Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer II/Senior Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer I

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS 

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

SPACECRAFT STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ENGINEER II/ SENIOR SPACECRAFT STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ENGINEER I 

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer II/ Senior Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer I contributes to the analysis, design validation, and future improvements of our suite of Space Systems and Space Components. You will be expected to define loads and environments, perform detailed simulations and physics-based analysis, guide design, and help validate analysis, design, and system performance through test. You will support the Vehicle Design Director and Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer II or Senior Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer I level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Define, process, and interpret static and dynamic ground test & flight data, including: sensor selection, data acquisition and validation, and environmental determination (random vibration, shock, quasi-static, acoustic, pressure, and thermal)
• Perform, validate, and document structural analyses of primary and secondary vehicle structures, including: finite element model verification and validation, material selection, performance of trade-off studies, and mass optimization
• Perform structural and dynamic simulations, including: static, modal, random vibration, buckling, and thermoelastic
• Work closely with design and test engineers to iterate through design concepts, determine test requirements, and demonstrate positive structural margins
• Define test requirements and directly support testing of vehicle subsystems and components
• Lead technical projects and programs, as required, both within analysis and across disciplines and teams
• Help implement new theory and tools within the team and establish best practices in areas of technical expertise

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SPACECRAFT STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ENGINEER II:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 2+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry
• Experience using NX Nastran, NX CAD, and Teamcenter packages
• Experience in spacecraft-level structural test campaign design, execution, data processing, and validation
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR SPACECRAFT STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ENGINEER I:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry
• Experience using NX Nastran, NX CAD, and Teamcenter packages
• Experience in spacecraft-level structural test campaign design, execution, data processing, and validation
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: