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in electrical engineering and hands-on experience, coupled with proven leadership capabilities. The "Nice to haves" point towards a desire for candidates who can drive advanced automation and understand broader system reliability, which are key operational considerations for product quality and market readiness.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing robust testing processes for complex electrical systems.

• Examples of successful PCBA bring-up and integrated system test strategies, showcasing problem-solving and validation rigor.

• Case studies detailing the development and impact of automated test frameworks and data capture systems.

• Evidence of leading teams through complex validation cycles, highlighting efficiency gains and issue resolution effectiveness.

• Documentation showcasing contributions to Design-for-Testability (DfT) and how it improved the overall testing process or product quality. Process Documentation:

• Workflow design and optimization for electrical hardware testing and validation phases.

• Implementation and automation methods for test procedures, including scripting and framework development.

• Performance analysis and reporting of test throughput, defect detection rates, and efficiency improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role in a rapid prototyping environment, a portfolio should showcase not just technical ability but also the ability to design, implement, and optimize testing processes for speed and effectiveness. This is critical for ensuring that prototypes are validated quickly and reliably, directly supporting GTM objectives by accelerating product development cycles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $174,000 - $262,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary

• Equity

• Generous PTO (Paid Time Off)

• Sick leave

• Parental leave

• Annual learning and development stipend

• Access to an employee benefits portal for additional perks.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time, though the fast-paced environment may require flexibility).

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a management role in the aerospace/high-tech sector in a high cost-of-living area like Long Beach, California. The emphasis on "rapid prototyping" and "aggressive development and flight milestones" suggests that while 40 hours is standard, flexibility and a results-oriented approach are expected, aligning with operational efficiency demands. The benefits package is comprehensive, supporting employee well-being and professional development, which are crucial for retaining top talent in demanding engineering roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Space Technology (Rocketry, Launch Services).

Company Size: Relativity Space is a rapidly growing company, indicated by its presence on Greenhouse and the description of building a rocket and factory from the ground up. This suggests a dynamic, scale-up environment.

Founded: Relativity Space was founded in 2015. This means the company is past its initial startup phase and is now focused on scaling its operations and achieving significant milestones like orbital launches.

Team Structure:

• The Avionics Electrical Test Engineering team is likely part of a larger Avionics Hardware or Engineering division.

• This role involves leading a team of individual contributors (electrical test engineers).

• Close partnerships are expected with other critical departments such as Avionics Hardware Design, Power Systems, Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Manufacturing, and Vehicle Integration. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on data-driven decision-making through automated test results, root-cause analysis, and performance metrics.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Defining and refining test processes for efficiency, speed, and reliability in a rapid prototyping context.

• Automation & Efficiency: A strong focus on developing automated test infrastructure to accelerate validation cycles and reduce manual effort.

Company Website: https://www.relativityspace.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Relativity Space operates in a highly innovative and demanding industry. The culture is characterized by a "build it from the ground up" mentality, encouraging autonomy, ownership, and significant impact. For operations professionals, this translates to an environment where process improvement and efficiency are highly valued, directly contributing to the company's ambitious goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a management position within the engineering operations spectrum, specifically focused on hardware test and validation. It sits above individual contributor roles and below senior director or VP levels. The scope includes team leadership, strategic test planning, and cross-functional influence.

Reporting Structure: The Manager will report to a higher-level engineering leader, likely a Director of Avionics Hardware Engineering or a similar role. They will, in turn, manage a team of Electrical Test Engineers.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is critical for Relativity Space's success. By ensuring the robust and rapid validation of avionics systems, this manager directly contributes to:

• Product Quality & Reliability: Minimizing hardware defects that could lead to launch failures or mission issues.

• Development Velocity: Accelerating the prototyping and iteration cycles of critical hardware components.

• Cost Efficiency: Reducing rework, scrap, and schedule delays through effective testing and early issue detection.

• Market Readiness: Enabling the company to meet ambitious launch schedules and deliver on customer commitments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced avionics testing, automation, and system reliability.

• Leadership Progression: Advance to higher management roles overseeing larger engineering teams or broader operational functions within avionics or other engineering domains.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Transition into roles focused on Program Management, Systems Engineering, or Manufacturing Operations, leveraging a strong understanding of hardware development lifecycles.

• Industry Exposure: Gain unparalleled experience in the cutting-edge field of reusable rocket technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential within a high-impact, fast-growing company. The combination of technical leadership and operational oversight provides a strong foundation for career advancement in the aerospace industry, particularly for those looking to manage complex engineering processes and drive efficiency.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Long Beach, California, indicating a traditional office and laboratory environment. This is typical for hardware development and testing roles where hands-on work with equipment is essential.

Office Location(s): Long Beach, California, a hub for aerospace engineering and manufacturing.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace requiring close collaboration with design engineers, manufacturing personnel, and other cross-functional teams.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art electrical testing equipment, lab facilities, and potentially specialized software for test automation and data analysis.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design reviews, and hands-on problem-solving sessions within the lab and office settings.

Work Schedule: While the standard is 40 hours per week, the "rapid prototyping" and "aggressive development and flight milestones" nature of Relativity Space's work implies a need for flexibility and a commitment to meeting deadlines. This often involves extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases, a common characteristic of operations in high-stakes industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for a role involving direct management of lab operations and hardware testing. The environment is expected to be fast-paced and collaborative, demanding adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving, which are key traits for successful operations professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or hiring manager phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interviews: In-depth discussions covering electrical engineering principles, avionics systems, test methodologies, and leadership experience. Expect problem-solving scenarios and deep dives into past projects.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session where candidates present their work, focusing on case studies of test strategy development, automation implementation, and team leadership.

• Management/Cross-Functional Interviews: Discussions with peers, potential collaborators, and senior leadership to evaluate management style, strategic thinking, and ability to influence across departments.

• Final Interview: May involve a higher-level executive or a final assessment of overall fit and potential impact.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process Optimization: Showcase how you've improved testing processes for speed, efficiency, and reliability. Quantify these improvements (e.g., reduced test time by X%, increased defect detection by Y%).

• Demonstrate Automation Successes: Present specific examples of automated test frameworks, HIL rigs, or scripted solutions you've implemented, detailing the tools used and the outcomes achieved.

• Showcase Team Leadership: Use examples where you've mentored engineers, resolved team conflicts, or developed team capabilities.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business impact of your work – how did your testing efforts contribute to faster product development, higher quality, or reduced costs?

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss the technical details of your projects, including challenges faced and solutions implemented.

Challenge Preparation:

• Test Strategy Development: Be prepared to outline how you would develop a test strategy for a new avionics component or system, considering rapid prototyping constraints.

• Root-Cause Analysis Scenario: Practice walking through a hypothetical complex electrical issue, detailing your diagnostic process, tools, and approach to finding the root cause.

• Team Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing underperforming team members, prioritizing conflicting demands, or fostering a collaborative team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both technical expertise and management capabilities. A strong portfolio demonstrating a track record of efficient process development, successful automation, and effective team leadership will be critical for success, especially in a role focused on rapid prototyping where speed and quality are paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electrical Lab Equipment: Oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, power supplies, LCR meters.

• Test Automation Software: Python, LabVIEW, C/C++, MATLAB, custom scripting languages for test execution and data acquisition.

• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Systems: Platforms for simulating real-world conditions to test avionics components.

• Data Acquisition Systems: Tools for capturing and logging test parameters.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Potentially tools like JMP, Minitab, or custom Python/MATLAB scripts for analyzing test data and identifying trends.

• Reporting Tools: Standard office suites (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) for creating test reports, presentations, and dashboards.

CRM & Automation: While not directly managing CRM, understanding how hardware validation impacts sales cycles and customer delivery timelines is beneficial. Automation tools may include scripting for test execution, data processing, and potentially integration with task management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with standard electrical engineering lab equipment and a strong aptitude for programming/scripting for test automation are essential. Experience with HIL systems and data analysis tools will be highly advantageous, as these directly support efficient and robust hardware validation, a key operational function.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new technologies and adapting quickly to changing requirements in a fast-paced prototyping environment.

