Structural Analyst I

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 

ELECTRON

Rocket Lab's Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world's most frequently-launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each others' back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.

STRUCTURAL ANALYST I

Rocket Lab's Analysis Team tackles complex problems in structures, dynamics, fluid flow, and thermodynamics using first principles physics, modeling, simulation, and data analysis. As a Structural Analyst I, you will support design validation, analysis, and improvements for Rocket Lab's Launch Vehicles, Space Systems, and Components. Your role includes reviewing flight data, performing simulations, guiding designs, validating performance through testing, and occasionally supporting propulsion, ground systems, and launch operations. Join a driven team that's tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Define, acquire, and validate static and dynamic ground test and flight data.
• Select sensors and determine environments (e.g., Random Vibration, Shock, Quasi-Static, Acoustic, Pressure, Thermal).
• Validate finite element models and conduct material selection.
• Execute trade-off studies and optimize mass for primary and secondary vehicle structures.
• Perform simulations for static, modal, random vibration, buckling, and thermal analysis.
• Establish test requirements and directly assist in testing vehicle subsystems.
• Conduct peer reviews of analyses and work closely with design and test engineers to refine designs, define test needs, and ensure structural margins.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or similar field
• 1+ years industry experience, ideally from the Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine industries
• A keen physics-based approach to problem solving
• Strong command of structural mechanics
• Experience with one or more industry standard structural FEA packages: ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus, Optistruct/Hyperworks
• Experience using NX CAD and Teamcenter packages (or comparable industry standard packages) with emphasis on model interrogation and defeaturing for subsequent analyses
• Comfort executing to changing deadlines within a high pressure environment
• Comfort working independently and in a team
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Familiarity with vibroacoustic modelling and analysis
• Familiarity with programming, especially in Python
• Understanding of static and dynamic structural test methods, including:
  • Modal Correlation
  • Random Vibration
  • Equivalent Sine Input
  • Shock
• Understanding of accurate prediction of component life and structural margins, including:
  • Ductile metal failure
  • Fatigue
  • Fracture
• Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing/ interpretation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples etc.)
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, including conventional machining, and additive manufacturing
• Experience in structural analysis of composites (laminate design, joint design, materials characterization, environmental effects)
• Familiarity with non-linear material simulation, including metal plasticity, elastomers, and adhesive joints
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g. MIL-STD-1540, GSFC-STD-7000, ECSS-E-HB-32, NASA-STD-5001)

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.