engineer

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.

SPACECRAT 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

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR 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

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Master’s or PhD in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
  • Experience in analyzing additive manufactured parts
  • Experience with sensor selection and data post-processing/interpretation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, etc.)
  • Experience in structural analysis of composites (laminate design, joint design, materials characterization, environmental effects)
  • Familiarity with nonlinear material simulation, including metal plasticity, elastomers, and adhesive joints

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
  • Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
  • Must be physically able to commute to buildings
  • Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$75,000—$145,000 USD

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 Biow at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This 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.

 

Job Overview

  • Date Posted:
  • Job Title: Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer II/ Senior Spacecraft Structural Analysis Engineer I