• Data-Driven Excellence: Relying on rigorous data analysis and empirical evidence to guide decisions and validate performance.

• Collaboration & Ownership: Fostering a team spirit where individuals take responsibility for their work and collaborate effectively across functions.

• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking ways to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and elevate the quality of testing and validation.

• Safety & Quality: Maintaining the highest standards for lab safety and ensuring the reliability and integrity of all tested hardware.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Proactive engagement with design, manufacturing, and GNC teams to ensure seamless integration of testing efforts into the broader product development lifecycle.

• Process Review & Feedback: Encouraging open feedback loops for continuous refinement of testing methodologies and protocols.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture where engineers share best practices, troubleshooting insights, and lessons learned to accelerate collective learning and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes innovation, speed, and ownership, which are critical for a rapid prototyping environment. Operations professionals in this setting must be comfortable with ambiguity, thrive in dynamic situations, and be strong advocates for process improvement that enables faster, more reliable product development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: Managing test cycles that must keep pace with aggressive prototyping schedules, potentially leading to time constraints.

• Complex System Integration: Debugging and validating highly integrated avionics systems where interactions between components can be intricate.

• Evolving Requirements: Adapting test strategies and infrastructure as designs mature and new requirements emerge.

• Talent Development: Leading and growing a team of specialized engineers in a highly competitive field.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Test Automation: Opportunity to deepen expertise in cutting-edge test automation techniques and tools.

• Aerospace Systems Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of flight-critical avionics and rocket systems.

• Leadership Development: Formal and informal opportunities to hone management and strategic leadership skills within a high-growth company.

• Industry Exposure: Participating in industry forums, conferences, or potentially contributing to the development of new testing standards in rocketry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are directly tied to the company's ambitious goals. Successfully navigating these challenges provides immense growth opportunities, particularly for those passionate about making a tangible impact in the aerospace industry and advancing their careers in engineering operations and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Test Strategy Development: "How would you approach developing a comprehensive test strategy for a new, complex avionics subsystem in a rapid prototyping environment, balancing speed with thoroughness?" (Focus on phased approaches, risk assessment, and prioritization).

• Team Leadership & Performance: "Describe a situation where you had to motivate a team facing tight deadlines or technical challenges. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight leadership style, communication, and results).

• Problem-Solving & Root Cause: "Walk me through a complex electrical issue you encountered in a previous role. What was your systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving it, and what lessons did you learn?" (Emphasize systematic methodology, use of tools, and documentation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Relativity Space's mission and the role of avionics in achieving it?" (Show genuine interest in the company's goals).

• "How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within an engineering team?" (Connect to company values like agility and data-driven approaches).

• "How do you ensure that hardware validation efforts directly support aggressive product development timelines and overall GTM strategy?" (Link your operational role to business outcomes). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each key project, clearly define the problem, your proposed solution (test strategy, automation, team approach), the execution, and the measurable results (efficiency, quality, speed).

• Quantify Your Impact: Use metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the value of your contributions (e.g., "Reduced test cycle time by 30%," "Increased defect detection by 15%," "Successfully validated X critical components ahead of schedule").

• Highlight Leadership and Process: Emphasize your role in leading teams, designing processes, and implementing automation. Show how you enabled others and improved workflows.

• Tailor to Relativity: Research Relativity Space's specific challenges and technologies to frame your experience in a relevant context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical depth but also strategic thinking, leadership capability, and an operational mindset that prioritizes efficiency and data-driven results within a high-stakes, fast-paced environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Relativity Space careers portal via the provided Greenhouse link.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience in electrical hardware testing, particularly PCBA bring-up, system-level validation, and automated test development. Focus on case studies that demonstrate your ability to optimize processes, lead teams, and achieve measurable improvements in efficiency and quality.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in managing engineering teams, developing test strategies, implementing automation, and driving root-cause analysis. Use keywords from the job description and integrate quantifiable achievements.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy, problem-solving methodologies, and how you contribute to operational excellence in hardware development.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Relativity Space's mission, technology (Terran R, Terran 1), recent news, and company culture. Understand their place in the aerospace industry and how your role in avionics testing directly supports their ambitious goals.

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

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