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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Dynamics Analyst to contribute to the analysis, design validation, and future improvements of the Neutron launch vehicle—a medium-lift, reusable launch system. This is a hands-on technical role based in Auckland, New Zealand, working within the Neutron team responsible for bringing the rocket and its launch and test sites to life.
In this role, you will predict and define loads and environments for vehicle components, support testing and qualification campaigns, and specify vehicle instrumentation including accelerometers, strain gauges, and thermocouples. You will perform detailed simulations, establish technical methodologies used across the engineering team, and work closely with avionics, mechanical, fluids, and propulsion team members.
Key responsibilities include:
- Performing prediction of launch vehicle vibration environments based on finite element analysis and analytical methods
- Contributing to test plan definition, supporting test activities, and post-processing test results for dynamic testing (random vibration, acoustics, shock)
- Defining suitable sensors (type and location) to monitor in-flight environments and post-processing data to verify correlation with numerical predictions
- Working cross-functionally to determine suitable mounting strategies for vehicle and ground system components
- Collecting documentation of test environments and qualification status for vehicle components
This position is ideal for an experienced engineer keen to support a complex project from conceptual design through to integration and launch. You will thrive in ambiguity within a small, high-performing team focused on continued learning and growth.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or similar field
- 5+ years industry experience, ideally from Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine industries
- Keen physics-based approach to problem solving
- Demonstrated experience with sensor selection and data post-processing/interpretation (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples, etc.)
- Demonstrated experience with static and dynamic structural test methods, including modal characterization, acoustics, random vibration, and shock
- Experience with engineering programming and data analysis, especially in Python
- Experience with finite element modelling and analysis using industry-standard structural FEA packages (Femap/NX Nastran, Simcenter/NX Nastran, Abaqus, Optistruct/Hyperworks)
- Comfort executing to changing deadlines within a high-pressure environment
NICE-TO-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Expertise in vibroacoustic modelling
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes, including conventional machining and additive manufacturing
- Experience using NX CAD and Teamcenter packages
Note: For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to employment offers. You must be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR. You may be ineligible if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO country, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship.
