Staff Network Engineer
Relativity Space · Long Beach, CA
- On site
- Full-time
- $185,000 / year
- Long Beach, CA
Job highlights
- Design and deploy enterprise wireless networks.
- Optimize Wi-Fi for industrial environments.
- Implement secure 802.1X authentication.
- Troubleshoot complex network issues.
- Collaborate with IT and OT teams.
About the role
About Relativity Space
Relativity Space is building rockets to serve today’s needs and tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that’s just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock new opportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyond the known. Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you're solving problems that haven’t been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you’re in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you’ll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we’re writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it’s early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.About The Team
The IT team is responsible for the full scope of computing infrastructure, end-user systems, servers, virtualization, cloud, networking, software services, telecommunications, and information security. You’ll support every function across the company, from the production floor to flight operations, enabling Relativity’s world-class team to design, build, and launch rockets. The team balances near-term execution with long-term vision, developing scalable solutions and processes to enable the company's growth. The evolving complexity of our IT environment offers opportunities to stretch and sharpen problem solving and hands-on technical skills. We invest in our people, encouraging ownership, cross-training, and advancement, so our team can grow as fast and ambitiously as the company itself.About The Role
We are seeking a Staff Network Engineer experienced in designing, deploying, and maintaining enterprise and industrial wireless networks across corporate, manufacturing, marine and hazardous environments. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in 802.11 wireless technologies, 802.1X authentication, and the ability to deliver high-reliability Wi-Fi solutions supporting a wide range of client types—including industrial equipment, IoT / OT systems, and handheld devices such as Zebra scanners. This role requires a strong understanding of both greenfield design and brownfield optimization, with the ability to perform predictive analyses, RF surveys, and remediation of challenging wireless conditions in complex environments.- Design and implement enterprise-grade Wi-Fi networks for corporate offices, manufacturing plants, and hazardous locations in compliance with applicable safety standards
- Conduct predictive modeling, RF site surveys, and spectrum analysis
- Diagnose and remediate brownfield wireless environments, optimizing coverage, capacity, roaming, and performance
- Implement and maintain secure 802.1X authentication (EAP-TLS, PEAP, RADIUS) for wireless networks, integrating with Active Directory, ISE, or similar platforms
- Support connectivity for industrial systems, autonomous equipment, wireless sensors, and handheld scanning devices (e.g., Zebra, Honeywell)
- Collaborate with IT and OT teams to ensure reliable Wi-Fi service for operational technology and enterprise applications
- Develop and maintain detailed wireless documentation, including coverage maps, channel plans, and configuration standards
- Perform root cause analysis of wireless performance issues using tools such as Wireshark, NetAlly, or vendor diagnostics
- Participate in planning and design reviews to ensure scalability, security, and alignment with organizational standards
- Periodic travel on a monthly cadence (up to 20%) is required for this role
About You
- 5+ years of experience designing and supporting enterprise wireless networks in corporate, industrial, or hazardous environments
- Hands-on experience with major wireless vendors (Cisco, Aruba, Juniper Mist, etc.)
- Proficiency with 802.1X authentication, RADIUS, and EAP methods in enterprise deployments
- Strong understanding of RF fundamentals, including antenna selection, propagation, and environmental interference factors
- Demonstrated experience performing predictive and post-deployment analyses using professional Wi-Fi design tools
- Familiarity with industrial wireless requirements such as hazardous area compliance, wireless reliability for production tools, and client mobility
- Skilled at troubleshooting wireless connectivity for handheld devices and IoT clients, particularly Zebra or similar industrial scanners
- Excellent documentation, analytical, and communication skills
Nice To Haves But Not Required
- Certifications such as CWNA, CWDP, CWSP, or vendor-specific equivalents (Highly Preferred)
- Experience with BGP and OSPF routing protocols
- Experience with SD-WAN technologies
- Experience with CMMC certification at levels 1–3
- Experience in regulated or IT-compliant environments, including ITAR and CUI
- Experience supporting industrial OT segmentation and secure manufacturing environments
- Familiarity with certificate lifecycle management and PKI infrastructure for enterprise authentication systems
Key skills/competency
- Staff Network Engineer
- Wireless Network Design
- 802.11ax Wi-Fi
- 802.1X Authentication
- RF Surveys
- Predictive Modeling
- Network Troubleshooting
- Cisco
- Aruba
- Juniper Mist
Skills & topics
- Staff Network Engineer
- Network Engineering
- Wireless Networking
- Wi-Fi
- 802.1X
- RADIUS
- RF Engineering
- Network Design
- Network Troubleshooting
- IT Infrastructure
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 5+ years of experience in enterprise wireless network design, deployment, and support, emphasizing industrial or hazardous environments.
- Showcase technical skills: Detail your proficiency with major wireless vendors (Cisco, Aruba, Juniper Mist), 802.1X, RADIUS, and RF fundamentals.
- Quantify achievements: Use data to demonstrate successful optimization of coverage, capacity, and performance in brownfield environments.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss RF fundamentals, predictive analysis tools, and troubleshooting scenarios involving industrial scanners and IoT devices.
- Research Relativity Space: Understand their mission to build rockets and how IT infrastructure supports this ambitious goal.
Technical preparation
Master RF fundamentals and Wi-Fi design principles.,Practice troubleshooting complex wireless issues.,Gain hands-on experience with vendor equipment.,Study 802.1X, RADIUS, and PKI concepts.
Behavioral questions
Describe a challenging wireless deployment.,How do you handle conflicting IT/OT requirements?,How do you ensure network security in hazardous areas?,Explain a complex network problem and solution.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the salary range for the Staff Network Engineer role at Relativity Space?
- The hiring range for the Staff Network Engineer position at Relativity Space is $157,000—$215,500 USD annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. This is in addition to a competitive total rewards package including equity, PTO, and learning stipends.
- What are the key responsibilities of a Staff Network Engineer at Relativity Space?
- As a Staff Network Engineer at Relativity Space, you will be responsible for designing, deploying, and maintaining enterprise and industrial wireless networks. This includes conducting RF surveys, implementing 802.1X authentication, troubleshooting performance issues, and supporting a wide range of client devices in various environments, including hazardous ones.
- What qualifications are essential for the Staff Network Engineer position?
- Essential qualifications include over 5 years of experience designing and supporting enterprise wireless networks, hands-on experience with major wireless vendors like Cisco or Aruba, proficiency in 802.1X authentication and RADIUS, and a strong understanding of RF fundamentals. Experience with professional Wi-Fi design tools is also crucial.
- Does this Staff Network Engineer role require travel?
- Yes, periodic travel is required for this Staff Network Engineer role at Relativity Space, with an estimated cadence of monthly, up to 20% of the time. This travel is necessary to support network deployments and maintenance across various company locations.
- What 'nice to have' skills would make a candidate stand out for this role at Relativity Space?
- While not required, certifications such as CWNA, CWDP, or CWSP are highly preferred. Other beneficial skills include experience with BGP, OSPF, SD-WAN, CMMC, ITAR, CUI, and familiarity with certificate lifecycle management and PKI infrastructure for enterprise authentication systems.
- How does Relativity Space support career growth for its IT team?
- Relativity Space invests in its people by encouraging ownership, cross-training, and advancement. The IT team is designed to grow as fast and ambitiously as the company, offering opportunities to stretch and sharpen problem-solving and technical skills within a complex and evolving IT environment.
- What kind of environments will the Staff Network Engineer support at Relativity Space?